The weather in the northeast changes fast after midnight. Dark clouds gathered like spilled ink pressing heavy over the camp. Wind rattled the windows hard and rain came down in great heavy drops pounding loudly on the roof.
Jiang Shuiying woke to the sound of Niannian whimpering. She sat up sharply and touched his forehead. It burned like hot iron. Niannian she called shaking him.
Her heart rose into her throat. She lifted him into her arms. His whole body burned hot his cheeks flushed bright red yet his lips were pale as paper. Father Niannian murmured half asleep his eyes barely opening. It hurts.
Do not be afraid Mother is here she said stroking the back of his neck damp with sweat while heat radiated from him alarmingly.
She hurried to the door and pulled it open. Rain poured in drenching her shoulder. It was the biting cold rain of early autumn. She did not hesitate. Holding Niannian close she stepped straight out into the downpour heading for the medical station.
The cold rain stung her face. She stumbled through mud and puddles feeling him grow heavier in her arms his breathing faster and shallower. Hold on Niannian she whispered through tears mingling with rain. You must be all right I could not bear to lose you.
She reached the medical station and knocked hard. Is anyone there Doctor please help my son has a high fever.
A young nurse opened the door and stared at her soaked clothing. Are you the Battalion Commander’s wife.
Yes yes Jiang Shuiying nodded quickly. My son is burning up please get a doctor.
The nurse hesitated. Doctor Zhao is on duty tonight. She said no one is to be admitted unless it is an emergency.
This is an emergency Jiang Shuiying raised her voice sharply. A child’s life is at stake can she take responsibility if harm comes.
The nurse shrank back. Wait I will go and tell her.
Jiang Shuiying stood shivering in the rain for a long time before Zhao Xueting came out wrapped in an overcoat. Her eyes were puffy and her hair dishevelled. She frowned seeing Jiang Shuiying.
What are you making such noise for at this hour she said irritably. Cannot anyone sleep.
Doctor Zhao my son has a terrible fever please examine him Jiang Shuiying said keeping her temper as best she could.
Zhao Xueting glanced at the child and a faint cold smile touched her lips. Fever is common she said slowly. All children get fevers. Take him home keep him warm and give him plenty of hot water he will sweat it out.
He is barely conscious Jiang Shuiying’s anger flared. Are you really a doctor.
You have no right to question me Zhao Xueting’s expression hardened. This station serves soldiers not outsiders. And besides who can say for certain he is even the Battalion Commander’s child. He could be someone else’s.
Jiang Shuiying stepped forward and shoved her hard. Zhao Xueting lost her balance and fell. How dare you speak of my son like that Jiang Shuiying’s eyes were bright with fury. You will see him now or I will make you.
Zhao Xueting scrambled up looking stunned. You pushed me.
Jiang Shuiying advanced her presence overpowering. I am not afraid of you even if your father is the Political Commissar. Do not push me too far or I will not hold back.
How dare you threaten me Zhao Xueting called out loudly. Guards remove this woman.
Stand back.
A low firm voice cut through the rain. Jiang Shuiying turned and saw Lu Qingnian standing there soaked through. Water dripped from his cap brim and his uniform clung to him. He had been there some time watching.
Battalion Commander Zhao Xueting’s voice softened. What brings you here.
He ignored her and walked straight to Jiang Shuiying. He looked at Niannian his brow furrowed deeply. How long has he been like this.
I do not know Jiang Shuiying’s voice broke. He was already burning when I woke.
Lu Qingnian took the child gently from her arms. He felt light as a feather yet burning hot to hold. A pang shot through him. We must go he said.
Where.
To the town he said steadily. They cannot help here I will fetch a proper doctor.
But it is pouring rain.
I would go through fire to get there he replied turning to leave. I will walk you both back to the guest quarters first.
I am coming with you she insisted.
The road is bad wait there he said without looking back. I will bring the doctor back I promise.
She stood watching him disappear into the rain. Cold drops struck her face yet a warm feeling rose in her chest.
Lu Qingnian carried Niannian carefully slipping several times in the mud but always keeping the child safe and sheltered against him. Niannian stirred in his arms his lips moving faintly. Father do not go he whispered so softly it was barely audible.
Lu Qingnian heard him clearly. His heart ached. I will not leave he murmured whether to the boy or to himself. I am right here.
Niannian seemed to settle his brow smoothing as he snuggled closer. Lu Qingnian held him tighter. Rain ran down his neck but the child in his arms felt warm and bright like a little flame. He settled them safely then set off quickly toward the town.