Work Text:
Summer of 2005
“So where are you now?”
“Hmmm... Middle of nowhere Nebraska?” Michael Robinavitch was stopped at a gas station, leaning against the side of a phone booth. He glanced around the lot at the cars getting gas. “All the license plates say Nebraska.”
“I still can’t believe you’re doing this man.” Jack Abbot sounded a mix of awe and concern.
“I’ll be back before you know it!” Robby laughed. “Hey, I got to go, but I’ll call from the motel tonight.”
“Alright, ride safe.” Jack said after a sigh.
“Will do, brother.” Robby hung up and sighed. He rubbed at his face, feeling tired and achy, and he would never tell Jack, but a little homesick too. He trudged into the gas station and grabbed a pop and pre-made sandwich, and then, after hesitating, a bag of Cheetos. He paid and walked back to the far corner of the lot his bike was parked in.
He sat on the curb next to his bike and started to take the wrapper off his sandwich when he heard something. He looked to his left and froze. A kid, no more than eight he guessed, was standing about ten feet away with an embarrassed look on his face. He had on a what Robby assumed used to be white tank top that was just a little too big, shorts that were definitely too small for him, and shoes that if they hadn’t already been falling apart still would have been too big for him. He was covered in not only dirt, but cuts and bruises littered the skin he could see. He was certain there was more he couldn’t.
“Sorry, mister.” The kid sounded so sad and tired, and Robby could see dark circles under his blue eyes and curly blond hair. The kid turned and started walking away, and Robby saw he was limping.
“Hold it kid, come back here.” Robby called after him. The kid stopped and turned back to him slowly. Robby smiled and beckoned him back. The kid took a step closer. “That was your stomach, right? Hungry?” He watched the child approach him slowly, and Robby could see how thin and frail he actually was. When the kid finally sat down next to him, Robby saw his ribs clearly through the arm hole of his shirt.
“Here, eat and drink up.” Robby moved his lunch over in front of the kid. He stared at it hungrily but didn’t take anything. Robby heard his stomach again, and he smiled and grabbed the sandwich, giving the kid one half and keeping the other. “Would you feel better sharing?” The kid nodded at took the half offered to him. He waited until Robby took a bite before digging into his own.
“Whoa! Slow down kid!” The kid had inhaled most of the sandwich already, and Robby could easily see him choking. “Here, take a second and chew. Swallow and then have a sip of this.” Robby opened the bottle of Pepsi he had grabbed and held it out to the kid. He watched him slow down, chew his food properly, then swallow, before taking the glass and drinking. “Good kid.” Robby smiled again and took another bite of his sandwich. “So what’s your name, kid?”
“Mama says I can’t talk to strangers.” The boy said and then scooted away from him a bit as if he just remembered. Robby put a hand over his mouth to hide his laughter.
“She’s right.” Robby smiled at him. “My name is Michael, and I’m a doctor.” He reached into his bag and pulled out his ID, handing it to the kid. When he said doctor, his eyes had gone wide.
“Papa says doctors are quacks who just want our money.” He was staring at him so intently Robby had to look away. “But...” Robby looked back at him and saw that nervous look again.
“It’s okay kid, you don’t have to explain yourself.” Robby gave him another smile and saw him relax a tiny bit. “Eat some more of your sandwich. Slowly, though.” He said, afraid he might try to inhale it again. Robby watched him eat, taking another small bite of his own sandwich. When the kid finished his, he made a big show of patting his belly. “I’m stuffed; you want the rest of mine?”
“Can I?” The kid looked so unsure, as if he couldn’t believe Robby would give him more.
“Of course, you should definitely eat up.” Robby smiled and the kid took the rest of his sandwich and began to eat it slowly. Robby made another big show of opening the Cheetos and placing it between them. “Want some?” He offered, and the kid smiled and nodded, taking one.
Robby studied him more as he ate, assessing him with a critical eye. Bruising on the right cheekbone, a small cut in the center. Split lip and missing a tooth, probably just a baby tooth though. Bruises around his neck that made Robby feel hot with anger, as well as his arms, as if someone had grabbed him too hard. Bruises on his legs but focused on his knees. His right ankle was purple and swollen.
“What happened there?” Robby asked gently, pointing at his ankle. The kid looked at it and shrugged.
“I tripped running.” He said, taking another Cheeto. Robby nodded like he understood.
“Were you playing?” He asked. The kid shook his head no. “Were you running from something?” The kid froze for a second before taking a drink. “Someone?” Flinch. “It’s okay, I’m a doctor, you can trust me.” Robby smiled at him again and the kid looked embarrassed.
