Alex woke up screaming.

Robert bolted from his bed, heart hammering. His son's room. Down the hall. He ran.

Alex was doubled over. Clutching his stomach. Face twisted in agony. Sweat soaked his pajamas.

"Dad." The word came out strangled. "Dad it hurts. It hurts so bad."

Robert's hands shook touching Alex's forehead. Burning. Fever raging through his small body.

"Okay buddy. Okay. We're going to the hospital. Right now."

He scooped Alex up. His son felt ...