“I’m going to make something warm to drink!”

Mason didn’t reject his offer. He watched as his father hurried into the cramped kitchen and went about boiling water clumsily. The night breeze was a tad too strong, causing him to cough intermittently.

All of a sudden, Mason asked, “Have you gone to see the doctor?”

Westley’s body stiffened. Then, he responded softly, “I’ve had this cough for a long time. It’s no big deal, really! All it takes is some pill and I’ll feel better.”

Mason knew he w