The doctors called this morning. Noah has a rare fever condition. His body temperature rises dangerously fast, and cold baths are the only thing that can lower it during an attack until medication works.
It started suddenly today while you were gone.
I panicked. I called the pediatrician and rushed out to get the medicine. Maria stayed behind to cool him down like the doctor instructed.
But there’s something else you need to know…
Daniel’s hands started shaking.
He kept reading.
The doctors also told me the fever might not be random.
It may be genetic.
From me.
The same illness that took my younger brother when we were kids.
I didn’t want you to know until we had answers. I was afraid you’d think I hid it from you.
If anything happens to Noah… I’m so sorry.
Daniel’s knees suddenly felt weak.
He looked up slowly.
Maria was crying openly now.
“The fever spiked this afternoon,” she explained softly. “The doctor told me to keep his body cool immediately. The pot was the biggest container I could safely fill with warm water while holding him steady.”
Daniel looked back at the pot.
Then at his baby.
Then back at Maria.
His anger collapsed instantly into guilt.
“You were trying to help him,” he said quietly.