Disclaimer: Supernatural and all its characters belong to Kripke and the CW. I own nothing.

Previously on Supernatural- Carding a hand through Sammy's mop of chestnut hair he whispered, "Its okay Sammy. Uncle Bobby's gonna get you some help. Just hang in there, kiddo."

Racing down the winding drive to the hospital's emergency entrance the dusty pick-up truck careened around several sharp curves before skidding to a stop beside the ambulance bay. "We're here, Sammy" Bobby whispered as he threw open his door. Spying two paramedics wheeling a gurney back to their rig the worried uncle jumped out of his vehicle and waved frantically at the men. "Hey guys! Over here!" he shouted. After assuring himself that the medics were on the way, Bobby turned and leaned into the cab of the truck. Reaching in he gently rubbed Sam's back whispering words of comfort to the sick little boy.

"Sir? Sir, what's wrong?" one of the paramedics asked as he stepped up beside Bobby. Seeing the young boy lying on the bench seat the medic placed a hand on the uncle's shoulder shaking it to get the man's attention. "Sir, could you scoot out of the way a little? Give us room to work?"

"Huh?" Bobby muttered looking over at the dark haired man. "Oh, yeah, of course." He agreed as he reluctantly withdrew his hand and backed away from the truck and its precious cargo.

Rick, the dark haired medic, immediately stepped into the spot Bobby had vacated and leaned inside the truck to assess the boy. Giving the frightened child a smile he said, "Hey kiddo. My name's Rick. Can you tell me your name and what hurts?" Not getting a reply he glanced back at the man who'd brought him in. "Sir, he's not talking to me. Can you tell me his symptoms?"

"Sammy, its okay. You can talk to them. They're here to help you, sport." Bobby assured his nephew before turning to the medics. "Yeah, ahh, there's the vomiting, and the diarrhea and he's having these really sharp pains in his stomach, on the right side. They kinda come and go."

The paramedics exchanged glances before diving into action. Sue, an older red haired woman, pulled the sheet down on the gurney while Rick carefully lifted Sammy out of the truck. Placing the young boy on the gurney he raised the rails and along with Sue began quickly pushing the gurney toward the glass ER doors. Hurrying through the automatic doors they followed the awaiting nurse to the first open cubicle calling out Sam's symptoms as they did. Once inside they gently transferred the sick child to the exam table and cleared out leaving Bobby and Sammy alone in the room.

Walking up to the table Bobby smiled down at the littlest Winchester and began to card a hand through Sammy's chestnut locks knowing the motion calmed the boy. "It's gonna be okay Sammy. Everything's gonna be alright." He whispered glancing over his shoulder as a swish of the curtain announced the doctor's arrival. Nodding at the older man in greeting he returned his focus to his ailing nephew.

Dr. Lambert, a fifty something veteran doctor with thinning gray hair, took a moment to scan the symptoms on the chart in his hands before snapping on a pair of gloves and making his way to the side of the bed. "Sammy, my name's Dr. Lambert." He said with a smile. "Can you show me where you're hurting?" After watching as the boy laid a hand on the right side of his abdomen he carefully lifted the little boy's shirt and felt around the tender area frowning when he came across a sausage shaped lump. Revising the diagnosis in his head he lowered the child's shirt and looked up at the man standing across from him. "Sir, I'm going to need you to help Sammy here get undressed." He told the other man as he pulled a flimsy gown and sheet out of a drawer in the table. "I'll just step outside the curtain for a minute to give you a little privacy."

"Thanks" Bobby agreed taking the supplies from the doctor. He waited until the doc had gone through the curtain before gazing down at Sammy. "Sammy, do you think you can get yourself changed or do you need some help?" he asked.

"I can do, do it" Sammy mumbled as he struggled to sit up. He pulled his shirt off and quickly covered himself with the gown. Toeing his shoes off he reached down and pulled his socks off handing them to his uncle. He then unzipped his jeans and slowly pulled them off turning red as he passed them to Bobby. Thinking he was done he started to lie back down only to be stopped by his uncle's hand on his back.

"The doc meant everything, kiddo." Bobby told him.

Dropping his gaze to the floor Sammy nodded his head. Reaching under the gown he slid his boxers off and handed them over. Hearing the doctor come back in he hurriedly tossed the sheet over himself and turned his head away from the approaching physician.

