“I had some business to take care of. I’ll be back in the city in two hours.”Trey texted.
“Thanks for letting me know. We’re playing in the tub.”
“Parker mentioned the fever was back.”
“Yes, it got up to one hundred and four, but it’s coming down.”
“That’s good. I’ll check on her later.”
“Can you tell us what you’re thinking?” Mia asked Parker when he returned to the bathroom just as we got out of the tub.
“Why don’t you take Miss Sophie for a snack in the kitchen,” Parker said. “I need to talk with Chloe for a minute.”
“I think it’s likely Sophie has a virus. With the way her fever is back up again and with no visible reasons, I think we need to admit her and run some tests for infection to her heart,” Parker explained to me. “We can’t waste time.”
“When you say a possible heart infection, would it be from the new valve?” I started pacing. “I’m confused. Why now, months after?”
“I could use a bunch of technical words, even pictures, to show you, but to what end? It would still be frightening, dealing with a potentially very sick child,” Parker explained.
“Oh no, Parker. How sick?” I swiped at a tear that escaped. “What are we doing?”
“We need to put Sophie in the hospital so I can run some tests,” Parker said. “I would like to look at the valve and make sure it’s functioning properly. What you need to understand is that even though she has been doing well, she still has a healing process that is massive.”
Tears filled my eyes. “I understand, Parker. I’m sorry for crying, but she’s just a little girl,” I said on a fresh sob. “I don’t want to see her go through this again, but I trust you. When do you want to do this?”
“Now, but remember, the good news is she already has the valve, so it might just be a minor infection or malfunction. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Parker said in his official doctor tone. “You have me, and I invented that valve, and you’ll have Trey for the day-to-day until we resolve this. In the end, it could just be a virus she picked up somewhere.”
“Thank you. I’m so happy to be here with you and Mia.” I stopped pacing and hugged him. “I don’t want to do this alone again.”
“Well, you’re not going to be alone and you have one of the best pediatricians around.” Parker said. “Trey is meeting us at the hospital later on.”
“Mia said he’s very good. I don’t know how to thank this family,” I said. “I’m going to go let her know so she doesn’t get scared.”
“Trey set up for you to have a private room. There’ll be two beds- one for you and one for her.” Parker smiled, “I’m sure my wife will be bringing you catered meals as well.”
“If I know my sister, you’re right,” I laughed. “It’ll be like a vacation.”
“That’s one way to look at it,” Parker said. “I’m heading there now to get the tests set up. See you over there in about an hour.”
Chapter 35
Trey
Imet them at the hospital on the children’s floor. I’d called ahead to make the arrangements. Elizabeth had my usual stuffed teddy bear wearing a hospital gown waiting for me to give to my patient.
“Thanks Betty. Anything since she got here?” I reached for her chart. “Looks like she still has a fever.”
“Yes, Dr. Hawthorne. I already gave medication for it. She’s a sweetheart.” Nurse Betty smiled. “I’ll bring her a popsicle in a few minutes.”
“You always know what I’m going to say.” I tucked her chart under my arm. “I’ll be in her room if you need me.”
“Miss Sophie, you beat me here.” I held the teddy behind my back. “Did you come to visit me at work?”
“I didn’t even know you work here, Mr. Trey. How did you find us ?” Sophie asked, barely fazed by being in the hospital. “Uncle Parker said I have to get some tests, and I get to have my own room with Mummy.”
“Yes, you’re our special patient. Did you know I’m going to be your doctor?” I bent down to be eye-to-eye with her. “Do you like that idea?”
“Yes, you can be my doctor, too.” Sophie said.