Chapter 5 Thaddeus

Thaddeus's POV

Thank goddess I have a great support system and I'm able to take some time off. I'm letting Xander and Marcus take over for a little while.... That is if Marcus doesn't try to kill Xander.

Poor Marcus... Marcus has been the main focus of Xander's pranks and jokes.

You would think the three of us were blood-related the way we bicker, fight but love each other like true blood brothers.

I look over at this little sleeping form, the poor little guy passed out in the middle of a panic attack.

I brought in some extra blankets and pillows so I can sleep on my chaise.

I looked at him once more, it hurts my heart looking at him. His body is in such bad shape.

The doctor came in while he was unconscious earlier. After he woke up nuzzling his pillow and blankets.

The doctor came in to examine him while he was unconscious.

He also hooked him up to an IV since he is extremely dehydrated. He also gave him a couple shots, some antibiotics to fight off the infection that he had on his back.

Hopefully that will make him feel a little bit better tomorrow and heal his poor little body somewhat at least.

The doctor looked at his wounds and his body condition. He has no meat on his bones.

He has absolutely no muscles on his legs, They are literally skin and bones!

The doctor said he would be surprised if the boy can walk.

He gave him a shot to make sure he wouldn't wake up while he treated his wounds. The doctor said these are some of the worst wounds he's ever seen.

He treated his wounds, some of them actually needed stitches. Once he was done treating all of his wounds he bandaged him up.

The doctor already warned me that he won't have much of an appetite.

Doc said, hopefully he'll feel hungry, but most likely he will only be able to handle a couple bites.

Nothing heavy or he'll throw up. Only light stuff like soup.

Thank goddess Grace is an excellent chef, and makes some of the greatest soups.

I checked his IV once more before I laid down on the chaise.

I woke up several times throughout the night when my alarm went off.

I set an alarm to check on him every 2 hours. I know that might sound a little much, but I'm really worried about him.

I also wanted to make sure he didn't pull his IV out or rip off his bandages.

After checking on his IV and making sure he's still sleeping, I laid back down on the chaise and fell asleep.

I woke up a short time later to the sound of whimpers and cries.

I quickly went to his side and was relieved he was okay but it was clear he was having a nightmare.

He was sweating, he had tears running down his face as he lightly thrashed around.

"Why does he always hurt me?"

I heard his soft little voice says.

My heart broke even more when I heard him say that.

I sat down next to him, careful of how I touched him, not wanting to hurt him. I placed my hand on his shoulder and lightly shook him.

"Hey little guy, wake up!"

I said softly as I shook him.

His eyes snapped open, then he began to frantically look around. I think he was looking for him, for that bastard that hurt him.

"Hey, it's okay, he won't hurt you anymore."

I said as I tried to calm him down.

His eyes finally landed on mine before he quickly looked away, his eyes casting down so that he wasn't looking in my eyes.

I reached for him and he cried out and flinched back.

His eyes slammed shut as he began to tremble. I watched his little chest rapidly rise and fall, I could see a panic attack coming again so I quickly began to croon.

Pushing it out as loud as I could.

After a few moments, I watched his breathing slow down and even out. His eyes slowly opened, they slowly moved up. I could see he was still afraid to look at me, but I could see he wanted to.

"You don't have to be afraid to look at me, I'll never hurt you, I promise!"

I said in the softest voice I could. Unfortunately my voice is quite rough and deep.

But it seemed to do the trick and his eyes finally moved up higher until they met mine.

I smiled at him as soon as his eyes met mine but he quickly looked away.

That was a start I suppose. I guess he's not going to be fixed in one day. But I'm definitely going to try my hardest to heal this poor little guy inside and out.

I suddenly got an idea, I reached into the nightstand and pulled out my flashlight.

As soon as he saw it, he covered his face with his arms and began whimpering. His body began to tremble.

I looked at the flashlight confused until I realized what was going on. I guess it could resemble something he's been hit with.

I quickly reached forward, and turned the light off before clicking on the flashlight.

"Hey little guy, I'm not going to hurt you. I just wanted to show you something cool.... Watch this!"

I said as I placed the flashlight between my knees.

"What animal does this look like?"

I said as I place my hands in front of the flashlight then began to make a bunny with my hands and fingers.

I looked at him for a moment, he slowly moved his arms until he was finally able to peek out. I nudged my head toward the ceiling and his eyes went up.

His eyes went wide when he saw the little bunny I was making. His arms dropped and he tilted his head as he watched my shadow puppets.

He looked amazed as he watched the different animals I made. The shadows practically dancing on the ceiling as I made one animal then another.

He smiled when I made the bird and it took everything in me not to grab him and hug him. It was his first smile with me. His face lit up when he looked at that bird.

I knew in that moment, this is something I'm going to do every night.

I made the little shadow puppets until his eyes began to droop.

I turn the lamp on next to him again then turn the flashlight off and put it away.

"I think that should be a part of our bedtime routine, what do you think?"

I said smiling at him. He slowly made eye contact with me and I felt my smile get bigger.

Unfortunately he quickly looked away, but I take that as a good sign. It's still a step forward. He's getting braver, he's made eye contact with me twice now this evening.... Or I guess I should say morning. Since it is 3:00 in the morning.

I pulled the blanket up over him, being careful not to touch him. The last thing I want is to set off another panic attack.

"Good night little guy."

I said before turning and walking back to the chaise.

I laid there, waiting until I knew he was asleep before I allowed myself to fall asleep.