The Arms of Morpheus

Chapter 12

As soon as he heard Amelia's voice, Noel left work immediately and made his way home. She sounded shaken, almost terrified as she spoke to him.

The school secretary had called that morning, informing Amelia that Blake was unwell and had developed a temperature, insisting she be removed from class to prevent the spread of any virus to other pupils or staff. School rules.

Amelia had brought her daughter home, checking her temperature as soon as she could. Almost 100 degrees. But it was not her elevated body temperature that had frightened Amelia. It was her clothing.

She was soaked through with sweat.

'I just remembered what you said. Lots of sweating. You said it's the first sign.'

Amelia was in a high state of hysteria. Noel tried to calm her, grasping her firmly at the shoulders, turning her to look him in the eyes.

'Mel, look at me. Blake has a temperature. Nothing more. She's just picked up a bug, probably from school.'

'But the sweating, Noel. I've never seen her like that before. Her face was so flushed.'

'That's because she has a temperature of 100 degrees.'

He slowly guided her from the kitchen into the lounge, making her sit.

'She's got what thousands of kids get everyday, all over the world: flu. We keep her warm, give her plenty of fluids, some paracetamol. She'll be fine in a few days.'

Amelia did not look convinced.

'Look, do you remember what I told you? Even if she had this thing, it wouldn't show for years. About 50, remember? She's only five years old, Mel.' He paused, letting his words sink in. 'It's not what you think, sweetheart. It can't be.'

She closed her eyes and cried. Partly out of relief; partly fear.

'Is this how it's going to be, Noel? Constantly looking, constantly checking to see if she's OK? Waiting for signs of infection?

He saw the despair in her eyes.

'I can't live like this, Noel. I just can't. I need to know if she's gonna be OK. I can't bear the thought of our little girl walking around like a time bomb.'

She sobbed helplessly.

'Do the tests, Noel. Blood tests, brain tests; whatever it takes. Those machines in that lab of yours must be able to tell us something.'

He held her close.

'Like I said, blood tests are no use, she's too young for the gene mutation to show. But I can set up those tests I mentioned yesterday. I don't know how much they will tell us, but if it makes you happy, then we'll do it.'

She lifted her head; hurting.

'The only thing that will make me happy, is finding out that our little girl is going to be alright.' She paused, touching his face. 'And that you are going to be OK too.'

'I know, babe.' He rested his head on top of her silken hair. 'I know.'

'So when can you do it?' She asked, her tone anxious.

Noel was rocked by the direct question. 'Er, once she's recovered. Three or four days.'

'You've got a slot available? I thought things were really hectic there.'

'They are.' He thought of Rachel. 'But I know someone who would welcome a break for a while.'

'Good.' Amelia released his hand. 'I'm going upstairs to lie with Blake, make sure she's OK.'