92 IT’S OKAY ARIEL’S POV Andre and finally arrived at the hospital, with Lukel still in his arms. The air was cool and sterile, a stark contrast to the heat radiating from Lukel’s body. “Lukel my brave boy. I’m here for you. Don’t be scared. Mommy’s going to make sure nothing bad happens to you,” I said to Lukel in a soft, yet worried tone. He had woken up while we were at the car, and he was trembling like seriously, crying loudly, which brought so much pain to my heart. We approached the receptionist and she glanced at us, her eyes filled with empathy. “I can see how worried you are. But everything will be fine. Please go to the pediatric ward. The doctors there will assist you,” she told us. “Thank you,” I vocalized, underneath my breath. We rushed down the hallway, Andre leading the way with steady steps. Lukel’s small hand clung tightly to my finger, seeking solace. Lukel cried, “Mommy, I….I…” “Don’t worry my baby. Everything’s going to be okay. There’s no need to scared. There’s no need to be scared. Mommy’s here for you,” I reassured Lukel. Deep down, I prayed fervently for his well–being. As we entered the examination room, Lukel’s cries grew louder, punctuating the anxiety in the air. “What’s wrong Miss?” The doctor approached us with a gentle smile, her calm. demeanor reassuring. “It’s my son. His temperature is really high. I don’t want anything bad happening to him.” The doctor kept on with her smile. “Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to him. This is nothing serious.” “Are you sure about that?” I asked, as Lukel kept on crying, still in Andre’s arms. The doctor moved closer to him. “Don’t cry now, little one. It’s all going to be okay.” *She glanced back af me. “I understand your concern Miss, panicking like hell. If I were in your shoes, I’d do the same. But you just need to know that we will try our very best to help him ” “Do all the best you can, doctor. Do anything you have to do. Just make sure he “Ariel, can you please calm down?” Andre asked me gently. “How an I supposed to calm down when my baby isn’t doing alright?” 1 “It’s just a fever for crying out loud. He’ll get through with this in no time.” “He’s still my little one. And my blood flows in his veins, I can’t bear to see him. like this,” I told Andre. “I know. But this is just life, Ariel. We all go through tough moments, whether we like it or not.” “Andre, thank you. But you don’t have to start bringing quotes now. Lukel’s well- being is all that matters. I turned to the doctor. “Doctor. Please, you got to hurry.” “Just relax Miss,” the doctor told me. “Let me just examine him.” She carefully examined Lukel, checking his temperature, pulse, and listening to his heartbeat. After a few moments, she stood up and faced us with a reassuring smile. “Good news. Lukel’s vital signs are stable, and his fever seems to be coming down. It’s likely just a viral infection that should run its course in a few days.” “Are you sure about that?” I aksed her, raising an eyebrow, and glancing at Lukel once again. The doctor nodded, understanding my concern. “I understand your worry, but based on his symptoms and the initial examination, it appears to be a common viral infection. However, I’ll run some tests just to be thorough. It’s always better to rule out any other possibilities.” Relieved yet still anxious, I turned to Lukel, who still in Andre’s arms, looking weak and pale. “Hang in there, buddy,” I said, trying to sound optimistic. “The doctor says it’s just a viral infection. You’ll be back to your energetic self in no time.‘ Lukel managed a weak smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of uncertainty and trust. “I hope so,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. The doctor approached with a syringe in hand. “I’m going to take a blood sample for testing,” she explained while preparing the needle. “It won’t take long, and we’ll have the results as soon as possible.” Lukel winced slightly as the needle pierced his skin, but he remained brave. I held his hand tightly, trying to offer comfort during the uncomfortable procedure. The doctor swiftly finished, and Lukel let out a relieved sigh. “Now, that’s a strong boy. You’re going to be as tough as your mother.” Andre smiled at Lukel. “Now, all we have to do is wait for the test results,” the doctor assured us. “Can you wait?” “Uhmm, how long is it going to take us?” I asked slowly. “Just going to take some minutes. I was only asking because it’s kind of late. Some people are fast asleep by now.” “No, no, it’s okay,” Andre chimed in. We’ll be right here, waiting for the results.” “Okay then. You both can take a seat.” The doctor smiled reassuringly and left the room, leaving us in the hushed atmosphere of the hospital. Andre and I sat down, with Lukel lying on both of our laps, his head fixed on mine, as I slowly caressed his hair. The minutes ticked by slowly, each one filled with a mix of hope and worry. As we sat there in silence, I couldn’t help but reflect on the times we had spent together–his laughter ringing through the air, his infectious enthusiasm for life. The thought of losing that spark was unbearable. Suddenly, a nurse entered the room, holding a clipboard. “I have the test results, she announced, and her voice was brimming with cautious optimism. “It’s confirmed. Lukel has a viral infection, just as the doctor suspected.” The doctor entered the room forthwith. “Yes, just as I had told you Miss. So, there’s no need to worry.” “See, You worry too much.” Andre laughed lightly, shaking his head. “You can’t actually blame me.” I shrugged. The doctor laughed. “It’s okay now.” Relief washed over me, and I couldn’t help but smile back at the doctor. “Thank you so much, Doctor. I can’t believe I was panicking like that.” She nodded. “I understand. As parents, it’s natural to be concerned. But Lukel is in good hands. We’ll provide him with the necessary treatment and monitor his progress closely.” “I glanced at Andre, who had a relieved expression on his face too. “Thank you for being here with me, Andre. Your support means the world to me.” He squeezed my hand gently. “I’ll always be here for you, Ariel. We’ll get through this together.” The doctor interrupted our moment, saying, “I’ll prescribe some medication to help bring down Lukel’s fever and alleviate his symptoms. Make sure he gets plenty of rest and drinks fluids. If his condition worsens or doesn’t improve in a couple of days, don’t hesitate to reach out.” “Thank you, Doctor. We’ll follow your instructions carefully,” I said, gratitude evident in my voice. As we left the doctor’s office, I held Lukel close, feeling his warmth against my chest. “Mommy, when did you come back?” Lukel asked softly. “And are you going to leave us again?” I sighed and glanced at Andre. “Aren’t you going to take them along?” He asked. I shook my head in silence. “Take us along? To where exactly?” Lukel threw another question, his body actually getting better. “It’s nothing, son.” I kneaded his hair. “You need to get some rest.” PAct Fast: Free Bonus Time is Running Out!
