"I don't think I could stand to lose you, really I couldn't. You keep me strong, little brother, you always have. First Dad, then Mum, I won't let you go, understand? You have to get better. Death is not an option, not on my watch."
Sami lay her head down on the bed and let the tears flow freely. When the door opened she lifted her head and glared at the nurse.
"I am not leaving, deal with it. He is all I have left in the world so I'm staying."
The nurse backtracked at the steely determination in her voice. Sami watched her talking with Mason and then sit down to use the phone. After a conversation peppered with glances thrown Sami's way, she hung up the phone and nodded at Mason.
Sami relaxed and gripped Garth’s hand tighter. "I won't leave you mate, I promise." With her hands locked over his, she rested her head down on the bed.
* * *
A fluttering movement woke her. Sami licked her dry lips and forced her eyelids to open. The movement grazed her palm again and she jumped up with a start.
"Garth, oh baby." She watched her brother fight to open his eyes and mouth words. "Shhh, it's okay. You are in hospital. You had a bad asthma attack, I thought I was going to lose you." Sami wiped her hands over his brow and dropped a kiss on his forehead.
Sami smiled through her tears as he woke up. She looked through the door to the nurse's station. Catching the eye of the nurse she lifted her thumb up. The door opened and Mason was standing there looking tired, rumpled, and incredibly sexy.
"What are you doing here?" Sami pushed aside the racing of her heart to remind herself what he had done.
"I was hardly going to go home and leave you here like this, not knowing what was going on." Mason rubbed his hand over his eyes and then grinned. "Welcome back to the real world, big guy." He walked into the room and stood at the end of the bed.
"Sorry for all the trouble." Garth rasped out the words.
"It's not your fault, Garth."
"Yes, it is." He coughed and Sami jumped up. "I'm okay, bit of a sore throat."
"Rest buddy, I'll get the nurse." Sami went for the door but it opened before she reached it. "Can you please check on my brother?"
"I most certainly will. How are you feeling, Garth?" She took his chart from the end of the bed and checked his pulse and oxygen.
"Tired, sore throat but otherwise fine."
"Wonderful. You gave us quite a scare, young man. I suggest you never go anywhere without your inhaler again."
"No I don't usually. I got a bit excited and forgot. Sorry, Mason, I didn't mean to lay that one on you."
"Don't worry about it, I've already told you. Get better soon so your sister forgives me." He glanced her way.
"Not likely."
"Not his fault, Sami."
"Whatever. Rest and get better." She turned to the nurse. "When will the doctor be up?"
"Shortly, I imagine. I'll ring down and let him know anyway. Back soon." She hooked the chart back on the end of the bed and walked out.
"Sami, it wasn't Mason’s fault. Don't blame him please."
She looked down at her feet before glancing over at Mason. "We can talk about it at home when you‘re better."
When the doctor arrived, he announced Garth could go to a ward for twenty-four hours observation before going home.
"Be careful in future. We never know what triggers some asthma attacks and as you are aware, they can be deadly. Never ever leave your inhaler behind again, okay?"
"Sure, Doctor. Thanks."
"Thank your friend for calling the ambulance in such a hurry. If it wasn't for him you might not be here." The doctor smiled and walked out.
"Lucky I'm so techno-dependant I never go anywhere without my phone." Mason patted his top pocket with a lopsided grin on his face. "Well, I might head home and let Tibby know you are out of danger. Did you want me to give you a lift home, Sami?"
She chewed on her bottom lip trying to find a reason to stay but Garth made the decision for her.
"Go home, Sami. You look like hell and there is nothing you can do here. Come and visit me tonight though if you can." He patted her hand as she struggled to leave.
"Fine. Want me to bring anything?"
"A change of clothes would be good, and my toothbrush."
"Okay." She leaned down and kissed his cheek before gazing over at Mason. "Let's go then."
Sami walked out of the hospital far happier than when she’d walked in. Garth was okay. She was so thankful he had pulled through.
Mason touched the small of her back as he guided her to the car.
"Thanks."
The drive home was quiet. She was embarrassed and grateful at the same time. If she was going to be realistic, Sami knew Mason was not to blame. It was plain bad luck and stupidity on Garth’s side but she couldn't bring herself to apologise to him. When he pulled up outside the house, Tibby came running as fast as his arthritic joints would let him.
"It's okay, Tibby, he’s awake and getting better." Sami rested a hand on his shoulder and smiled. "He'll be home tomorrow if all goes well."
"Thank goodness for that. When Mason rang me last night I was worried as all hell."
She glanced at Mason and cringed. She could have made a call but the thought hadn’t crossed her mind. Garth had been all she was concerned about.
"Thanks for doing that, Mason. And thanks for the lift." She tucked her arm through Tibby's and headed into the house, her ears tuned to the car driving away.
* * *
"You have to say something to him, Sami. It wasn't his fault, you know that."
She helped Garth into