Dr. Lambert walked over to the exam table hating what he was about to have to do but knowing he had to. The kid was already embarrassed and this was going to make things ten times worse. Pushing those thoughts out of his head he went over to Sammy's right side and gazed down at his patient. "Sammy, I need you to lie on your left side for me." He instructed smiling as the little boy turned frightened eyes on him. "It's okay son. I just need to check your behind. It'll only take a minute. I promise."

Wide terrified eyes turned on Bobby making the uncle's heart break. "It's okay Sammy. I'm right here." He assured the youngster plastering on a smile for the boy's sake. Stepping closer he helped Sam turn onto his side and then kept one hand on the little boy's back and the other running through his hair as the doctor performed the uncomfortable examination.

Dr. Lambert stood up with a sigh. Looked like the evening was about to get a lot worse for the little guy. Pulling off his gloves he tossed them into the trash bin and looked over at the man who brought the boy in. "Mr., ummm, Mr…" he began.

"Bobby" the hunter filled in. "No Mr., just Bobby. I'm Sammy's uncle."

"Bobby, are Sammy's parents on their way?" the doctor inquired. "We need to run some tests on Sam and I can't do that without his parents' permission."

"Sammy's mom died when he was little. He's only got his dad. And Johnny's out of town right now. He's supposed to call the house when he gets to the hotel and I have a friend waiting there to fill him in. But even then it'll probably be late tomorrow afternoon before he could make it back." Bobby explained. "But you can go ahead with any tests you need to. Since his dad has to go off on business a good bit, he had papers drawn up giving me the right to make any decisions regarding Sammy's health and care."

"Good" Dr. Lambert replied scribbling notes on the chart in his hands. "I pretty sure young Sam here has what's called intussusception but we need to take an x-ray to make sure."

"Can I go with him?" Bobby asked feeling Sammy tense at the mention of more tests.

"You can go as far as the doors to the x-ray room but I'm afraid you can't go in there with him." The doctor informed him as he headed for the curtain. "You two sit tight while I go make the arrangements."

Bobby glanced down at Sammy and brushed a stray tear off his cheek. "Hang in there, Sammy. The worst part's over now." He soothed. "The doc's gonna have you feeling all better soon." A swish of the curtain had Bobby looking up as a nurse bustled in carrying an IV bag. "Great" he thought. "Just when I tell him everything's okay."

Nurse Gentry hurried over to the counter and pulled open a drawer. Taking the supplies she would need she set them on her tray and wheeled it over to the exam table. Reaching out she gently took the little boy's hand in hers and started searching for a vein. "Hi, sweetie" she cheerfully said. "Dr. Lambert wanted me to get you started on an IV before we take you down to x-ray. Okay?" Seeing the little boy fearfully shaking his head she added, "It's okay, honey. I'm an expert at this. You won't even feel a thing." Finding a good vein she ripped open a packet and pulled out the alcohol wipe. Quickly swabbing the area Nurse Gentry babbled about which super hero was the greatest; Superman or Batman. Seconds later she patted Sam's arm and smiled. "All done Sammy" she announced giggling at the boy's shocked expression. "See, that wasn't so bad, was it? Now let's get you down to x-ray." Stepping out of the cubicle she returned moments later with Dr. Lambert and a gurney. After lowering the rails she locked the brakes on the gurney and helped the doctor transfer Sam onto the gurney. Once he was settled on the bed the nurse raised the rail, unlocked the brakes, and began pushing the gurney out of the room.

Bobby walked beside the gurney keeping a tight grip on Sammy's hand as they navigated through endless corridors and hallways. Getting to x-ray he brushed Sammy's hair out of his face. "Alright Sammy, I'll see you in a few minutes." He softly said. "I'll be right out here waiting for you. And don't worry. It's gonna be okay." Leaning down he kissed the boy's forehead and then stepped back as the doctor and nurse wheeled the gurney through the swinging doors. Running a shaky hand across his face Bobby closed his eyes. He couldn't believe this was happening. And where was John? Surely they'd had time to get to Athens and call by now. Knowing the x-rays would probably take at least half an hour the hunter decided to sneak away for a minute. He had a call he needed to make.

