Once In A Lifetime | Jemi

Twenty Three

Joe wondered into work the next morning, he didn't feel as if he wanted to be here as much as he usually did. Not after yesterday but he was desperate to see how the boy had been doing. Whether he even made it. He sat next to Kevin on the couch in the break room turning to him, he wanted to talk to his older brother before he entered any of the wards.

"How is Zack?" Joe questioned.

"He made it through the night at least, he's awake but extremely scared as we could all predict. He could use some company." Kevin threw the hint Joe nodding his head.

"I'll be there soon; do we know how old he is?"

"I think about five, his parents are currently under investigation but I suspect a social worker will be called soon," Kevin answered Joe nodding his head. "Are you okay though?" Joe sighed nodding his head gently. He barely slept last night but Demi and Nevaeh had helped to keep his mind away from the abused boy.

"I think yesterday shook me up a bit, it's the first time I've been in a position like that." Joe admitted feeling his older brother's hand on his arm.

"It doesn't get easier but what I can tell you is there are much better parts of the job and more of them, sure there are upsetting times but other times make up for it," Kevin assured him standing up. "I have to get back to work but good luck with Zack." Joe nodded his head watching as his brother left standing up himself. He picked up his clipboard checking what ward Zack was on before making his way over to the ward. He was nervous to see him but he wanted to help, make sure he knew he wouldn't be hurt anymore. Joe soon entered the curtain which was separating Zack from the other kids, he hadn't left his bed since he had been here, not to play nor anything.

"Hi Zack," Joe breathed but he had a warm smile on his face. Zack's eyes moved towards him but soon looked away Joe seeing how tense he suddenly became. "I'm not going to hurt you okay, I'm just here to keep you company." He explained but didn't expect a reply. Joe took a seat on the chair next to his bed carefully not wanting to startle him.

Joe spent the whole morning with Zack as told by his boss, they needed to get him to trust at least one of the staff members and Charles knew that Joe was always the one that grew close bonds with the children. Zack didn't say anything all morning but allowed Joe to stay by his side, talking to him, watching TV with him. It was a start.

"I'll see you tomorrow Zack and we'll watch the next episode of SpongeBob." Zack looked over at Joe who gave him a smile before he looked away Joe leaving the curtained area making sure it was closed for Zack's comfort.

"Hey how is he?" Kevin inquired.

"Physically he's doing good but it's gonna take him a while to trust anyone at all, any news on his parents?" Kevin shook his head.

"Do you think you have a small bond with him? Enough for me to examine him without him stressing out too much?" Kevin questioned Joe shrugging his shoulders.

"I don't know but I'll give it a go." Joe stated following Kevin back to where Zack's bed was not expecting him to have moved.

"Hi Zack my name is Doctor Jonas, I'm just going to check over everything and make sure that you're okay alright?" Kevin explained but they could see he had tensed up again.

"How about we watch that episode of SpongeBob now?" Joe suggested but they could both see the panic on his face as he looked around for the nearest exit. Joe shushed him sitting on the edge of the bed with him. "It's okay Zack, nobody is going to hurt you now. I promise." Zack looked up at him letting the tears fall down his soft cheeks.