Page 75 of Loving Lizzy

Lizzy called Kassie.

“What’s wrong?” Kassie’s concerned voice came over the phone. She rushed to reassure her.

“It’s not me. Diana’s in trouble. The kids and her mom are ill, and she says she’s not feeling good either. She’s not sure if she’s sick or if it’s the effects of chemo,” Lizzy blurted out as she heard her friend move about the room. “Michael asked if you or Chase can meet him at her apartment, he’s already on his way there.” Lizzy heard her murmuring to her husband.

“Chase will leave now and he’s calling Michael. I’m getting dressed. You can’t be around them,” Kassie reminded her.

“Whatever it is, I know they’re in great hands.”

Lizzy hung up the phone. Now wide awake and sick with worry over her friend, she pulled on her robe and padded to the kitchen for a cup of tea. She settled into her chair and placed her phone on the tray next to her and waited.

* * *

Michael knockedon the door and opened it slightly, calling Diana’s name. He slipped on a mask decorated with puppies. He heard the shower running and her crooning a lullaby to the crying baby. The sound of Caleb coughing sent Michael in the direction of the bathroom.

He knocked again. “It’s Michael, may I come in?”

The door flew open. Diana’s exhausted face met his. Dark circles outlined her eyes and she weaved where she stood while holding the baby.

He reached out and plucked Faith into his arms while guiding the young mother to sit on the toilet.

“Hi Caleb, your mom says you got a frog in your throat. Do you think I can find him?”

Caleb’s bright red cheeks, pale skin, and bloodshot eyes told Michael the little boy suffered from more than a cough. Faith felt warm too. Michael’s hand went to Diana’s forehead. The weakened woman almost leaned into his hand for support.

“Can you take Caleb and bring him into the living room?” He walked back into the area and pointed to the couch. Placing Faith in the portable crib, he opened his bag and walked over to the little boy who clung to his mother’s thigh.

“Caleb, do you remember me from the hospital? You played a game on my phone, and we put a puzzle together. Can I see if I can find the silly frog who’s making you cough?”

The feverish child nodded his head as he stayed close to his mom.

Michael dug in his bag and pulled out a small stuffed puppy. “He’s my friend, Mac. He likes to give hugs to my patients when they’re scared. Can you hold him while I listen to your chest?”

He held the toy close to him to encourage the child to come toward him. When he drew close and plucked the toy from Michael’s hand. Michael listened to his heart and lungs. He drew a stick from his bag and his otoscope. “Yep, definitely a frog jumping around in there. Can I use my light and see if he went into your ears and throat?”

Caleb nodded.

He kept a straight face as he checked the boy’s ears and throat.

“I think I found him. Can you drink some apple juice and take some medicine for me? It’ll help your friend. Then maybe he’ll stop making you cough and go back to his pond.” He took a juice box from his bag and a bottle of children’s acetaminophen. He measured the dosage and squirted into Caleb’s open mouth with a syringe and handed him the juice box.

Michael smiled at Diana to put her at ease. “My friends will arrive in a few minutes, and we’ll get you everything you need. I’m checking on the baby.”

He ran the thermometer across her forehead and swiped it with an alcohol pad. It registered at one hundred and one. He checked her ears and throat. “Diana, when did you last change her diaper?”

“When I put her in her pajamas at eight o’clock. She’s usually wet by now.”

Michael nodded as he listened to the child breathe. Trying to stay calm for Diana’s sake, he picked up his phone and texted Kassie.

Who’s on their way and what’s their ETA?

Chase’s two minutes away.

She replied.

We need transport to the hospital. Infant has suspected pneumonia and child with bronchitis and ear infections.

Bring them to Serenity. We’ll take care of Diana and her mom.

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