In Athens

John wearily dropped onto the closest bed and shrugged out of his jacket. Gazing around at the red and black décor he grimaced. This was one of the worst places he'd stayed in since he'd become a hunter. Noticing Dean heading for the phone he called out. "Dean, we'll call your brother tomorrow. It's too late to ring Bobby's."

"But dad" Dean protested. "I promised Sammy we'd call. He's not gonna go to sleep till we do."

"Dean, I know you want to check on him but it's almost midnight, son." John pointed out. "That six car pile-up really put us behind schedule. It's just too late to try to call. Besides, after the morning Sammy had, he probably fell asleep early. Go on and take your shower. We'll call him in the morning, alright."

"Bobby'll still be up." Dean argued. "Please, dad? I need to make sure Sammy's alright. Please?"

"Fine" John caved. "Go ahead and call while I get a shower. Just don't blame me if Bobby chews you out for calling so late."

"Thanks dad" Dean cheered as he rushed to the phone on the night stand. Punching in Bobby's number he held the phone to his ear. His mouth fell open in surprise when Josh, not Bobby, answered. "Uncle Josh? What are you…why? Is something wrong wi…No! tell me what's wrong…what? Okay, hang on!" Dropping the receiver Dean sprinted to the bathroom door and started banging on it with both fists. "Dad! Dad! Come quick! It's Sammy!" he hollered.

At the hospital

Bobby paced outside the x-ray room doors. It'd been almost two hours since Sammy had been taken inside and he still hadn't heard anything. He glanced up at the doors before making another round getting more anxious with each minute that went by. Deciding he'd waited long enough he walked toward the doors determined to get some answers. He'd waited long enough. He reached for the doors just as they opened and Dr. Lambert walked out. "Doc, how's Sammy?" he asked as he tried to catch a glimpse of his nephew.

"Mr., I mean Bobby the x-ray confirmed my diagnosis of intussusception." Dr. Lambert announced as he led the hunter over to a short row of chairs against the opposite wall.

"And that is…" Bobby prodded as he stood his ground.

"Intussusception means that one part of the intestine has folded into itself, like a telescope. It's usually seen in children two and under but it isn't unheard of in older children or even adults." Dr. Lambert stated.

"Okay, so what are you gonna do to fix it?" Bobby questioned.

"Well, our first and most successful treatment option is called a reduction. Basically what that means is we use a saline enema to exert pressure on the affected area and it usually causes the area to return to its normal position." The doctor explained. "That's what took us so long. We attempted the procedure twice but it's not working. Which leaves us with one option; surgery."

"Surgery?" Bobby muttered as he dropped into the chair. "Is that the only other option?"

"I'm afraid so" Dr. Lambert replied. "And the sooner we can do it, the better. I've already called the OR and they're prepping a room as we speak. I just need you to sign the consent form."

"Sure, sure" Bobby distractedly answered. Taking the clipboard from the doctor he quickly scribbled his name. "Can I see Sammy first? Explain what's gonna happen?" he asked as he handed the clipboard over.

"Certainly" the doctor said as he stood and made his way to the door. "He may be a little groggy. We had to give him something to calm him down when we started the first enema."

"I bet" Bobby mumbled as he followed the doctor into the huge room. Seeing Sammy reaching out for him he hurried over to the gurney and gently took the boy into his arms.

"Uncle Bobby, I wanna go home. Please, can we go home?" Sam pleaded whimpering as he sat up on his now sore behind.

"Sorry kiddo" Bobby whispered. "You've gotta stay here a little bit longer so they can fix you up." Feeling the shake of the youngster's head followed by a warm wetness on his shirt almost broke Bobby. Knowing he had to be strong for Sam he pushed back his own emotions and schooled his expression. Hopping up on the gurney with his terrified nephew Bobby scooped the little boy up and settled him on his lap. "It's okay Sammy. Everything's gonna be alright." He whispered as he slowly began to rock. He sat and rocked the littlest Winchester smiling as Sammy's breath evened out in sleep. When the nurse and doctor came back into the room several minutes later, Bobby slid off the gurney and gently laid Sammy down covering him with the thin sheet. Grabbing a hold of the sleeping boy's hand he walked beside the gurney all the way to the OR room doors. Releasing Sam's hand he leaned down and kissed his forehead before giving the doctor a nod. Stepping back he watched them wheel Sammy into the operating room and out of sight.