Parish by Nicole Murphy Page B

took hit eagerly.  “How are you feeling?”
                  “I want to sleep.  Mom gave me some medicine because my brain hurts.” Jamie replied.
                  “Well, it’s best to stick to the doctors’ orders, right?” He smiled down at him, stepping forward his toe hit something beneath the sofa.  He bent down and grabbed it, pulling out he saw it was a radio.  Jamie saw it too and smiled weakly.
                  “Is it going to be over soon?” His voice was painfully full of hope.
                  “I don’t know bud.  But I’ll see if this works, and maybe we’ll find out.” Jack replied.  He was avoiding having to look at his wife.  Emily knew he didn’t want to be near her, he was merely putting up with her presence for Jamie’s sake.  Emily sighed.
                  “Honey, I’m going to get you some water and food.  I would like you to at least try to eat before you sleep anymore, ok?  Do you think you can do that, for me?” She uncrossed her arms.
                  “Yeah.” Jamie replied, his eyes glued to Jack who was fiddling with the radio.  Emily walked back out to where everyone was.
                  “Is Jamie ok?” Wren asked, sitting up straight on her pile of flattened out cardboard boxes.
                  “He’s awake.  I’m going to try to get him to eat something and drink some water, he needs to keep his strength up.” Emily replied as she ran her hand over the top of her head.
                  “Here you go, doc.” Artemis called out tossing a bottle of water her way.  She caught it and gave him a smile. 
                  “Thanks.” She held up the bottle of water a bit to show her gratitude.  “Did you happen to find some broth in a can or maybe some chicken soup?”
                  “I can check, just give me a minute.” Artemis pulled himself up and walked over to the remaining set of shelves where he and the twins had gathered and stacked all the goods that had been left in the store.  “You’re in luck, doc, we got a few cans right here!”
                  “Great!  Wade, hand me the can opener please.” She pointed to the opener that was sitting beside him on the floor.  He handed over to her, at the same time Artemis had walked over to her and was holding the soup out to her.  “Thanks guys.”
                  “Go on, do what you gotta do.  We got it out here, right?” Artemis smiled as he turned to the twins.
                  “Yeah, Mom, we got it.  Tell Jamie we hope he feels better.” Wade nodded, and went back to picking his thumb nail.  Emily paused for a moment regarding her older kids, marveling in their strength and courage before bracing herself to reenter Jamie’s sick room where her husband sat.
                  “Jamie, I got some water and chicken noodle soup for you.” Emily smiled as she walked over to where his little body lay.  Jack was sitting on the floor now, crossed leg, pulling the batteries out of the back of the radio and putting them back in.
                  “I’m not hungry, Mom.” Jamie frowned.
                  “Jamie, please, try.  Ok?” She sat down before him.  Involuntarily her leg brushed against Jack’s causing him to pull back as if her touch burned him.  Emily’s hand tightened around the can.
                  “Jamie, listen to your mother.” Jack muttered, his attention still on the radio. Emily’s eyes jumped to her husband and for a brief moment he looked up and held her gaze, before dropping it down again.
                  “Okay.” Jamie gave in.
                  “Okay, here, honey, drink some water.”  She held the water bottle to his lips, and he sipped slowly.  A few small streams of the clear liquid escaped the corners of his