A Child's Heart, page 12

“All right, Wend. Let’s go on back so we can get this feller cooked.” Justace said. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving!” And with that he began to tromp off. But soon he realized that Wendol wasn’t following him. “C’mon Wendol, it’s time to go home.” He called. Wendol didn’t reply. Justace walked back over to him. “Hey buddy, is everything okay?” He asked concernedly. But the youngster remained unresponsive, and continued staring off into the distance. “Wendol, talk to me.” He ordered. When Wendol still seemed to be very distant, Justace began to get worried. “Are you sick or something, little guy?” He asked as he picked Wendol up. “We’d better get you back to the barn.” So Justace carried him all the way back, silently praying the whole way that Wendol would be all right. As soon as Rylen saw Justace returning with the little boy in his arms instead of the rifle and some fresh game, she knew something was wrong. “Oh no, what happened?” She asked, running to them. “I don’t know, but we should get him inside.” He said. Justace carefully lay Wendol on his cot “Justace, he’s shaking…” Rylen said with surprise. “That can’t be good.” Justace said. “Do you think he’s cold? Get the blankets.” Rylen handed Justace the only two thin blankets they had, and he gently wrapped Wendol with them and tucked him in. “You should get some rest, okay pal? Let us know if you need anything.” He told Wendol. Wendol gave no response, but drifted off to sleep after awhile. While he slept, Rylen went out and fetched the rabbit and then cooked it up, and Justace did his best to tidy up the place. But it wasn’t long before Wendol began to moan and toss and turn in his sleep. Rylen gently shook him. “He must be having a bad dream.” She said. “Wendol, wake up.” Wendol sat up with a start and jumped out of bed. “No!” He screamed as tears ran down his face. “No, no, noooo!” Rylen was taken aback. “Wendol, I’m sorry, I just-” Wendol continued screaming and ran the other way. At that moment, Justace ran in from outside. “I heard screaming, what-” But Wendol darted out the door before he could finish. Rylen and Justace ran after him, and found him not far from the barn. When they reached him, they saw that his eyes were dilated, and he was still shaking violently. Beads of sweat dripped down his face, and he swayed unsteadily as he stood. Justace’s face was grim as he turned to Rylen. “This is more serious than I thought. We’re going to have to get help.”