"VIKI! VIKI!" Todd shrieked. His outstretched arms trembled along with the rest of his body. Todd felt as if all the air had been removed from the room. He broke out into a cold sweat. His heart was pounding in his chest and ears. His chest hurt and his hands and feet and mouth felt numb.

Viki grabbed his hands and pulled him to her.

"I can't breath! Everything feels funny," Todd cried out as he gasped for breath.

"Todd, it's Doctor Hanen. Todd, I want you to try to slow down your breathing."

"I can't breath," Todd whimpered, reaching wildly in the air toward Susannah's voice.

Susannah took Todd's ice cold hands in hers and started to speak to him soothingly. "Shhhh, Todd listen to me. You're breathing just fine. You just have to slow it down."

"I can't feel my fingers."

"Todd you're having an anxiety attack. If you slow your breathing, you'll be okay. Come on now, breath with me."

"I can't. I can't!" Todd gasped.

"Sure you can, here," Susannah took his hand and put it in on her diaphragm. "Feel how I am breathing and breathe along with me."

Susannah slowed her breathing and finally Todd matched his to hers. Slowly his breath came more naturally and easily. His sweating eased and the pain in his chest and the numbness in his extremities eased up.

"Okay Todd, you're doing great," Susannah encouraged him. She directed him toward the bed.

"Viki and Sam went away didn't they? They went away forever," Todd cried out as tears streamed down his cheeks.

"We're right here, Boomer," Sam assured him and walked over to him.

"Sweetheart, we will never leave you. I swear that to you," Viki promised as she too, moved closer to him.

"Todd, you're standing along side your bed now," Susannah stated. She turned him around so that his back faced the side of the bed. "I want you to sit down. I want to check your blood pressure and take your pulse and then you can get into bed if you like."

"I'm cold," Todd declared. He was shivering. His clothes were still wet with perspiration.

"I'll call Frank and Jeff in to help you into some dry clothes. Is that all right?" Susannah asked.

Todd nodded. Susannah checked his vitals herself. His normally low blood pressure was slightly elevated and his pulse was still accelerated.

"I'll go get Frank and Jeff for you and then I want you to try and get some sleep."

"Todd," Ryan said, putting his hand on Todd's shoulder, "you did very well on the part of the session we were able to do. Maybe next time we can get a little further."

Todd tightened his grasp on Viki's hand and said nothing.

"Okay buddy, you take it easy," Ryan said as he patted Todd's shoulder.

Susannah asked Jeff and Frank to help Todd change and then walked Ryan to the elevator. "So, now you've had your introduction to Todd Manning," Susannah smiled to Ryan and said sadly.

As Frank and Jeff helped Todd clean up and change his clothes , they noticed that Todd seemed even weaker than usual. They practically had to hold him up as they helped him.

Sam and Viki noticed that Todd was unsteady on his feet as Jeff and Frank helped him to the bed. Todd hadn't said a word since he told Susannah he was cold. Once in bed he did reach out into the air for Sam and Viki. However he did not call out to them. Once they each took hold of one of his hands, he closed his eyes and fell into an exhausted sleep.

Frank sat with him and Sam and Viki went to talk with Susannah.

"Susannah, that wasn't Pete was it?" Viki asked, as soon as Susannah had shut the door, to her office, behind them.

"No, I'm sure it wasn't. This alter didn't seem to really be angry. He seemed to be contemptuous of Todd and of us," Susannah acknowledged.

"He smokes. Pete doesn't smoke," Sam added.

"This one may be the internal persecutor, a re-creation of Peter," Susannah explained.

"I thought Pete was?" Sam asked.

"No, even though he hates him, Pete tries to be like Peter, but he is not Peter and his job is to be a helper alter," Susannah professed.

"He was frightening," Viki admitted. The worry in her voice was apparent as she continued. "You heard what he said about finally ridding the world of Todd and how he enjoyed seeing Todd fumbling around in the dark. Susannah, this one scares me. His hatred of Todd is so intense. I know Pete has become angry with Todd and threatens him, but this was not an angry threat this was cold and calculating. I'm afraid for Todd."

