“He’s had all the shots he should have been given.” Barbara’s bottom lip trembled. “Will he be all right?”
“He’s dehydrated. Mabel, do you have any popsicles in the freezer?”
“I’ll check. If there aren’t any, I’ll ask Allan to bring some across.”
“Thank you.” Zac moved the fan closer to Jesse. Gently, he lifted the little boy’s head and shoulders.
Jesse’s eyelids fluttered open.
“Hi, buddy. I’m Zac. I’d like you to drink some water.” The trickle of water he drank wouldn’t rehydrate him in a hurry. “That’s it. Just a little more.”
Jesse’s eyes filled with tears. “I want Mommy.”
“Mommy’s right here.”
Barbara held her son’s hand. “It’s okay, Jesse. Zac is a doctor. He’s going to make you feel better.”
Zac handed her the glass of water. “Try and get him to drink a little more. When Mabel returns with a popsicle, give him one of those.”
Barbara nodded and tried to coax her son into drinking more water. He gave it his best shot, but he was completely exhausted. The only thing Jesse wanted to do was sleep.
All it would take was one vomit and they would be worse off than when Zac arrived. “When was the last time Jesse used the bathroom?”
Barbara hesitated before answering. “Last night, just before he went to bed.”
Willow stood beside Zac. “The road has been cleared.”
“Thanks.” Jesse still wasn’t drinking enough. If Zac had a clinic in Sapphire Bay, he would have given him fluids through an IV line. But with his limited resources, he couldn’t help Jesse beyond what they were doing now.
Mabel rushed into the room with a popsicle. “We had some in the freezer.” She unwrapped the frozen treat and handed it to Barbara.
Jesse was more interested in the popsicle, but he was so weak his mom had to hold it to his mouth.
Zac knew what needed to happen. All he had to do was convince Barbara to agree. “I know you don’t have medical insurance, Barbara, but I really think we should take Jesse to the hospital.”
“I can’t afford to go.”
“The hospital has to treat him. I don’t know your particular circumstances, but you may qualify for Charity Care or public financial assistance. If all else fails, I’ll pay Jesse’s bill myself.”
“I can’t…” Barbara looked down at her son. When she looked up, pride and determination were etched into her face. “Thank you. As soon as I can, I’ll pay you back.”
Zac understood how hard it was for her to accept his help. In a country with so much, it was wrong that being looked after in a hospital was difficult for anyone who couldn’t afford insurance.
He picked up his bag. “Hopefully, everything will be covered. Could you pack an overnight bag for you and Jesse? I’ll bring my truck around to the back entrance and we’ll leave from there.”
Mabel touched Barbara’s arm. “I’ll hold the popsicle while you get everything ready.”
Willow gathered some towels and blankets together. “I’ll arrange these on the back seat of the truck. Do you want a bucket in case Jesse’s sick?”
Zac nodded. “If you could pack a damp hand towel in a plastic bag, we’ll take that, too.” He placed his hand on Jesse’s hot brow. “Be strong, little man. I’ll get you to the hospital as quickly as I can.”
Willow lookedover her shoulder at Jesse and his mom. They were nearly at the hospital, which was just as well considering how lethargic the little boy had become.
Before they’d left Sapphire Bay, Mabel had given them a cooler full of popsicles. Barbara had encouraged her son to suck on the frozen treats, but it was a struggle for him to do anything.
With the air conditioning turned on, Zac was hoping the cold air would help lower Jesse’s temperature. If nothing else, it had enabled them to arrive in Polson without any vomiting.
Zac glanced at Willow. “I’ll stop in the drop off zone by the emergency entrance. Would you be able to find a parking space while I take Jesse inside?”
