Doctors Get Sick, Too
a Little House on the Prairie story
by Niki
"What's wrong with her, Doc?" Laura asked, quietly. Her baby had never been sick before, and like every new mom, she was nervous.
"Seems to be nothing more than a fever, but I'd keep her fever down to the best of your ability," Doc Baker answered, putting his supplies back into his bag.
"Thanks, Doc." Laura breathed a sigh of relief as she created room for the doctor to get up.
He tried, but sat back down with he was struck by a wave a dizziness. He'd been feeling poorly all day. There was a nasty cold going around Walnut Grove, and he'd been out to treat no less than 6 people in the past three days.
"Doc?" Laura's quiet voice asked. "He felt her gentle hand on his arm. "Are you alright?"
He looked into her concerned eyes. "Yes, just a bit tired."
"No. Your eyes are fever bright. You're unwell."
He smiled reassuringly. She was so smart. She'd make a good nurse, if only she wanted to. Suddenly, the world spun and he fell to his knees.
"Doctor Baker!" Laura exclaimed, as she took an arm and helped him back to his chair.
"Dizzy," he breathed.
"Come on, let's get you to bed," she said as she helped him up.
"Almonzo will mind," he said.
"No, he won't. And if he does, he won't by the time I get through with him." She put an arm around his waist, to assist with his balance, which was bad – at best. Suddenly, his breath hitched. "Hxxsht!" He was able to direct the sneeze away from her, but didn't have enough dexterity to do much else.
"Bless you, Doctor."
Laura lowered him into the bed. "There, now. Just rest."
He started to take off his vest, but another sneeze crept up on him, "Hxxxsht!", and he caught it just in time.
"Bless you. Now, you just rest there, and I'll bring you whatever you need."
"Thank you," Doc Baker said breathlessly, as she left the room.
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