"Do you think the anxiety attack Todd had right afterwards was in connection to this alter coming out?" Sam inquired.

"Probably. It was most likely this alter's voice that Todd heard during his session with Ryan," Susannah made an educated guess.

"Do you think the other times he has thought he heard Peter, recently, have really been this alter screaming at him?" Viki pondered.

"Probably. His ability to have some co-consciousness and a sense of communication with this alter and sometimes the others is not a bad thing. It is important for his progress and for aligning the system. It will also help during the integration," Susannah answered. She wanted them to see that the situation wasn't as bleak as they thought.

"Why do you think so many new alters are coming out now?" Sam pressed.

"I don't believe they are 'new' alters. Some alters are dormant until they are needed because some memory and or feeling brings them front and center. Sometimes they fill a void left by other alters who are now becoming dormant." Susannah explained.

"What I don't understand," Viki began," is if Miss Perkins is the gatekeeper why didn't she tell you about all the alters?"

"No, I don't believe Miss Perkins is the gatekeeper, not at all. I believe she is the caretaker and protector of some of them, especially some of the children. I don't think Miss Perkins likes to admit it, not even to herself, but I think she realizes that she has no control of the system in general and very little over Pete. She is only acting as a mother to him and to Timmy, Tom and Jimmy. She seems to know Andy, although I don't believe she acts as a caretaker to him."

Susannah paused for a second and sighed. "In fact from what I've gathered she tries her best to keep him away from Timmy and the others. I need to find out why that is. I think there are many alters and some things Miss Perkins is not aware of or some like poor little Andy or the other Todd's crying that she chooses not to be aware of. She thinks of them as a some kind of threat to the alters she does protect. Even after all this time, I am still discovering so many new things about the workings of Todd's inner system. More alters are coming forth and that tells me that because of the chronicity and severity of the abuse and the fact that Todd was a very fragile and sensitive child, his system is far more complicated than most."

"My God, Susannah! Todd's case is so much more complicated than mine was," Viki declared.

"Viki, that's true. Todd's abuse is the most severe I have ever come across. Just when we've uncovered one trauma there seems to be a hundred more that we haven't touched on yet. I know Todd's subconscious was traumatized by the revelations about Michelle that came out at the lodge. It doesn't seem to have been too traumatic to the alters, although Pete has not been out since, but it has had some devastating effects on Todd. I don't only mean the blindness and the Baby. Todd himself has regressed to a more childlike, needy state. I am not sorry I took him to the lodge because this absolutely was something we had to know, and if we can ever find them, something Michelle's parents have to know. I do wish Todd's reactions hadn't been so extreme."

"Do you think this 'Peter' alter will be back? If so, do you think Todd is in any real danger from him?" Sam sounded very frightened for Todd.

"Sam, I wish I could answer that. I don't know. I am not sure why a session with Ryan was so traumatic for Todd. Until he is able to tell me, I won't know," Susannah admitted.

"He seems weaker than usual. You saw how he walked when he came out of the bathroom. Jeff and Frank practically had to carry him. He was so unsteady," Viki stated.

"I'm afraid Todd's body is getting a little weaker. The medications are a problem. Timmy seems to be having more of a problem with them than the Tom and Thomas. The alter who came out today didn't seem to be feeling overly sedated or weak and . . . "

"Susannah, are you telling us that each alter can react differently to the same medication given to the same body?" Sam interrupted.

"Absolutely. Each alter's chemistry and brain activity and endurance of or resistance to medication can be totally different. Their nervous systems are different and so are their cardiovascular systems. There is some evidence that hormonal activity can be different. Do you notice that Todd's facial hair does not grow out when one of the children is in control of the body? There have been cases where menstrual cycles have stopped in some of the alter's of female patients. It is truly amazing. Physically they can be as different from each other and from Todd as they are mentally," Susannah informed them.

