The monster under my bed

Chapter 10: Feeling in the Dark

TW!
Minor panic attack
Nightmares

Yuichirō stretched out in his bed, feeling well rested. He yawned.

His father always told him he's just like a cat. Resilient.

Yuichirō didn't know what that meant, but he'll look it up in the dictionary today if he remembers.

He rolls out of bed and slips on his house slippers. I should go check on Muichirō. He cried a lot last night. Dad got really upset with him yesterday. I think something's wrong with Mui, but I can't put my finger on it.

Yuichirō walked into his brother's room, and checked underneath the bed. Then inside the closet. He noticed a few small red stains on the floor, but didn't give them much attention. He placed his hand on his sleeping brother's cheek, then his forehead. Muichirō shuddered at the touch of his brother's palm.

Yuichirō frowned. Muichirō's forehead felt hot, and he was shivering. He could be running a fever.

"Mama!" Yuichirō leaned out of the bedroom and called his mother. "Could you come please? I think Mui's sick."

Mother came quickly, holding a thermometer in one hand. "It must be from all the stress of last night," she murmured, patting Yuichirō on the head. She felt Muichirō's forehead, then carefully pulled off his blanket. "Muichirō, sit up." He moaned in response, and didn't get up. She unbuttoned the first two buttons of his pajama shirt, and held the thermometer firmly under his armpit.

"Yuichirō," she turned to her eldest son, "could you get me a glass of warm water?" Yuichirō nodded. "After that, go make yourself something to eat. We're leaving soon."

He ran to the kitchen to get her water, and, giving her the glass, returned to the kitchen to make himself some hot chocolate.

"Good morning Yuichirō," his father greeted him. He sounded weary. "Did Muichirō get up yet?"

"He has a fever."

"A hundred and three degrees," Mother said as she came in. "Honey, can you stop by the pharmacy on your way home today?"

"Yes, of course."

"Muichirō is sick?"

All three pairs of eyes looked at Yoriichi, who'd just walked into the kitchen after his morning shower. His hair was still a bit damp, and a towel hung around his neck.

"Yes, he's sick. He won't be going to school today." Mother answered. She turned to her husband. "Dear, should I call in an absence at work today? I don't want to leave him at home all alone."

"Oh, no need!" Yoriichi stepped in before his younger brother could answer. "I can stay home and watch him today. I've just been sightseeing during the day."

"You would?" the woman's face beamed. "Thank you very much!"

"Thank you brother. I owe you on this one," Father bowed his head.

Yoriichi turned bright red. "N-no. You don't. You're housing and feeding me, this is the least I can do to repay your hospitality," he waved his hands around awkwardly.

"I'm sure Muichirō will be glad to have you with him," Mother smiled.

Yuichirō sighed. He'd also like to have a whole day all by himself with Uncle Yoriichi, but then again, not at the expense of being sick. He'll let Muichirō be happy if that alleviates some of his brother's pain.

****

The clouds had covered the sun today. Muichirō had gotten a peek just before his Mother drew the curtains so he could sleep easier. She'd kissed him on the forehead and said she was going to try to get out of work earlier today.