Trampolines are safe, right?
Freak Occurrence February day 6 - Trampoline
@freakoccurrencefeburary
CWs: Broken bones, child whump, angst
Jeremiah could barely keep his eyes open. The daycare was as crowded as ever with all of the kids celebrating Theo's birthday. He had spent the entire week setting up the party, not wasting any time in making it perfect. Although, he could see that his sleep deprivation was catching up to him. Constant yawning, nodding off on occasion, and even miscalculating the ingredients for the cake. Luckily, Colton was there to help.
"You don't have to do everything by yourself. I can handle it." He said after he sat him down.
"It's the kid's birthday. I need to make sure it's..." He yawned.
"Ava and I will handle it. You just get some rest, okay?"
Colton took over with the cake while Jeremiah looked into the cafeteria, seeing Theo talking to Jack. He smiled. It seemed like this daycare idea was beginning to work out.
The party seemed to be going great with a lot of the kids sitting at the table. Even Kevin was sitting at the far end, though he wasn't talking to anyone. From the look on his face, he didn't seem to be having fun.
After they sang the birthday song, the cake was served. Theo had a huge smile on his face like he hadn't celebrated his birthday in a long time. Jeremiah's heart ached at the sight. He probably didn't have kids his age to celebrate his birthday with.
When the cake was done, the kids dispersed, playing all sorts of party games. One group was running around, playing tag while another group was playing Pin the Tail. Jeremiah swore he saw some of the kids playing tug of war using Mommy Long Legs as a rope.
Wait a minute.
"Hey hey hey hey, be careful with her!" Jeremiah stumbled to try and get to the kids, but he was too late as the left side pulled, causing the right side to fall over. They all giggled as they got up. Jeremiah just chuckled to himself. They're just having fun.
Marie is here with them. Mommy Long Legs is not gonna hurt them.
Rubbing his eyes, he looked for the others. Everything seemed to be going well. The kids seemed to be hanging out in small groups, playing their own games. Kevin and Joseph were in a corner, talking. Kevin was kicking his legs while Joseph fiddled with DogDay's arm.
"Hey, be careful! One at a time!" Matthew shouted. He looked and saw a few kids getting into the trampoline. At first, he thought he should go over and watch them, but he thought about what Colton said. He needed to rest. This party was going great. He closed his eyes, listening to the sounds of happy children.
A scream jolted him awake. It wasn't a playful scream. It was one that told you that you were in intense pain. Looking at the trampoline, his stomach dropped. Jack's leg was stuck between the gaps, bent unnaturally. The kids who were bouncing before had stopped, one girl even slipping and falling. Jack was sobbing uncontrollably, trying to get his leg out.
Jeremiah immediately bolted up and ran to him. "Jack!! Jack, are you okay?!"
What did you think, genius?! His leg is broken!
"I-I tried." Matthew murmured. "I tried to tell him to be careful. He wouldn't listen! He-"
"Okay, okay, Jack. I need you to look at me." Jeremiah held his hand. "It's gonna be okay. We'll get you out of here."
Jack nodded, sniffling.
Soon, Colton and Ava rushed over. "What happened?!" He asked.
"Jack... H-His leg got caught in the trampoline... They wouldn't..." Matthew was trying hard not to sob.
Ava put her hands on his shoulders, trying to get him to calm down while Colton and Jeremiah grabbed him by the waist. "Okay, we're gonna try to be careful. I need you to stay strong for me, okay, Jack?"
With a meek nod, The two men began to wriggle him out. Jack gritted his teeth, tears streaming down his face as they pulled his leg out of the gap. They laid him on the floor and examined his leg. A deep, dark bruise was spread across his skin. There was a large lump poking out.
They continued to try and comfort him, telling him it'll be okay as nurses came rushing in. The other kids watched as Jack was taken away.
-----
A few days later, Jeremiah sat in bed, trying not to think about what just happened.
"He's gonna be okay, Mr. Willard. He just needs to be in a cast for a while. You did good."
He gripped the bedsheets. If he really did do good, then Jack wouldn't be in a cast right now. He wouldn't have gotten hurt if Jeremiah had just paid more attention.
No, he can't blame himself. At least he...
He shivered, trying not to think about it. He laid down and closed his eyes, hoping to get some semblance of sleep.
Jack hobbled into the room a few minutes later, seeing Jeremiah seemingly asleep. He felt awful that he had to see him like this. It was his fault that he broke his leg. He thought it would be a good idea to play a trampoline game where whoever is last on the trampoline wins. He sighed. He should've been more careful. He didn't want to worry him.
He looked at the CatNap doll on the bookshelf. Maybe he needs him to calm Jeremiah down. Using his good foot, he reached over and grabbed CatNap. He went to Jeremiah's side and slid him into his arms. He pressed a button on his paw.
A melody began to play. It was a calming melody that was used commonly in nurseries. Smiling a little, Jack whispered "Thank you for being here." And left the room.
Tears rolled down Jeremiah's face as he clutched CatNap tighter.