“You won’t tell on me?” He asked and Robby nodded.
“I took an oath called HIPPA that says if you’re my patient, I can’t tell anyone anything unless you say so.” A little lie, since he was a kid, but Robby didn't care. The kid looked at him a little disbelieving.
“I just wasn’t listening.” The kid said quickly, turning to face him. “I made papa mad, then I tripped down the steps. God was telling me I needed my punishment.” Robby felt sick. The way this kid looked so desperate to make him understand. “Please, papa was just correcting me.” Robby rubbed his face for a second.
“Can I look at your ankle?” Robby asked and the kid looked nervous.
“How much is it gonna cost?” He asked and Robby tried to smile again but knew he must look sad.
“Free of charge.” The kid gave him an incredulous look.
“Pastor George says nothing in life is free but God’s love.” Robby laughed at that, smiling again.
“Well, God said I should be a doctor and that means his love brought me here to help you.” The kid looked like he was thinking really hard before finally nodding. He turned and laid his leg out, letting Robby look at it.
“Okay, I’m going to untie your shoe and take it off.” Robby gently untied the laces and loosened them as much as he could before pulling off the shoe. He saw the kid wince in pain but didn’t make a sound. “Okay, does it hurt here?” Robby gently palpated the ankle, watching to see where made him wince. “Okay, I’m going to gently try to move your ankle.” He waited to see the kid nod, before lifting his leg slightly and moving the ankle gently. Again, the kid grimaced but didn’t make a peep.
“How ya doing?” Robby asked, taking a second to get a closer look at the kid's legs. They were a rainbow of blues, purples, and greens. There were cuts up and down his legs, as well as scars.
“I’m fine.” The kid said and then gave a big sniff. Robby looked at his face to see he was close to tears.
“It’s okay, I’m done looking for now.” Robby said and set his leg down. The kid nodded but didn’t say anything. Robby bit the inside of cheek, looking at the injured child. “I think we should go to the hospital.” The kid looked at him, panicked.
“Papa and mama said no hospitals, it’s where people go to die.” Robby shook his head.
“It’s where people go to heal.” Robby smiled but the kid shook his head.
“No, that’s church.” He looked at the kid, thinking of what to say.
“Sure, church is where you go to heal your soul. But a hospital is where you go to heal your body.” The kid looked thoughtful again before nodding. Robby sighed in relief and stood up. “Okay, do you know your parents' number?” The kid nodded. “Let’s go give them a call.” The boy made a strangled sound and lunged forward at him. Robby dropped to his knee again, concerned.
“You said you wouldn’t tell them!” He accused him and Robby sat there shocked. He had told the kid that, but he couldn’t exactly just pick up and take someone's kid. He gave the boy another once over and sighed, resigned to his fate.
“Okay, okay. Let’s just go get you checked out, yeah?” Robby smiled again and stood. The kid watched him and then nodded, like he was copying him. Robby had to cover a laugh again. “You’re going to have to ride on my bike though.” Robby gestured to the motorcycle behind him and the kid's eyes went wide again.
“Wow! I’ve always wanted to ride a motorcycle!” The kid hoped on his good ankle, a huge smile on his face. Robby smiled as well, feeling cool, and then embarrassed at feeling cool over this.
“Well, you should only go somewhere with someone you trust or with your parents verbal permission.” Robby started to lecture the kid as he set him on the bike. The kid nodded excitedly.
“What’s verbal?” He asked, looking at Robby.
“It means you heard them say it’s okay and safe for you to go with someone.” The kid nodded again and Robby felt a twist in his gut looking at him. “Well, maybe you shouldn’t actually listen to your parents.” He said with a grimace. The kid had the audacity to snort.
“Not listening to papa’s how I got like this.” Robby pat the kid’s head gently and looked him in the eye.
“I’m going to tell you something very important: It’s never okay for an adult to hit a child. For any reason. Ever.” He held the kids gaze, but the boy shook his head.
“That’s not what papa says.” His lowered lip trembled slightly.
“Your papa is wrong.” Robby gave him a firm look, and a tear spilled over the kid's cheek.
“Why does papa hit me then?” He whispered and Robby sighed and scratched at his beard, something he grew on this trip.
“I don’t know kid.” Robby shook his head. “I just know it’s wrong.” The kid looked down and swiped at his eyes. “Let’s go get you checked out, okay?” Robby waited for the kid to nod before he got on the bike behind him. Robby grabbed his helmet and placed it on the kid’s head before opening up his jacket and pulling him close to his chest. “It might get a little cold.” Robby warned and kicked the bike on.
