There'd been times, very long ago, when his daughter had been sick like this: burning up and nearly delirious with fever. It was frightening then, but he learned how to handle it in case it happened again. Now, James was determined to help Sky. He didn't have any family here in the US and, unless the situation required him to be admitted to the hospital, James had no mind to worry the boy's family a world away.

When Sky's weight slumped in his arms, James carefully laid him back against the pillow. "I have to go to the kitchen for more water, okay? I'll just be gone for a moment." Maybe he'll get the boy some crackers or something light to try to eat, too. Once Sky falls asleep again, James can make him some broth for later.

"I'll be right back," he murmured again, speaking slowly and clearly.

And, as promised, he was only gone a moment. Just long enough to get a fresh glass of ice water and bring it back.