Inhaling Alongside You✔️

Chapter Thirteen: Spending Time With You

"Michael? Michael? Man are you listening to me?" He calls over the roaring crowd outside.

Turning away from double doors, I release Jesse's hand and cover my left ear.

"Bill you know I can't hear you over the crowd!" I yell, hoping he heard me.

"What growl?! Mike what in the hell are you talking about?!" Bill asks, pushing Jesse and I through the double doors.

Once inside, I smile at the passing patients. Their bodies weak, but their smiles are still bright and warm.

This is my second job. A job I faithfully abide to. Not for money. Not for publicity. I do it for the smiles I receive from that little boy or girl when I hand them their teddy bears or super soakers.

I visit these sickly or falling ill children for the charity of my heart. My initial reason for gravitating towards charity was and still is my mother, Katherine.

My mother was born with polio, which he contracted at the tender age of two, but she survived the disease. The effects of the disease left her with a noticeable permanent limp. This limp will also detour her dreams of becoming a professional country singer.

Even with her past unfortunate childhood, she ensured that my brother and sisters and I had the best childhood that she could offer. She always made it her duty to have us aware of how to appreciate what we have and to not dwell on what we don't have.

That's why I give back. I give back to these beautiful children the way my mothers doctors and nurses gave back to her. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have my mother.

"And what's your name?" I ask, squaring in front of a patient who unfortunately suffers from lukemia.

"A-Amanda..." She stutters, glancing between Jesse and I.

"Hello Amanda I'm Michael. This pretty lady right here is Jesse" I smile, gesturing for Jesse to squat beside me.

"Hi Amanda. I'm Jesse Rose Edmond" Jesse reintroduces herself.

Amanda releases her grip of her IV, extending her fragile hand to Jesse.

"I'm Amanda Kylie Riles. I'm seven years old and I have lukemia. The doctors say I'm sick, but I feel like a fairy" Amanda smiles, her ocean blue eyes bright and full of promise.

Jesse's eyes sparkle, even beginning to gloss up.

"You're not sick Amanda. You'll be fine. Just hold on. Hold on and you'll eventually gain your fairy wings" She encourages, removing a bracelet from her arm.

"I once met a fairy... She was very kind to me. She have me this bracelet for my protection. Now I'm giving it to you. Keep it safe" She concludes, slipping the bracelet into Amanda's rather small hands.

I watch silently. I'm actually speechless. I've known of Jesse's genuine love for children, but I thought everyone loves children.

But, today I was proven wrong. Anyone can love a child, but it takes a special person to find a connection with a child the way Jesse has done with Amanda. A true beautiful gesture.

Amanda's blue eyes have widened with glee as she marvels over the rainbow, beaded bracelet.

"Thank you Jesse! I can't believe I have a fairies bracelet! Thank you" She sighs happily, hugging at Jesse's neck.

Jesse reruns her hug, gently squeezing Amanda's back. Just as Amanda releases the hug, Jesse's tears begin to cascade down her cheeks.

"Don't cry. Please don't cry Fairy Jesse. Please don't" Amanda pleads, sweetly wiping Jesse's tears.