Chapter 10 - The Fever
Shortly after Leo turned two, a sudden viral infection sent his temperature soaring past 104 degrees in the middle of a brutal winter blizzard. The coastal roads were impassable, and the local clinic had lost power.
Panicked, Bella called the one person she knew could help. Julian, who was staying in a coastal hotel preparing for his scheduled weekend visit, immediately coordinated with the regional emergency services.
He didn't send a driver; he hired an industrial snowplow and rode in the cab himself, clearing the access lane for the ambulance.
When Julian arrived at the regional pediatric ward, drenched in sweat and snow, Bella was trembling in the corridor, her hands stained with dried tears. Julian did not cross the physical boundary of her personal space. Instead, he simply sat beside her, handing her a warm bottle of water.
May you like
"The pediatrician just went in," Julian said evenly. "His fever is stabilizing. I'm right here, Bella. You don't have to carry this alone tonight."
For the first time in years, Julian stood beside her not to fix her life, but simply to share the burden of fear.
