Chapter 7: The Fever
At two in the morning, Jax was awakened by a faint, whimpering sound coming from the small bed across the room. He sat up instantly, his instincts sharp.
""Leo?"" Jax called out, rushing to the bedside.
The boy was tossing and turning, his face flushed red and covered in a light sheen of sweat. Jax placed his large hand on Leo’s forehead; the boy was burning up with a high fever.
""Jax... it hurts,"" Leo moaned weakly, his eyes half-open and glossy.
Panic, cold and sudden, seized Jax's chest. He had fought in bar brawls, survived motorcycle crashes, and faced down dangerous men, but nothing scared him as much as seeing this fragile boy helpless and sick.
""I've got you, buddy. I've got you,"" Jax said quickly. He wrapped Leo in a soft blanket and carried him downstairs, kicking open the diner door and running straight across the street to the local clinic.
Dr. Hayes, an elderly doctor who had lived in the valley for forty years, opened the door after Jax pounded on it relentlessly.
""Jax? What's going on?"" Dr. Hayes asked, startled.
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""It’s my boy,"" Jax rasped, his voice trembling as he held Leo tightly against his chest. ""He’s burning up. Please, help him.""
Dr. Hayes immediately cleared off an examination table. For the next two hours, Jax stood by the bed, holding Leo’s small hand while the doctor administered medicine and applied cold compresses. Jax didn't sit down once. He held the boy's hand, whispering quiet words of comfort until Leo’s breathing smoothed out and the fever finally broke.
