I squeezed my eyes shut, but even breathing hurt. A faint whimper slipped out before I could stop it.
My eyes snapped open.
“Ezra?” I murmured, pushing myself upright.
He was there—curled beside me, his small body trembling in his sleep. His face was scrunched up, lips quivering like he was trapped in something terrifying. Tear tracks clung to his lashes.
My chest tightened. “Baby…”
I reached for him—and froze.
His skin was scorching.
Not warm. Not feverish.
Burning.
“Ezra!” I gasped, panic slicing through me.
His fingers twitched weakly, his head shaking slightly as he cried without waking up. The sight shattered something inside me.
No. This wasn’t right. He had fallen sick before, but never like this. Never this hot.
I pulled him into my arms, my hands shaking uncontrollably. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Mommy’s here. I’ll get you medicine, just hold on…”
But his body went limp against me.
A scream clawed up my throat, but I swallowed it down.
I laid him gently on the bed, wrapped him tightly in a blanket, and ran.
My legs nearly gave out on the stairs, still heavy from last night, but I forced myself forward. The clinic wasn’t far—just a few buildings away. That was all I needed.