"I can understand that," Viki agreed. She turned to Sam. "One of my alters, Jean, could not see without glasses that I didn't need at all."

Sam just shook his head in awe of what the human mind was capable of. He then remembered something. "When I was getting Timmy dressed to take him to the lodge I put a wool sweater on him and he started to break out in hives. Todd had worn that same sweater many times without ever being allergic to it."

"I don't doubt that, Sam. It is very common for one alter to be allergic to something that the host personality or the other alters can wear or eat or use without a problem," Susannah concurred.

"Are you going to schedule Todd for anymore sessions with Ryan?" Viki asked Susannah.

"Of course I am. Viki as cruel as it may seem, we do have to force Todd to do what we know is best for him. He is not able to decide these things for himself. If we leave it to Todd he would choose to never leave his bed. It may take many attempts at sessions before Todd is really able to work with him. However, I can assure you both that Ryan is very patient. He works with both children and adults and has done extensive work with patients who are mentally ill as well as blind. That is why he was the first one I thought of."

"He was really good with Tom and Todd in the little time they had," Sam admitted. "Oh boy! Sam exclaimed. He looked at his watch he suddenly remembered he had to leave. The events of the day preyed heavily on Sam's mind. "You know I gotta get out of here. I have to meet with Tea. There are some things we have to go over before she leaves for Chicago," Sam announced.

"Dear Lord, I don't even want to think what could happen once the Chicago police learn about Michelle's murder," Viki stated with a look of fear in her eyes.

"I feel much better knowing Bo will be there too," Susannah said.

"So do I. But I'm still worried," Viki admitted.

Todd did not wake up for lunch. They tried waking him for dinner but he seemed so groggy and disoriented that Susannah thought it best to let him sleep. She knew that since it was still Todd who was out, he probably would not eat anyway. Todd's blood pressure had returned to it's usual 110/70 when another problem arose. Susannah detected an arrhythmia when she took his pulse. She knew his electrolytes were probably very low again. She ordered a blood test and told Sam and Viki that if his electrolytes were as low as she suspected, as much as she hated to, she would have to put Todd back on the feeding tube.

Todd did not put up too much of a protest when the lab tech came in to draw his blood. He was still pretty much out of it. Susannah took his vital signs before she left for the night and his heartbeat was still irregular. She was sure his potassium and magnesium had dropped again. Stroking his head, she whispered, "Goodnight honey," and left.

Viki stayed the night and Sam went home. Viki heard Timmy's voice crying out in a nightmare around three in the morning.

"Mommy help me! Please mommy. I don't want to be punished again. Mommy!" Timmy whimpered softly.

Viki turned the lights on. "Timmy, wake up baby. Shhhh, you're having a bad dream. No one is hurting you," Viki assured Timmy as she cradled him in her arms.

Carl and Marcia came into the room as soon as they heard the nightmare in progress. Viki motioned for them to allow her to take care of Timmy. Viki knew he needed his mother.

Marcia and Carl exchanged glances and nodded to each other, both agreeing to allow Viki to attempt to calm Timmy.

Timmy was still not completely awake. He held on to Viki tightly. "Mommy, I don't want you to get hurt."

"It's Viki, sweetheart. No one is going to hurt me."

"If you tell daddy not to squish me, he'll hurt you."

"Daddy's not going to squish you, Timmy. You're not in your house. You're safe in your hospital room. Look around sweetheart."

Timmy looked around. The confusion and fear in his eyes broke Viki's heart.

"Timmy, tell Viki where you are?" Viki coaxed.

"Where's Mr. Rabbit?"

"He's in the toy box," Viki informed him, "Do you want me to get him for you?"

Timmy nodded. Once Mr. Rabbit was safely tucked in his arm, Timmy started to relax. Timmy looked up at Viki with his big innocent eyes and timidly asked, "Did daddy hurt you again?"

"No baby, it's Viki. Daddy never hurt me."

Timmy stared at Viki for a few seconds. Finally, the recognition of who she was came into his eyes. "Viki," Timmy murmured quietly. He put his arms around her. "I'm glad daddy didn't hurt you. I love you a whole lot."

