Work Text:
VIGIL
Narya walked out into the Hudsons’ dark garden, in spite of Heather’s and Michael’s advice.
“After all,” Heather pleaded, “it won’t do any good for you to get sick as well. Why don’t you get some rest?”
But Narya knew that she could not. How could she get any sleep while her son lay inside, sick with a fever?
The day had started so well. It was two weeks since Richard’s first birthday party. When Mac had invited Philip and Doug on a fishing trip, Heather had asked Snowbird and Leta for the weekend, and both couples were quick to accept.
Richard had enjoyed playing with Claire and Jay in the Hudsons’ yard. But, as the day wore on, Richard had become listless. He climbed onto his mother’s lap.
“Mommy, I don’t feel so good.”
Narya discovered that Richard was burning with fever. Heather had efficiently put him to bed in the guest room, and called Michael Twoyoungmen.
While they waited for the doctor, Narya started singing to her son. It always soothed him before.
When Michael arrived, he diagnosed Richard’s illness.
“A virus. He should recover within twenty-four hours. In the meantime, he will need careful nursing through the night.” He picked up his doctor’s bag. “I will call again in the morning. Until then, get some rest, Narya.”
Leta immediately volunteered to nurse Richard, while Heather took charge of the two toddlers, feeding them and putting them to bed.
But during the night, Narya wandered out into the garden, praying to her Inua god relatives.
“He has not my healing factor. This land will need him. Please help him recover.”
At sunrise, Leta appeared in the doorway leading to the patio.
“His fever’s gone. He’s asking for you.”
Narya rushed into her son’s room. He held out his arms.
“Mommy! I’m all better now.”
Narya took her son onto her lap. She began singing a song of happiness and gratitude.