A Sequel to 'Strong Enough' based on the alternate ending of that story

Chapter 13

"Well, it's official Caleb will never get out of diapers" Jay complained, he tossed his paper work on the desk, "kid refuses to use the toilet" he shook his head as he plopped down in his chair.

Adam to his left, his head buried in paperwork. Seemingly oblivious to those in around him.

Jay arched an eyebrow at him and turned to Kevin, pointing at Adam, "something happen?" He mouthed to Kevin.

Kevin headed towards the break room, motioning for Jay to follow him.

"You know what's bothering him?" Jay asked, it was stupid fucking question he knew that much. They all knew what was bothering Adam.

"Close the door" Kevin waited until the door was shut, "I met up with Kim for breakfast the other day" just the memory of the conversation and the look on Kim's face was enough to bring on fresh tears, "Little Adam told Kim he wasn't afraid to die anymore"

Jay's face fell as Kevin's words sunk in, "My god" he muttered, the door opening startling him.

Adam looked at the pair, both their faces told Adam all he needed to know, "If you've got something to say to me say it" he spit, "don't fucking pussy foot around it" he slammed the cabinet shut after retrieving a clean mug.

"Adam..I'm...its just" Jay stumbled.

"Damn it Jay!" Adam tossed his mug across the room, "just fucking it say it man, say it! My fucking kid is dying and I can't do shit about it, alright? Is that what you wanted to hear?" He could feel his whole body shake with a mixture of fear, guilt, and rage.

He placed both palms on the counter hoping to steady himself, his shoulders sagged, "I'm sorry" he said barely above a whisper, "I'm..." He started to cry.

"Hey, Adam" Jay wrapped his arms around his best friend, "I know man, I know" he didn't have a clue, just the thought of Caleb in little Adam's shoes terrified him, "I got you, we got you"

Kevin wrapped an arm around Adam, "Don't give up Man, this isn't over not by a long shot, Adam's going to beat this"

Adam slowly nodded, "Thanks" he wiped his eyes, "I feel helpless"

"Uncle Sean, I think Adam's dead" she said through her tears, her arms tightly wrapped around Sean's neck, "Mommy's crying"

He didn't even bother taking the keys out of the ignition, he took off into the house, "Stay here baby" he told Dani, he didn't know what he would find.

"Help him, please!" He could hear Dani call out.

Sean found Kim on the floor Adam's head cradled in her lap, "Kim, hey" he said softly as he sat on the floor beside her, "let me have him, okay?" He moved his hands to pull Adam from her lap.

"No!" She snapped pulling Adam closer to her chest, "take your hands off my baby" she sobbed.

Sean brought his fingers to Adam's neck silently praying he'd find a pulse, exhaling when he did, albeit a slow and weak one.

"Kim, you need to give me him, he needs to get to a hospital" Sean told her, "Dani needs you too, she's scared"

Kim raised her eyes, "Where is she?"

"In the living room, waiting for the ambulance" he lifted Adam in his arms, the weight of him in his arms broke his heart, he was nothing but skin and bones.

They both went in the living room the paramedics arriving at the same time, "Here, he's been out of it since I've been here" Sean relayed as he placed him on the gurney, "where will you take him?"