"I love you a whole lot too, baby," Viki said softly. She hugged him tightly and kissed his forehead.

Viki started to gently lay him back down on the bed. Timmy resisted and held on to her tightly. "Sweetheart, it's very late. Why don't you lay back and try to go to sleep. I'll be right here."

Timmy kept his tight hold on Viki. "I want to stay with you! Don't make me go to my room," Timmy begged.

"Timmy, you're in the hospital. Sweetheart I'll be right here with you all night. I won't leave for a minute. I promise, baby. Now, let's get you and Mr. Rabbit tucked in. He's starting to look very sleepy."

Timmy allowed Viki to lower him to the bed. She pulled the blanket up to his chin. Viki sat next to him holding his hand and stroking his head until he was once again asleep.

It was Timmy who awoke the next morning. He seemed to be feeling a little better than Todd had felt the day before. Viki could see he was still wobbly on his feet and a little groggier than usual.

Susannah came in early to check on the blood work. She checked Todd's chart. As she had suspected, his electrolytes were low. With potassium of 1.8 and magnesium of 0.7 Todd was dangerously hypokalemic and was suffering from hypomagnesemia. His calcium and sodium levels were low as well. Luckily his renal functions were still within a normal range.

Susannah didn't want to have to risk administering the potassium and magnesium in an IV. However she knew Todd's electrolytes had to be raised as quickly as possible and the oral supplements of potassium and magnesium would take several days to elevated them back into a normal range. She also knew how bitter tasting the supplements were, even when mixed in juice. She realized Todd would have to be on a heart monitor if she put it in his IV and would have to spend most of the day in bed. She was trying to pick the lessor of two evils.

Susannah opted for an IV administration. Todd was in danger of life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Susannah also saw that Todd had lost another pound. She knew she had to get Viki's permission to put the feeding tube back. She also wanted to send him for an abdominal endoscopy to make sure nothing else was going on with his digestive system.

Susannah headed to Todd's room. Timmy was up and had already been washed and dressed. Viki was feeding him some cream of wheat. Susannah could see Viki's frustration and anguish. Timmy was getting teary and shaking his head no when Viki held up another spoonful.

"My tummy feels funny. Please don't make me," he pleaded.

"Timmy, you haven't even eaten half of it yet. Please sweetheart, just try a couple more spoonfuls."

Timmy looked like he was about to be sick. He opened his mouth as tears slid down his face. Taking nearly a minute to swallow the cereal in his mouth and still crying Timmy wailed, "I think I'm gonna throw up."

Knowing the last thing Timmy's low electrolytes needed was for him to vomit again, Susannah stepped into the room and said, "Okay I think Timmy has had enough for now."

Susannah placed her hand on back of Timmy's head and instructed, "Timmy I want you to take some deep breaths through your mouth. It will help your tummy."

Timmy did as Susannah asked and he did feel a little better. Viki wiped his mouth off and kissed him on the forehead.

"Sweetie, why don't play with your toys for a little while." Susannah suggested.

Timmy headed off to the toy box. Noticing his unsteady gate, Susannah shook her head in frustration and quietly remarked, "Looks like he's having trouble with this new combination of medication too. He may also be experiencing some muscle weakness."

Susannah quietly told Viki about Todd's latest labs and explained to her that Timmy would have to spend many hours of the next day or two hooked up to a cardiac monitor as the replacement solutions are slowly administered. She thought she'd wait to tell her about the feeding tube when they were alone. She then asked Timmy to come over to her from his seat on the floor.

Susannah sat down on the bed. "Come and sit by me sweetie," Susannah patted the bed next to where she sat, "I want to ask you a few questions."

They noticed the great difficulty Timmy had standing up from the floor. Timmy sat down next to Susannah and immediately snuggled against her. With her arm around him and his head resting on against her, Susannah asked, "Timmy, do you feel bad or funny in any way?"

"My tummy still feels extra funny."

"I feel crooked."

