Pity The Child

Monte nodded. "Uh huh."

Adam pulled a face, shaking his head. "Why hasn't she done anything?"

"She says we're not her problem anymore," said Monte. "We're yours."

"So why bother coming to pick you up from here each time you visit?" Adam mumbled angrily.

Lennon coughed again, whimpering afterwards. "Ow..."

"Temper Adam," Sammy warned gently, brushing a bit of hair from Lennon's face.

Adam sighed, leaning his head against the wall. "I know, I know..."

Sammy sighed. "Can you find me the thermometer?"

Adam nodded, taking a deep breath to calm himself before leaving the room.

Lennon brushed his hair out of his face, looking up at Sammy.

Sammy gave Lennon a small smile. "We're gonna take care of you Lennon, I promise."

Lennon gave a small smile back, nodding.

Adam came back a few minutes later, holding the thermometer out to Sammy.

Sammy turned to Adam and took the thermometer before turning back to Lennon "Alright sweetie, let's see how you're holdin' up here," she said gently. "Open up for me."

Lennon opened his mouth slowly, looking worried.

Adam sat back down with Monte, watching.

"It's okay sweetie," Sammy soothed, slipping the thermometer into Lennon's mouth. Monte yawned softly, coughing afterwards.

Lennon gave a small nod, closing his mouth.

Adam put an arm around Monte.

Sammy stroked Lennon's hair as they waited for the results. Monte moved closer to Adam, his body heat putting the small child to sleep.

Lennon leaned against Sammy, frowning as he waited.

Adam smiled softly, pulling Monte onto his lap.

Sammy tried to hide her nervousness when the thermometer started to beep. She had a feeling this wasn't going to be pretty. Gently, she pulled the thermometer from Lennon's mouth, shaking her head. "102.8...."

Lennon whimpered, burying his face back against Sammy's shoulder.

"Damn it..." Adam sighed, frowning.

"Shhhhh Lennon honey," Sammy murmured gently. She shook her head. "You know what he needs Adam."

"Chest hurts..." Lennon mumbled, coughing.

Adam looked down at the floor, looking upset.

"I know honey, I know," said Sammy gently. "It'll be alright."

Adam sat there, gripping the blanket beside him tightly with one hand.

Lennon whimpered again, curling up more.

"Adam, if we sit here and dwell on the fact that she let it get this bad he's only gonna get worse," said Sammy."We need to get him where he shoulda been like a week ago...."

"I know...sorry." Adam said, getting up, Monte in his arms.

Sammy pulled Lennon close, slowly standing up.