"You are the worst boy, Theodore Laurence."
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For centuries, humankind has used the stars. Whether it be for navigating across unfamiliar oceans, for preserving myths and legends of great heroes who were bestowed a spot in the heavens by the gods...
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IT TOOK THE doctor less than five minutes to conclude Charlotte had scarlet fever and that there was nothing to do but let her rest. His bristled mustache flattened when he first laid eyes on Charlotte's shaking frame and he revealed to the frightened Laurence household that scarlet fever had been spreading throughout town like an out of control forest fire. He gave no update on Beth or the Hummel's, and instead stroked his face and left without another word. And while Charlotte had accepted his blunt diagnosis with a shuddered cough and a nod of her weak head before she slipped back under the covers and fell asleep, Laurie had been harder to convince that they would have to let Charlotte's body fight the illness by itself.
"Surely there's something we can do." Laurie muttered in his grandfather's study, two mornings after the doctor's visit. The old man sat at his desk with a small smile, watching his grandson pace holes in the floor and whisper all sorts of utterances about the long gone doctor. Laurie had barely slept in two days, deciding to spend his time tending to any need Charlotte had and propping himself up in an armchair in the corner of the bedroom as she slept. She had begged him to rest, but he had ignored her requests and insisted that he was alright, despite the fact he swayed on his feet and dark circles now hung underneath his eyes.
"Why don't you rest? I'll wake you if anything changes with Miss Kohler's health." Mr. Laurence waved his hand toward the door of the study, but Laurie ignored him and slumped into one of the chairs in front of the desk.
"I don't need rest." Laurie mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest childishly.
The old man chuckled. "Oh yes, you do." He looked over his grandson with loving eyes. It was quite apparent to Mr. Laurence that his grandson cared deeply for Charlotte, to the point he was forgoing his own health for hers. "The doctor made it quite clear we could only make her comfortable until the illness passes. The girl will be alright for a few hours, Theodore."
Laurie blinked sleepily at him and suppressed a yawn. "I guess a little rest isn't the end of the world."
Mr. Laurence chuckled as Laurie slipped out of the study and trudged through the grand house to his bedroom.
Hours later, as the sun was beginning to slip beneath the trees, Laurie awoke, revitalized and filled with newfound energy. He bounded down that halls merrily, sliding to stop in front of the guest bedroom that Charlotte was residing in. A weak and sputtered cough came from inside and Laurie's jovial mood turned cold.
"Are you awake?" Laurie cracked open the door apprehensively and peeked inside. Charlotte's eyes were closed, but her lips formed a weak smile as she heard his voice.
"I am now." She mumbled and the smile tugging at the corners of her mouth made Laurie chuckle. "C'mere." Charlotte patted the empty spot next to her in the bed as she peeled her eyes open. Everything around her moved in a haze, with a texture like unspooled cotton. Laurie's dark hair stood out amongst the bright room and white sheets as he moved around the room with liveliness flowing from his fingers and toes.
