“You use a new plastic cap every single time,” I said, setting the box of caps next to his knee.

“You pull her ear lobe down and back gently, insert the tip into her ear canal, and hold it steady until it gives three quick beeps.”

Ethan reached out and took the thermometer, weighing the blue and white plastic tool in his palm.

“Every two hours.”

I uncapped the antibiotic bottle and picked up the clear plastic syringe.

“This is five milliliters.

You pull the plunger up until the dark rubber ring lines up with this black mark right here.