Shorties: 75

Note: I am not a doctor or in the medical field. I may have everything wrong medically speaking. However, this story is similar to a dream I had when is was sick a few weeks ago.

The doctor said, “Neil is sleeping but he is he mumbles from time to time and we aren’t sure what he’s saying.”  Then he added with a smile in his voice, “He seems happy though.”  

 

With the children around her, Sylvia replied, “Thank you for the update, doctor.  So what’s next?”

 

“Well, his oxygen levels are still good as are his other vitals. We just need to bring his temperature down.  Once that is normal we will check again for COVID.  When COVID is gone and temperature is down, I don’t see a reason to keep him.” 

 

When the call was finished, Sylvia held her cell phone in her left hand and pulled her 7 year old daughter close.  Five year old James looked bewildered but knew something was wrong with daddy.  Not seeing his father for 2 days deeply sadden him.  Erin asked, “Can we pray for daddy, mommy?” 

 

“Of course.  Let’s pray now.”

 

As prayers drifted to heaven, Neil slept and dreamed.  In his mind’s eye Neil traveled to far off destinations and watched the sun rise from a high cliff.  As light illuminated his surroundings, Neil walked through a meadow while the call of crickets and bird songs filled his ears.  As he explored, he wanted to see it all but the heat of his fever affected Neil’s thoughts and all colors in his vision distorted.  

 

Slowly, like wax dripping down a candle, the picture in his mind slid and blurred down and across.  Sounds distorted and emitted a Doppler Effect.  The depth of consciousness lifted and Neil rolled from the left to his right side.  Again, Neil ebbed back into the realm of dreams. 

 

As his surroundings came into focus, Neil thrilled at the sight.  He was again in Sydney, Australia.  His face beamed as his nostrils filled with the coastal air.  He found himself walking with his parents from Circular Quay to The Rocks.  With anticipation he said, “We just need to go another block or so to Argyle Street.  A few more blocks and Lord Nelson’s is on the right.  You’ll love it.”  

 

Though his parents were elderly and, in real life, moved slowly, they all walked along at a quick pace.  They were led by Neil’s father who preferred to arrive early at restaurants in order to beat the crowds.  As they walked under the approach to the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Neil exclaimed, “I can’t believe I’m here again and I’m so happy you finally made it too.  You are going to love it here.  Never mind the prices.  Food is expensive here but it is the best food you’ve ever had.”

 

When The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel came into view, Neil stopped his parents and gave them each a hug.  He didn’t remember being so happy.  He also planted a kiss on his mom’s forehead.  At the start of her laughter, colors began to melt and flow.  Sounds were confined within tiny speakers that flowed down a river.  Neil awoke and mumbled something incomprehensible.  The nurse on duty, Maggie, leaned toward him and asked, “Neil, did you say something?  How do you feel?”

 

“I can’t believe I was there again.”

 

“Where?”

 

“Sydney.”

 

“Oh, I’d love to be there.”

 

“We went to Lord Nelson’s for lunch.  I’m so happy they got to go too.”

 

Maggie finished taking Neil’s temperature.  It was 104 degrees.  Two days later, Neil’s fever was gone and his remaining health issues were disappeared.  Still later when he was finally home, Neil’s phone rang.  He saw it was his father. 

 

“Hi dad.  How are you?”

 

“I’m ok but it looks like your mother got the corona.”

 

“What?”

 

“Yeah, I don’t know how.  We haven’t left the house since all this started.  I’m negative but she’s positive.  How the hell does this happen?”

 

Then Neil remembered his dream and how he kissed his mother on the forehead.  Did he give it to her in the dream?