Alexander’s father takes forever. When he finally picks him up Alexander is a wreck. Halfway to the clinic they get stuck in traffic. Alexander gets out of the car and walks the rest of the way but it’s stormy and he can only move very slowly. He takes the wrong turn several times, has trouble orienting himself . When he finally arrives he isn’t allowed to see Benjamin because they aren’t related. He sneaks in through the back door and wanders around the hallways. Eventually he discovers a door with Benjamin’s name on it but the room is empty. Suddenly Chris appears in front of him.
“You. I don’t want you here. It’s your fault.”
Alexander wants to ask about Benjamin but he can’t get the words out. Chris walks towards him threateningly.
“My brother is dead and you dare show up here? Alexander!”
“Alexander?”
He jerks awake Benjamin! Is he—
Chris looks at him with concern.
“Are you OK?”
“Has anything happened to him?” Alexander chokes on the words, unable to look over to Benjamin.
“No change. Did you dream?”
Alexander sinks back into his chair. His back hurts. He nods, completely exhausted. Tears are burning his eyes.
“It’s all right, nothing happened. I would have woken you up immediately otherwise, OK?”