The morning was gray, the clouds thick and heavy above them as they made their way to the car. Malachi, still feeling the effects of his fever, clung to Isabella as she buckled him into his seat, his little body feeling too warm against hers. The weight of the situation had been building all morning, but with every step they took toward the hospital, it felt more real. More urgent.

Roman, who had been unusually quiet, slammed the door shut of the car, his eyes flicking toward Isabella's before they both climbed into the front seat. "He's going to be okay," Roman said, though there was an uncertainty in his voice that he couldn't quite mask.

Isabella nodded, but the truth was, she was just as scared as he was. "I know," she whispered. "I know."

Malachi's soft voice broke through the silence from the backseat. "Are we going to the doctor, Mommy?"

She glanced back at him, giving him a reassuring smile. "Yes, sweetie. Just a quick checkup. You're gonna feel better soon."

Roman's eyes met Isabella's through the rearview mirror. Neither of them needed to say it aloud, but they both knew: this checkup was different. They had been here before, but now... things were more serious. They both feared it, even if neither of them spoke the words.

As they pulled into the parking lot of the children's hospital, Isabella felt her heart rate pick up, a slight tremor in her hands as she grabbed the handle of the door. She looked over at Roman, who was staring ahead, his face a mask of calm, but she could see the tension in his jaw.

"We've got this," she whispered, more to herself than to him.

Roman didn't respond right away, but his fingers brushed hers, a small comfort in the midst of everything.

"Yeah. We've got this."

Inside the hospital, the fluorescent lights hummed overhead, making the air feel sterile and cold. Malachi clung to Isabella as they waited in the lobby, his little body wrapped in his favorite blanket. He looked so small in her arms, his tired eyes flickering with both confusion and fear.

Roman stood beside them, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket, his gaze fixed on the floor. He hated this-hated that they were here. But there was nothing else he could do.

Malachi tugged on Isabella's sleeve. "Mommy, I'm scared."

She met his eyes, giving him a warm smile, even though her heart felt like it was breaking. "I know, baby. I'm right here, though. Daddy's right here too. We'll be with you the whole time."

Roman crouched down in front of them, his large hands gently cupping Malachi's face. "You're strong, kiddo. We've been through so much, and this is just another thing we're gonna get through together, okay?"

Malachi nodded, his lips trembling as he gave a small, shaky smile.

The nurse called them in a moment later, and Isabella followed her into the examination room, Roman close behind. They set Malachi on the bed, and he immediately curled up against Isabella, resting his head on her chest.

The pediatrician, Dr. Martinez, entered with a kind smile, though her eyes were filled with the gravity of the situation. She had been with Malachi through his diagnosis, and Isabella had always appreciated her calm and compassionate demeanor.

"Hello, little guy," Dr. Martinez greeted, her voice gentle. "How are you feeling today?"

Malachi mumbled, his voice muffled against Isabella's chest. "Not good."

The doctor nodded sympathetically, pulling up a chair. "I know, sweetie. We're going to make sure you feel better, okay? Let's check you out."

Roman stood at the foot of the bed, his hands clasped behind his back as he watched Dr. Martinez begin her examination. Isabella could feel his nervous energy, the way he was practically holding his breath. She squeezed his hand under the blanket, trying to send him some sort of silent reassurance.

Dr. Martinez worked quickly and efficiently, taking Malachi's vitals, asking him questions, and making sure his symptoms were documented. After a few minutes, she sat back in her chair and looked up at the parents.

"Malachi's fever is concerning," she began, her tone still calm but serious. "We need to run a few more tests to rule out any complications."

Isabella's stomach dropped. "Complications?"

Dr. Martinez nodded. "Yes, with his condition, any small change in his health can be more serious than it might be for a healthy child. We want to make sure he's not fighting an infection on top of everything else."

Roman's fist clenched at his side, but he said nothing. His entire body seemed to tense as he absorbed the news.

"We'll take care of him," Dr. Martinez continued, "but I need to admit him for observation tonight. We'll start the necessary treatments to bring the fever down and get those tests going."

Isabella's heart raced. The idea of leaving Malachi overnight, of having him stay in a hospital bed with machines and needles-she hated it. But she knew there was no other choice.

"Okay," Roman said quietly, his voice steady, but his eyes betraying the worry he felt. "Do what you need to do."

Dr. Martinez gave them a reassuring nod. "We're going to take good care of him. I'll check in once we have more information. I'm confident we'll have him feeling better soon."

As the doctor left to arrange for Malachi's admission, Isabella gathered her son close, pressing her lips to his forehead. "We're going to be okay, baby. Just like before."

Malachi's small, weak smile made her heart ache. "I love you, Mommy."

"I love you too, Malachi. So, so much."

Roman joined them on the bed, his hand resting gently on Malachi's leg. "And I love you, buddy. We're in this together."

The weight of those words hung between them, a reminder of everything they had been through-and everything they would continue to face together as a family.