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Later after they’d eaten lunch, Sam took Jim aside,
“I know this is sudden and really short notice, especially since you have Spock with you, but maybe it would better if you stayed the night?” Sam shook his head. “I don’t know, I just…I’m unsettled a bit.”
“If you’re unsettled, things have to be bad. Why don’t we get him to the hospital now?” Jim asked.
“He’s stubborn and doesn’t want to go. And he spoke to his cardiologist and thinks that’s good enough until he sees him tomorrow.” Sam pinched the bridge of his nose. “I could set up a room for the two of you.”
“I’ll need to talk to him because he has work. I can probably call and get a substitute.” Jim’s stomach flipped. “Worst case scenario, I’ll drive him back to San Francisco and then drive back up here.”
“I hate to make you do that, but I’d really like you to be here, kiddo.”
“And I want to be. When did this all start?”
“He seemed a little weak Friday, but nothing too concerning. Same for most of yesterday, but last night he started showing signs of it.”
Jim glanced toward the living room. “This isn’t it, is it, Sam?”
“I honestly don’t know,” Sam admitted. “You know when he was young his chest got crushed when the wall fell on him. The doctors think that did some damage to his heart even back then that nobody paid any attention to until later in life. They concentrated on his collapsed lung instead. I don’t know. Some part of me realizes we’re lucky to have him this long.”
“Yeah okay. I’m going to go talk to Spock and the contact the university.”
Jim ended up taking Spock outside to a garden area his mom usually tended to so they could have some privacy.
He explained everything to Spock, who remained silent until Jim had finished.
“I’m sorry this is so crazy and unexpected. I’ll drive you back to San Francisco and the come back here.”
“I am able to make my own hours at the Institute,” Spock replied. “To be honest I am only working there in an effort to find a way back to my own time and universe. This far I have not been successful. But at the moment, I would rather be here, supporting you.”
Jim didn’t quite give into the relief he felt yet. Because he wanted to make sure. “Really? I don’t want to make things difficult for you.”
Spock pulled him close. “This entire situation we find ourselves in is difficult. But you are my T’hy’la and I don’t wish to be parted from you.”
Jim blew out a breath. “Okay.”