Catch Me, I'm Falling

Sammy went to her and Adam's room, grabbed the bag she used for housecalls when she worked as a nurse, and went back to Gabriel.

Gabriel was sitting and waiting patiently, looking around the room.

Sammy smiled. "Here I am."

Gabriel smiled at Sammy, moving to where she'd be able to reach him to look at him.

"So Gabriel, tell me what's bothering you exactly," said Sammy. "Don't hide anything."

"Sore...and dizzy..." Gabriel mumbled, coughing.

"Sore how?" Sammy asked. "What hurts?"

"Lots..." Gabriel mumbled. "Head...my foot..."

"Well the aspirin will help with that," said Sammy.

"...chest hurts too." Gabriel muttered.

Sammy sighed softly, nodding. "I'll see what I can do, but if things are too serious we may need to take you to the ER."

"Wh-why would they be...?" Gabriel asked nervously.

"You've been out there for a long time Gabriel," said Sammy.

"I-I know that..." Gabriel said quietly. "What about it?"

"Who knows what you could've caught out there," said Sammy. "Quite frankly, it's a miracle in itself that you're still alive."

Gabriel whimpered quietly, hanging his head. "Why's it a miracle...?"

"You've been out on the New York City streets in winter Gabriel," said Sammy. "That's dangerous."

"Oh right..." Gabriel said, coughing.

Sammy started digging through her bag for her thermometer

Gabriel turned his head away, coughing again, having been forcing himself not to earlier.

"How long have you had that cough Gabriel?" Sammy asked

"I...I dunno..." Gabriel said quietly.

"Try to take a guess," said Sammy "Your best guess, ballpark estimate."

"Um...maybe a few.....weeks." Gabriel said slowly.

Sammy nodded, mentally shaking her head as she grabbed the thermometer and turned it on. "Open up."