It started like any other normal day at home. The sun was shining, and everything felt peaceful. CUTIS was playing happily in the living room, laughing and running around as Dad watched with a warm smile. But suddenly, something didn’t feel right.
CUTIS slowed down.
At first, Dad thought maybe he was just tired. “Hey buddy, need a little rest?” he asked gently. But CUTIS didn’t answer like usual. Instead, he sat down quietly, his face looking pale and his energy gone in an instant.
Dad’s smile quickly faded.
“CUTIS? What’s wrong?” he asked, moving closer. When he touched CUTIS’s forehead, he immediately felt the heat. “Oh no… you’re burning up!”
CUTIS leaned into Dad weakly, his eyes half-closed. “I don’t feel good…” he whispered.
Panic began to rise in Dad’s chest, but he tried to stay calm. “It’s okay, I’m here,” he said softly, picking CUTIS up and carrying him to bed. He quickly grabbed a thermometer and checked his temperature. It was high.
Dad’s heart started racing.
Without wasting a second, he placed a cool cloth on CUTIS’s forehead and gave him some water. “You’ll be okay, just rest,” Dad said, though his voice was filled with worry. CUTIS held onto Dad’s hand tightly, as if afraid to let go.
Dad stayed right beside him, not moving even for a moment. He kept checking the fever, adjusting the blanket, and whispering comforting words. The house, once full of laughter, now felt quiet and tense.
After a while, CUTIS finally fell asleep.
Dad sat there, watching every breath, hoping the fever would go down. He gently brushed CUTIS’s hair and sighed. “You scared me,” he whispered softly.
Hours later, the fever slowly began to drop. CUTIS stirred and opened his eyes. “Dad…” he murmured weakly.
Dad smiled with relief, his eyes slightly watery. “I’m right here.”
In that moment, nothing else mattered. All Dad cared about was seeing CUTIS safe again. And as CUTIS rested peacefully, Dad stayed by his side—grateful, relieved, and full of love.
