“What is in that bottle,” he asked.
“Water from the little fountain behind the hospital,” Ivy replied. “My grandma says it used to be a well where people went when they were sick. I thought maybe it still works.”
Brandon let out a weary laugh. “You know that sounds like a fairy tale.”
Ivy tilted her head. “Do you believe in doctors,” she asked.
“Yes.”
“And they said they cannot help him anymore,” she replied. “So why is it strange to believe in something else too.”
Brandon had no answer. When morning came, Paige walked Ivy and Denise home. Brandon stayed beside his son and dipped his fingers into the bottle, touching Lucas’s forehead with trembling care.
“If anything out there is listening,” he whispered, “I am begging you.”
Lucas stirred and opened his eyes.
“Daddy,” he murmured. “Ivy came to see me.”
Brandon broke down in tears, holding his son close.
Later that day, Dr. Ivers stopped him in the hallway.
“Mr. Keller,” the doctor said, “today’s tests show something unusual. Lucas’s blood counts are slightly improved. Kidney function is also marginally better. I cannot explain it yet. We must continue observing.”
“Is it good news,” Brandon asked.