Chapter 4

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Sunlight streamed through the window into the hospital room. Baloo was asleep in a chair beside Kit's bed. Rebecca and Molly on the other side.

They had spent the night in the hospital which Baloo had done every single day since his young navigator was brought in. A whole week had passed and the boy didn't wake up. The pilot was more worried than ever and it drove him crazy. The only good thing was that Kit was able to breathe on his own again. The strength was slowly returning to his body.

Kit's eye lids quivered. Slowly he opened his eyes.

White.

Everything was white and the sunlight dazzeled him.

Then his ears picked up a snoring sound beside him. He slightly turned his head to the right and saw the sleeping pilot who rested his head onto the bed.

Kit closed his eyes again for a few seconds and softly squeezed Baloo's paw, causing the grey bear to stirr. Feeling the cub's hand, the pilot quickly opened his eyes and looked up.

"Oh my gosh... Kit", he mumbled softly when he saw that the boy was awake.

Kit's reply was only a weak whisper. "Papa Bear..."

Baloo smiled at him and felt a few tears of joy welling up in his eyes. "How do you feel, L'il Britches?" he asked in a low voice, not trying to wake up the others.

"I dunno... pretty confused," Kit whispered. "What happened?"

"Well, you overdid yerself, kiddo," the pilot explained slowly. "You collapsed."

Kit considered for a second. "Was... was that yesterday?"

Baloo slightly shook his head. "A week ago."

'A whole week'' Kit closed his eyes for a second.

The pilot stood up. 'I'll be right back, L'il Britches.'

As soon as Baloo had left Rebecca inhaled deeply and opened her eyes.

'Morning, Miz Cunningham.' Kit said quietly.

'Kit! Oh honey, you're awake!' She smiled and gently grabbed his paw.

The yellow bear cub yawned. 'You've been sleeping for a very long time, Kit. I really missed you. Why did you sleep here and not at home?'

'Uh' well''

Before Kit could give a reply Baloo was back with the doctor.

'Finally you're awake, young man,' he said as he quickly approached the bed. 'I'm Dr. Frank by the way. How are you feeling?'

'A bit tired,' the cub replied as Dr. Frank shone a small flashlight into each of his eyes. Baloo had already sat himself down again beside Kit.

'Well, everything looks just fine,' the doctor said when he was done with his examination. 'I think in about three days you'll have your strength back and then you can go home again.'

'Three days'' Kit sighed.

Baloo smiled. 'Of course I'll stay with you.' He slowly got up and shook Dr. Frank's hand. 'Thank you very much, doctor.'

'You're welcome. And don't worry he'll be just fine.' Dr. Frank smiled. And to Kit he said: 'I'll see you later.'

'Ok, thank you, doctor.' Kit watched as the doctor left the room.

'Uh, Becky'' Baloo spoke up. 'Could you take Molly down to the cafeteria and give me a minute alone with Kit?'

'Sure.' The woman got up and grabbed Molly's paw. 'Come on, pumpkin.'

As soon as they were gone the room turned silent.

Finally Baloo took a deep breath. 'L'il Britches' you' you've had me really worried there''

'But you don't have to be anymore,' Kit said. 'I'm fine.'

'Yeah, but'' The pilot grabbed the boys paw. 'The whole time I thought it was my fault, y'know? I mean' I didn't recognize that you've been working so hard lately and''

'No,' Kit interrupted him. 'No, it's really not your fault, Papa Bear! I'' He sighed, 'I should have told you.'

'Yes, you really should have.'

They were both silent for a few seconds before Baloo went on. 'Kit, why didn't you tell me?'

'I dunno.' Kit stared at the white wall.

'Is it' because you don't trust me?' Baloo asked quietly.

Kit suddenly looked at him. 'No! Baloo, that's not it. I trust you. I really do!'

Baloo brushed the hair out of the cub's face. 'Then what was the reason?'

'I didn't tell you because' well, I sort of felt guilty.'

'Guilty?' The pilot didn't understand.

'Yeah, I mean' you gave me a new home and'' Kit sigehd '' and I thought the last thing I could do was help you out wherever I can.'

Baloo was slightly shocked. 'Oh, L'il Britches, why would you think something stupid like that? I've never asked you to work hard 'cause you live with me! Kit, I really care about you. We're a family!'

We're a family'

Kit felt tears well up in his eyes. He didn't know what to say.

'Kit, do you understand what I'm saying?'

We're a family'

Kit slowly nodded and sat up throwing his arms around the big grey bear. 'I love you, Papa Bear, ' he whispered as a few tears streamed down his cheeks.

Baloo wasn't expecting Kit's outburst and felt a few tears well up in his own eyes. He hugged the cub back, silently comforting him. 'I love you too, L'il Britches' Forever''

--- The End ---