Axel appeared behind her, his presence steady and reassuring. "Thank you for coming on such short notice, Dave."
"No problem at all," he replied. "Let's see our young patient."
They moved quickly toward Oliver's room.
David Hamm checked his temperature, listened to his breathing, and examined him with practiced ease.
Evelyn stood close, her hands clasped tightly, watching every movement.
"It's a viral fever," the doctor finally said gently. "Nothing serious, but we need to monitor him closely."
Evelyn let out the breath she had been holding, her knees nearly giving way in relief.
A chaotic morning finally passed, leaving the house in an uneasy calm.
Oliver's fever had begun to subside, but he still was not his usual cheerful self.
He stayed curled up in bed, quietly accepting spoonfuls of breakfast Evelyn fed him. His eyes followed her movements, but his smile never fully appeared.
