Dr. Wright’s Calling

It has been six months since Theodore became an orphan. He is working hard every day to survive the cruel world that he's living in. Luckily, Dr. Wright is a nice man that would take care of them when he is in his office. However, there will be times that he and James don't get to eat in the day whenever Dr. Wright will be asked to go to the hospital to perform surgery.

It is wintertime in London and everyone goes from one store to another to purchase gifts for Christmas. People are having dinners at different restaurants, and some would like to enjoy themselves in the snow like the children on the streets. Meanwhile, James and Theodore are still working underneath the cold winter in front of Dr. Wright. However, the doctor is not in the office as he went home to his family in Barnehurst

"Let's go home, Theodore," James said. "I guess no one is planning to get our service today."

"I believe so," Theodore replied. They walked away from the clinic as he watched families past them, feeling jealous as he remembers his family. He never heard anything from his mother after she was sent to jail while his father never returned home ever since.

Suddenly, Theodore started to cough as they walked back home together. James noticed that his best friend is starting to get ill. He placed his hand on Theodore's forehead. He was shocked that Theodore got a fever.

"Everything is going to be okay," James said as Theodore held on to him.

"I'm fine," Theodore said. "I can still join you tomorrow."

"No, you're not!" James interjected. "You will stay home tomorrow. I'll make sure to let Dr. Wright know right away so he can treat you right away. I promise." Theodore smiled at James's words and felt his legs weakened suddenly. He immediately fell to the ground. James panicked and carried Theodore on his back as they continued to journey back home.

As they reached home, James placed Theodore on the bed, tucked him in, and ran downstairs to get a basin filled with water and a towel. He got back immediately and placed the towel on his forehead as Theodore sweats while he tries to get some rest.

James continued to watch Theodore until he fell asleep. As he was about to stand up from his seat, Theodore started to call on his mother in his sleep. It broke James's heart when he saw a tear falling from his closed eyes. He decided to make sure that Dr. Wright would see him right away. He prepared his bed on the floor of Theodore's room and slept till the morning.

As the sun rose early the next day, James woke up and noticed that Theodore was still sleeping. He placed his palm on his forehead and noticed that Theodore still has a fever. He immediately prepared himself, promising Theodore that he would be back with Dr. Wright.

James ran to town to check if Dr. Wright was there at his clinic. Luckily, he just arrived and was about to open the clinic. James dashed towards him and tugged his coat.

"Dr. Wright!" James said while he continued to hug the doctor's coat. Dr. Wright turned his head and saw James pulling him.

"Hi, James!" the doctor said. "How are you? Where is Theodore?"

"He has had a fever since last night. You got to see him right away! Please!" James began to sob as he begged Dr. Wright. The doctor felt pity at the child and bent down to his level.

"All right! I'll come with you," the doctor said. "Where is he right now?"

James grabbed Dr. Wright's hand as they walked right away to Theodore's home. Dr. Wright ran past every street while James was holding his hand. He had difficulty catching his breath as they continued to dash until they were able to reach his home.

As they arrived home, Theodore is still in bed, sweating from his body heat while he sleeps. Dr. Wright immediately checked his temperature, and he realized that he had the flu. As Dr. Wright panics, he tells James that Theodore needs to be sent to the hospital right away. The doctor carried Theodore bridal-style as they ran out of the house.

Dr. Wright and James were panting when they arrived at the hospital. Theodore was placed on the bed and being checked by one of the resident doctors. They checked his heartbeat and his temperature. James and Dr. Wright were standing beside Theodore as they watched him. Suddenly, one of the doctors approached Dr. Wright and tapped his shoulder.

"Walter!" he said. "What are you doing here?" Dr. Wright was tight-lipped, wondering how he was going to explain to his colleague about the two children that he brought in. The doctor looked at James full of disgust and forced him to get out of the emergency room.

"Don't you dare do that to him!" Dr. Wright exclaimed. "They are my sons and they deserve to stay here with me."

His colleague was stunned, as the other doctors. They were shocked to hear that Dr. Wright has sons that they haven't heard of. Luckily, the resident doctor, who checked Theodore, advised him to let the young boy get some rest as they prepare his medication.

A few hours later, Theodore woke up and looked around the room. He was surprised to find out that he is in the hospital, and he wondered where James was. He then turned his head and found Dr. Wright sitting beside him sleeping. He leaned to wake up Dr. Wright and immediately opened his eyes. Dr. Wright was relieved to see Theodore awake.

"How are you feeling?" Dr. Wright asked.

"I am okay," Theodore replied. "Where is James?"

"He went out for a while. He will be back soon."

A nurse went inside to his room to give Theodore his medicine. As she placed the tray of medicine, she looked at Theodore and Dr. Wright.

"Excuse me," the nurse said. "Where is your family? Are you able to afford the services in this hospital?"

"I am his family, Josephine," Dr. Wright said. "He is my son. Don't ask further questions, please."

The nurse fell silent, ashamed to look at Dr. Wright. She nodded her head and left the room. As the door closed, James went inside.

"Did you call me your son?" Theodore asked.

"Yes, I did," Dr. Wright replied. "I have to so they can treat you right away. I am sorry if it makes you uncomfortable."

"It's okay. It is nice to hear that word again." Theodore answered with a tear from his eyes, and Dr. Wright felt a slight pain in his heart. He realized that he has considered both of them as his sons and he decided right away what he needed to do. He wants to adopt both of them and raise him as his own.