Page 266 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Reason To Sing

“Yes, his cough. It’s gotten worse.” Our son has been sick
for a few days now. Maybe Gord hasn’t even noticed.
He doesn’t sound at all concerned. He just sounds sleepy.
“Okay, well I’m sure he’ll be okay. It’s just a cough.”
I sit bolt upright. “No, I think he’s got croup. It’s not just a
cough. He’s having a really hard time breathing.”
“Oh, really?” Gord is still half asleep. “Can’t you give him
anything for it?”
“I already have. I’ve done everything I can do. I think we
need to take him to emergency.” I truly am very concerned.
Why is my husband not? “I just had him outside in the cold to
see if that might help, but it didn’t.”
“Okay, well …”
“Well, what?” I’m getting seriously annoyed now.
“Well, it’s 3 o’clock in the morning. The gig went late and
I’ve got to get up early.”
“Yes, I know what time it is. And your son is sick!” I’m
yelling but I can’t help myself. Doesn’t he care about his son?
“Can’t you take him?” He pulls the duvet up over his eyes,
as if to block me and my words completely.
“Are you kidding me? You want me to take our baby to the
hospital by myself at 3 o’clock in the morning while you stay
in bed?” I’m ready to really lose it now. Gord remains silent.
“FINE!” I yell as I stomp out of the room.
It’s freezing outside so I bundle up Keldon and throw on
my coat. The poor little guy continues to struggle as his cough
deepens. He sounds like a barking dog. What the hell am I
doing?
With Keldon in my arms, I head back to our bedroom and
angrily flip on the light. “Gord, you need to get out of bed and
take us to the hospital. I am not doing this on my own.”
I am seething. But more than angry, I am hurt and sad that

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