Susannah smiled and tried to get more information from him. "Can you tell me what feeling crooked means?"

Timmy tried to find the words to explain. "Everything looks a little funny and crooked and I feel like when I'm in daddy's car and my legs hurt right here." Timmy pointed to his calves.

Susannah realized he meant he felt nauseous and dizzy, and was having leg cramps. "Timmy, I think it would be a good idea if you climbed back into bed and rested for the day. We'll bring your toys and coloring books and pads and crayons to you. How does that sound?"

Timmy shrugged his shoulders but didn't protest. Susannah knew that he must be feeling pretty bad.

Terry came in to set up the cardiac monitor. Timmy pulled away at first until they showed him having the electrodes attached was just like having a Band-Aid put on. After assuring him many times that he wasn't going to get stuck because he already had an IV in place, Timmy stopped crying and clinging to Viki and allowed Terry to start the drip.

Timmy played with his coloring book and crayons for a while and then fell asleep. He was still sleeping when Sam arrived. "Well I drove Tea and Bo to the airport. They're on their way to Chicago by now," Sam announced as he put his arms around Viki's waist.

"Sam, I'm so worried. They don't know Todd the way Bo does. What if he and Tea can't persuade them to leave Todd alone? Sam, he's so sick. His electrolytes are in the danger zone. The medication is not agreeing with him. He is sleepy and dizzy and nauseous all the time. Susannah wants to put him back on the feeding tube. He doesn't want to cooperate with his therapy with Ryan or Susannah. Sometimes, I feel like grabbing him and taking him away to someplace where nothing can hurt him," Viki said. She was near tears.

"I know, so do I." Sam shook his head in anguish and added, "Is there really anyplace on earth that Todd can be where nothing will hurt him?"

"Oh Sam I know that. But my God, he was so happy at Christmas. As long as no one was prodding him to talk about his past he was able to enjoy life. At least Tom and Timmy were."

"Viki that is just it. Todd was not able to enjoy Christmas. Todd is not able to enjoy anything. I hate forcing him into therapy and allowing him to be drugged and restrained and watching them all be hurt by medical procedures but what choice do we have. Without all the interventions Todd would die."

Viki knew that Sam was right, but she wished with all her heart she could spare Todd the agony he was going through. What she didn't know was how much Sam wanted to do exactly what he just talked her out of. Seeing all this happen to Todd and the alters was killing Sam, but he knew he had to stay strong and keep it together for everyone.

Susannah and a lab tech came in to draw some more blood. Todd's renal functions and electrolytes had to be carefully monitored. Susannah checked his urine output and his fluid intake. She then checked the IV site for any redness or tenderness. Timmy slept right through the blood test, which they were all grateful for. Susannah was still in his room talking very quietly to Sam and Viki about Chicago when they heard Timmy moaning softly.

"Hi sweetie," Susannah said softly as she stroked Timmy's forehead.

"I don't feel so good," Timmy whimpered.

"Tell me what's bothering you?" Susannah prompted as she continued to stroke his forehead.

"My legs feel funny and my tummy hurts. I think I'm gonna throw up. Daddy will punish me if I do," Timmy answered and started to cry.

Susannah gently lifted him to her. She rubbed his back and promised, "No one is going to punish you if you throw up or for any other reason. See, Sam and Viki and I are all here to protect you. We won't let anyone hurt you."

"But Saber woke up and he hurts everybody."

"Saber?" Susannah asked. She kept her voice calm even though she was extremely anxious for Timmy to disclose this information. "Sweetie, who is Saber?"

Timmy started to look very frightened and tightened his grip on Susannah. He buried his head in her shoulder.

"It's okay, Timmy you can tell us. Sweetie there's nothing to be afraid of," Susannah soothed him.

"He hates us. I'm not supposed to say his name."

Timmy started to moan and whimper softly. Some tears slowly trickled down his cheeks. Timmy held up his stuffed animal. "Mr. Rabbit's tummy hurts a lot."