He had seen where the closest hospital was on the map in the phone booth, and he went that way. It was fortunately not a long ride, only a few minutes away, but the kid was shivering when they got there. Robby parked the bike and got off, then lifted the kid off. He took off the helmet and smothered a laugh, the kids' hair going everywhere.
“You okay if I carry you?” Robby asked and held out his arms. The kid didn’t hesitate to throw himself at him, clinging to Robby’s neck. Robby stumbled back a bit but caught himself. He stood up, bringing the kid with him, and he walked into the small-town emergency department and up to the desk.
“Hi, my name is Doctor Michael Robinavitch. I’m a senior resident at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. I’m here with uh...” Robby looked at the kid, realizing he didn’t actually know his name. The kid looked at him and then at the lady behind the counter. She gave him an encouraging smile.
“Dennis.” He said, turning back to Robby. Robby gave him a smile and got one in return.
“Alright Dennis, let’s get you checked out.” The waiting room was empty, so she led them straight back. He sat Dennis down in the chair in triage and a nurse greeted them.
“Well, hello there, you must be Dennis?” She said and gave him a smile. Dennis gave her a half smile back. “What seems to be the problem, Dennis?” She glanced up at Robby; he had a pinched look on his face.
“I fell and hurt my ankle.” Dennis said and held his leg out.
“I see that.” She nodded. “And how did you fall?” She asked and Dennis glanced at Robby, which made the nurse glance at him, which made Robby immediately hold his hands up.
“Dennis, this is another person you can trust.” Robby crouched down next to him. “I promise you can trust her.” Dennis held his gaze before nodding.
“Papa was mad at me, and I tripped down the stairs.” Dennis looked back at the nurse, and she gave him a sympathetic look.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” Robby watched as she gave Dennis another once over. “Does your papa ever do anything else?” Dennis nodded.
“But it’s never okay to hit kids.” Dennis said and looked at Robby. Robby and the nurse nodded.
“That’s correct.” She said. “And it’s important that we know you’re safe if you go home.” Dennis looked at her and nodded. “Okay, let’s go get you an x-ray and then we can chat some more, yeah?” She smiled and another nurse appeared at the door with a wheelchair.
“C’mon, kiddo! I’ve got something really cool for you to see.” The nurse smiled and they helped Dennis into the wheelchair. Robby waited next to the nurse, planning to divulge all the information he had before leaving, when Dennis cried out.
“Wait!” He yelled. “Michael!” Dennis twisted in his chair, trying to reach for him. He went and knelt down next to him.
“It’s okay, I’ll be here when you get back.” Robby smiled but Dennis’s lip trembled still.
“Can you come, please?” Robby looked back at the nurse and she shrugged. He sighed and looked back at Dennis, nodding.
“Okay kid, yeah.” Dennis looked so relieved it made his heart ache. He stood up and followed them to the x-ray.
“Okay, we’re going to put you on this table and take some pictures of your ankle, okay?” Dennis nodded and they got to work. He never cried once as they maneuvered his ankle, taking pictures of it.
“Can I see them?” Robby asked the tech after he took the last shot. He gave Robby a withering look that made him laugh a little.
“I won’t tell if you won't?” Robby tried and the tech sighed.
“Just keep your mouth shut.” He grumbled and showed Robby the image. He sighed in relief, not seeing anything broken.
“Thanks.” They got up and grabbed Dennis. “Ready?” Robby asked and Dennis nodded. They wheeled him back towards the emergency department and into a room this time. Robby sat Dennis on the bed, and the tech said goodbye and left.
“How are you feeling?” Robby asked, sitting down next to the bed.
“Tired.” Dennis said and yawned. Robby gave him a small smile.
“I bet. You can close your eyes if you want.” Robby whispered and watched the kid curl into a ball so small, it was like he was trying to disappear. Robby on instinct put a hand out and gently rubbed his head, brushing soft curls off his forehead. How could anyone hurt this sweet child?
“Sorry.” The door slid open and a doctor came in. She smiled at him. “I thought it was you, Dr. Robinavitch. You’ve caused quite a stir amongst some of the staff.” She gave him a rueful look, and he had the decency to blush.
“Sorry.” He said, smiling.
“No need to apologize.” She smiled and came in as Dennis woke up from his nap. The boy sat up and rubbed his eyes with another yawn. “Hey Dennis. I’m Dr. Keller. I’ve got the results of your x-ray.” Dennis sat up, more alert now.
“Is it broken?” He whispered. She smiled at him.
“All clear. Just a sprain.” Robby watched the kid let out a breath. “But you’re going to have to be careful over the next couple weeks, so it doesn’t get worse.” She said, and Dennis nodded sagely, making her laugh. “You’ve got the spirit of an old man.”
