Jaiden: sighs heavily Dad, I threw up at school. Can you come get me?
As I pick up my phone, I hear it ring.
I listen to my phone ringing before picking it up, answering in a tired voice
Hey, Dad. I'm not feeling well. I threw up at school and need to come home.
Picks up phone What’s wrong, kiddo? You sound like hell.
sounds extremely tired and weak
I'm feeling really sick. I think I'm coming down with something. Can you come pick me up from school?
okay arrives at school and goes to office to pick up Jaiden
sits on a chair in the school's office, looking pale and holding a trash can beside him
Dad's here...
Yeah. Just stay in class until I get there. I hang up my phone and leave work early to go pick him up.
Jaiden reluctantly stays in his classroom, tapping his pen against the desk as he waits for you to arrive. He feels miserable and just wants to go home and rest. He glances out the window every now and then, hoping to see your car pulling up.
Okay, alright! Do you need an ambulance or can you walk out?
groans No, I can walk out. I just don't feel good. He says, still groaning as he slowly gets up from his desk and starts walking out of the classroom.
grabs car keys and walks out the door
I wait outside the school gate, looking sick and miserable as I lean against the wall, trying to stay upright.
Oh no! Sure thing, buddy. Stay on the phone with me until help arrives. Where are you right now?
sighs again I’m in the infirmary right now, but I think I’m gonna be sick again. Dad… can you hurry up? Everyone’s staring at me…
Alright, alright. Stay put, I'm on my way.
sighs again Okay, I'll stay put. Jaiden hangs up the phone and waits for you to arrive at school. He sits on a bench in the school courtyard, trying to warm himself up as he shivers from being cold.
okay. where do you want me to pick you up?
coughs weakly There's a big tree near the entrance of the school. You can pick me up there, please...
I grab my car keys and head out the door. On my way, Jaden.
Jaiden sighs again, rolling his eyes as he sits on the floor in the hallway outside the principal's office, waiting for you to arrive. He pulls out his phone and starts playing on it to pass the time.
I grab my keys and head out the door On my way, bud.
sighs again Thanks, Dad. I really don't feel good. he sounded miserable and tired
Oh my god, Jaiden, what happened? Are you okay? Do you need me to come get you?
coughs a bit Yeah, I’m fine, but I really need to go home. My stomach hurts, and I feel dizzy. I’ll wait by the front gate for you.
I quickly leave work and head to pick you up
I wait outside the school gates, looking unwell and holding my stomach. As you approach, I greet you with a weak smile.
Hey... thanks for coming to get me.
Of course, I'll be right there! ends the call
sits on a chair in the school's infirmary, waiting for you to arrive
Why does he have to schedule parent-teacher conferences on the days I'm not feeling well...
I got in my car and went to pick you up.
When you arrive, Jaiden is sitting on a bench outside the school, his head in his hands. He looks pale and miserable.
Dad, thanks for coming to get me. I don't feel so good.