"It does! Well I'll just have a to take a look at him," Susannah said as she gently laid Timmy back down and took Mr. Rabbit from him and looked at him. Timmy, "I need to press on Mr. Rabbit's tummy. Can I press on your tummy first so he won't be afraid?"

Timmy looked scared but then he looked at Mr. Rabbit and Timmy's kind and loving nature won out and he didn't want Mr. Rabbit to be afraid so he whimpered "Okay," and he held still while Susannah gently pressed his abdomen.

"It huuuuurts," Timmy cried out when Susannah pressed down. His stomach was becoming a little bloated.

"Okay sweetie, I'm all finished. What a brave boy you are. Now Mr. Rabbit won't be afraid."

Susannah then laid Mr. Rabbit down and felt his abdomen. "Timmy, Mr. Rabbit's tummy hurts from the medicine. "It will go away soon. I promise. Now let's check your blood pressure."

At one hundred and five over sixty-five it was a little lower than his usual pressure. However it was nothing to be too worried about at this point.

Timmy started to calm down. "Sweetie, would you like something to eat or drink?"

Timmy shook his head.

"Would you like any of your toys or some more coloring books.

"Can you read me the bird book?"

"Sure I can. Let me get it for you," Susannah told him as she stroked his hair back from his face.

Susannah walked over to where Sam and Viki stood and said, "He's all right, for now. I can stay with him. Why don't you to go to the cafeteria and get something to eat."

Viki looked toward Timmy and asked, "What if Todd comes back?"

"Viki," Susannah began, putting her arm around Viki's shoulder. "You and Sam will only be in the cafeteria. I will get you immediately if you're needed. I promise. Now scoot, doctors orders."

"Well you heard her," Sam said smiling, "Come on I'll buy you the fanciest gourmet lunch that the Llanview Hospital cafeteria has to offer."

Viki smiled back at him and agreed. "All right, let's go."

Susannah could see the worry that never left either of their eyes.

Timmy sat on the side of the bed with his feet dangling off. He was cuddled up next to Susannah. He loved looking at pictures of the beautiful and colorful birds. He would ask Susannah to stop on some pages and he would trace the pictures with his fingers, almost as if he could actually feel the birds.

"I once came out when Todd's bird was there and he talked to me and let me pet him," Timmy said, grinning from ear to ear at the memory.

"You really love animals a lot, don't you sweetie?"

"When I grow up I'm gonna have a billion animals and nobody'll ever hurt them."

Susannah knew that Timmy was thinking about Randy. Suddenly Timmy got a surprised look on his face.

"Timmy? sweetie, what is it?"

"I thought you runned away?" Timmy stated to someone only he could see.

Susannah followed Timmy's gaze. He was seeing someone sitting between he and Susannah.

"I thought daddy killeded you?"

Timmy pulled away from Susannah and she heard Andy's voice say, "Nope, I'm still here. Don't tell Miss Perkins. She'll want me to go back inside. I wanted to see the birds."

"Hi Andy! I'm really happy that you came out to say hello to us," Susannah declared.

Andy smiled at her and then "turned to Timmy." "Did you see the toy dinosaurs Sam bought me? I said you could play with them."

Timmy nodded.

Andy turned back to Susannah. "Can I look at the bird book too?"

"Well sweetheart, of course you can," Susannah replied and moved the large book a little closer to his lap.

"Starr's mommy said she got it for all of us," Timmy graciously informed Andy.

"Who's Starr?" Andy asked.

"Starr's my friend and we have tea parties together. She's real nice and we get to have cookies. I'll bet she'll let you play with us," Timmy told his friend.

Susannah realized Andy did not understand that Todd grew up and did not know Todd had a little girl. Timmy really did not understand that either. She had tried explaining that to Timmy and she had tried to get him to understand that Todd's body had grown but that he was still just a little boy who lived inside it. Timmy had never been able to grasp the situation.

"I'll get my toys," Andy announced and started to get off the bed.

"No sweetheart," Susannah held him back. "You and Timmy both have to stay in bed for now."