“That’s what grandma says too.” Dennis said, making Robby and Dr. Keller laugh. Dennis looked between the two. “What?”
“Nothing, kid.” Robby said and ruffled Dennis’s hair. Dennis gave him a gap-toothed grin.
“There were some other questions I had for you.” Dr. Keller spoke up, and Dennis looked back at her. “You’ve got quite a lot of injuries.” She said, serious again. Dennis looked at her and frowned.
“Papa gets mad at me.” Dennis said and scooted closer to Robby, who in turn leaned in so Dennis could take his hand. “He hits me and kicks me sometimes.” Dennis whispered.
“It’s okay, Dennis. You’re very brave.” Robby said and gave his tiny hand a squeeze.
“S-Sometimes, if I’m r-really bad...” Dennis hiccupped and started to cry. Robby squeezed his hand again. “He m-makes it g-go dark.” The anger washing over Robby felt icy hot.
“How does he do that?” Robby asked as gently as he could.
“He holds my neck really tight.” Dennis said, looking at him. Robby took in all the boys' bruises again and felt his mouth form a thin line.
“I bet that’s really scary.” Robby said and Dennis nodded, tears welling in his eyes again. Robby felt like his heart was breaking when the kid’s stomach grumbled again.
“Why don’t I find you something to eat?” Dr. Keller stood up and smiled at Dennis. “Dr. Robinavitch, can I talk to you outside?” She jerked her head toward the door, and Robby looked at Dennis, who was still holding his hand.
“Dennis, I’m going to be just outside that door, okay?” Robby said and Dennis squeezed his hand like Robby had squeezed his before letting go. “Good boy.” Robby said and pat Dennis on the head again and stood up. He stepped outside, making eye contact with Dennis again. The boy looked even smaller somehow.
“Dr. Robinavitch, care to tell me why you’re with an unattended minor in Nebraska?” Robby winced at Dr. Keller’s tone and turned around to look at her.
“Hello to you too, Dr. Keller.” Robby said sheepishly. She glared at him and he sighed. “He just walked up to me; I couldn’t exactly leave him.” Robby looked at his former teacher and smiled. “Besides, we wouldn’t get to catch up if he hadn’t.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Save it, Robinavitch.” She said, glaring at him again. “This does not look good.” He nodded.
“I know, but I swear I’ve never met this kid before.” Robby said, and she sighed.
“I believe you, really. This kid definitely trusts you for some reason though.” She stared at him and he shrugged.
“I think I might just be the first adult to be kind to him.” He glanced back at Dennis, who had curled back up into a ball.
“Did he tell you anything else?” She asked and Robby shook his head. “One of the nurses recognizes him; said she goes to the same church.” Robby waited for her to finish but she didn’t continue.
“It’s good someone familiar is here for him, then.” Robby said, and she gave him a strange look.
“Apparently they're very religious.” Robby nodded, remembering some of what Dennis had said. “They have a new pastor who seems to have taken a liking to some of the young boys, Dennis included.” Robby groaned and rubbed his face.
“Jesus Christ, am I going to have to fight every adult in this kid’s life?” Dr. Keller chuckled a little at him.
“Still getting attached I see.” Robby shot her a look and then looked back at Dennis.
“I’m not attached.” He grumbled. “Just... How can anyone treat such a sweet kid like that.” He watched the kid shiver slightly and told himself he needed to get him a blanket. Dr. Keller stood next to him and looked into the room as well.
“I’ve already got a social worker on the way.” She said, and Robby nodded. “I’m going to have to call in some state troopers and eventually his parents.” Robby’s mouth formed a thin line. “I know you know the progression of this. I’ll let you explain it to him, but as soon as Jeff gets here you should try to leave.” Robby nodded again, feeling a pang in his chest.
“Could you have someone grab him a blanket? And maybe something to eat?” Robby asked, getting ready to go back in. Dr. Keller smiled and nodded at him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“You’ve done a good job today.” Robby met her gaze before she walked away. He sighed, hyping himself up before going in again. As soon as he opened the door, he heard sniffling.
“Hey, shhh.” He said and rushed to the bedside. Dennis was holding himself and crying quietly. “You’re okay, it’s okay.” Robby gently pat his head again and Dennis looked at him.
“Sorry... I’m not supposed to cry.” Robby shushed him again and continued to soothe him.
“You can absolutely cry.” Dennis gave him a watery look. “You have every right to cry.” A few more tears spilled over, and Dennis started to reach toward him, then stopped. “Come here.” Robby stood and held out his arms. Dennis climbed slowly into his arms, and Robby sat on the bed, cradling him. Dennis started to sob in earnest, and Robby gently rocked him.