"We got these stuck to us." Timmy pulled up his hospital gown and showed Andy the leads from the heart monitor.

Andy looked at his chest and then at his arm. Susannah could see he was getting frightened. "Are you gonna stick me?"

"No Andy, just leave the IV alone and you won't have to get stuck again, okay, sweetheart?"

Andy nodded.

Susannah noticed that Andy was able to read some of the words from the book, whereas Timmy could only look at the pictures and depended on someone to read the text to him. Timmy would sometimes pretend to read something and make up story after story about the pictures he was seeing.

After about ten minutes, Susannah heard Timmy whimper, "I don't feel so good. I'm cold and I feel like I have to throw up."

Susannah put the book down and reached for a basin on the night stand. She held it under Timmy's chin.

"I'm Andy. I don't feel sick," he called out, surprising Susannah.

Andy turned to Timmy and asked, "Did daddy put his boy thing in your mouth?"

Timmy started to cry out, "Is daddy here? Is daddy here?"

"No sweetie. Shhhhh, Andy was just asking because he heard you say you felt sick."

"Timmy, do like mommy says. Think about something else and you won't feel so bad." Andy put his arm "around" Timmy to comfort him.

They were both quiet for a minute and them Timmy whimpered, "I'm gonna throw up," as he started to vomit.

Susannah quickly put the basin back under his chin and held his head.

"Did I make a mess? I'll get punished," Timmy cried weakly.

"Don't cry Timmy. I'll let daddy punish me instead," Andy promised his friend. He put his arm back around Timmy and patted Timmy's shoulder.

Andy's bravery and generosity touched Susannah deeply. "Neither of you boys are going to be punished. Timmy, Andy, your daddy is not anywhere near here. No one is going to hurt either of you."

"Everybody lies to us. Maybe daddy is just waiting for you to go to sleep and then he'll come in to punish us!" Andy stated angrily.

Timmy started to tremble.

"No Andy, I'm not lying to you. I promise your daddy will not come near either of you" Susannah assured them both.

Susannah could feel Todd's body fold in against her. She knew that even though Andy didn't feel sick, Todd's body was weak.

"Andy, I need to ask you a favor. Timmy doesn't feel well and Todd's body needs to rest, so I want you both to lie down for a while and try to sleep. I need to examine you first. I promise I won't do anything that hurts."

"No shots! You promise?"

"I promise, Andy. No shots. Now come on. Get back under the covers."

Timmy's blood pressure was still one hundred and five over sixty-five. Susannah looked at the monitor. She could see his heartbeat was still irregular. The bloating had gone down some. Susannah discontinued his antidepressant. She would have to try yet another one. She wrote an order for a mild sedative to be administered IV. She knew his stomach would not tolerate any juice or oral meds.

Timmy felt too sick and weak to even ask to play the "stethoscope game" with Susannah. His lungs were clear.

"Do you want to hold Mr. Rabbit?" Timmy asked Andy, holding the stuffed animal up for him to see.

Susannah could tell that Andy wanted to, but once again his generous nature prevailed and he replied, "No, that's okay. You can hold him."

Timmy moved Mr. Rabbit from his right side to his left, nearer the center of the bed. He snuggled closer to Andy and offered, "Now we both can hold him."

Susannah stroked "their" forehead and smiled at them. She pulled up the blanket and tucked them in. "Okay boys, now close your eyes and try to sleep."

Susannah noticed Timmy's left hand reached out and closed around Andy's right hand. Susannah knew how important a step this re-bonding between the two boys was. Not only were they once again able to communicate with each other and perhaps be able to share their mutual experiences and fears in a session with her, but they would be able to comfort each other inside Todd's body and when they came out. It was definitely a step forward that these two were able to find comfort from within their system.

Susannah looked down at them. They had fallen asleep holding each other's hand. Finally, after all these years, Timmy and Andy were reunited and these two small boys seemed to be remembering a bond they shared from long ago, a bond that was never forgotten.

This page hosted by Get your own FREE Home Page