“It’s okay, let it out.” Robby rubbed the boys back as he cried, letting him tire himself out. Sometime in the middle a nurse came in and gave him an apologetic look, setting a warm blanket next to him and an applesauce on the counter. Robby grabbed the blanket and wrapped it around Dennis’s back, continuing to try and calm the kid down.
After the blanket wrapped around him, Dennis seemed to calm down more. His sobs turning to soft sniffles and rubbed eyes. Robby looked down at the boy in his arms, an intense feeling coming over him.
“So, you’re going to be meeting a lot of new people soon.” Robby said, his hand still patting Dennis’s back. Dennis looked up at him and nodded. “They’re going to help you and try to make sure nothing bad happens to you ever again.” He looked at Dennis, but the kid didn’t say anything. “I’m not going to be able to stay, unfortunately.” Dennis grabbed the front of his shirt hard and his eyes went wide. “But it’s okay, because you can trust the people here. Especially Dr. Keller.” Robby told him and gave him a smile, but the kid just looked down.
“Okay... I understand.” Robby felt his heart breaking and had to try and hold back his own tears. He pulled the boy back into a tight hug.
“You’re going to be okay now.” Robby said, and Dennis nodded against him. There was a soft knock at the door and Robby stiffened. A man poked his head in and gave him a smile.
“Hi, I’m Jeff. I’m from social services.” Robby nodded at him, and he came in the rest of the way. “You must be Dr. Robinavitch. And this is Dennis?” He directed the question at the bundle in his arms. Robby adjusted Dennis so he was sitting up back on the bed.
“I’m Dennis.” The boy said, looking at Jeff.
“Nice to meet you, Dennis.” The kid nodded. “I’m sure you’re tired, but would you share with me a little about what brought you here?”
Dennis told his story again, looking at Robby occasionally for reassurance. Jeff asked probing questions, getting more and more information about the kid’s childhood. With every revelation, Robby could feel himself losing a bit of his composure. By the time Jeff finished, they were giving Dennis encouraging smiles, but the room was somber. Dennis yawned again, his eyes drooping.
“Dr. Robinavitch, you’re still here?” Dr. Keller stepped in and looked between him and Jeff. Dennis looked up at him with tired eyes and Robby gave him a small smile.
“These people are going to take good care of you.” Dennis nodded at him and returned his smile.
“Okay, Michael.” Dennis looked at Dr. Keller and Jeff, and they smiled at him. “I’ll be okay.” He said, looking back at him. Robby felt that pang in his chest again but smiled anyway.
“I know you will be.” Robby leaned forward and pat his head again before standing. “I hope I get to meet you again, Dennis.”
“Me too, Michael.” He walked out into the hall and looked back one more time. He waved and Dennis waved back. Dr. Keller followed him out.
“Do you want me to call you with any updates?” She asked, giving him a concerned look. Robby sighed and shook his head no.
“Wouldn’t be anything I could do anyway.” Robby said and gave a sad smile. “Plus, I really do think he’s going to be okay.” She nodded at him.
“Go give Monty a call and then get out of here.” Robby nodded, heading back to the lobby where the phone was. He really needed to get himself one of those new cell phones. He grabbed the phone and called PTMC.
“Pittsburgh Trauma.” Dana answered and Robby smiled.
“Hey Dana, could you grab Jack really quickly?” She made an annoyed sound, but he heard her shout for ‘Dr. Abbott!’.
“You okay, brother?” Jack asked as soon as he got the phone.
“Yeah, just wanted to warn you I ran into Keller.” He said and heard Jack sputter.
“Dr. Keller? Why? How?” Robby laughed a little before answering.
“Long story, I’ll tell you later.” He said. “Can you tell Adamson I’m cutting my trip short?” Jack was quiet for a second.
“Did something happen?” Jack asked, his voice worried.
“Not really... Just...” He trailed off. He wasn’t sure how to explain it; he just knew he needed to go home. He heard Jack sigh.
“Alright, brother. Get home safe. I’ll let Adamson know but you know what he’s going to say.” Robby laughed a little.
“Yeah, I know.” He said. “I’ll be home in a few days.” And he hung up. He sighed and his shoulders slumped. He sank into a nearby chair and scrubbed his face, feeling exhausted and hungry. He rested a few minutes more before standing up and going back outside to his bike.
The sun had almost set, and the sky was orange and purple without a cloud in it. He grabbed his helmet and put it on before climbing onto his bike. He kicked it on and turned onto the road, starting the long journey back to Pittsburgh.