~Abuse~

Chapter 69

The team congregated around Hank's truck, as it was time for Jay's wisdom tooth extraction.

Jay always struggled with dental visits, which invariably triggered a panic attack.

"What if something goes wrong? What if I can't breathe? What if—" Jay's voice trailed off.

Erin rested her hand on Jay's leg, offering comfort.

"Babe, it's going to be okay! The dentist will simply remove the tooth. You won't see or feel anything," Erin assured.

Jay nodded and took a breath.

"Dad? You're going to be fine! You can take Ashlyn's toy truck if you want," Cassie joked.

Jay shot glares at his eldest daughter, and the unit erupted in laughter.

"Go ahead! We'll be right here," Erin nodded.

Jay sighed and kissed Erin's lips.

"I love you," Jay whispered.

"I love you too," Erin smiled.

The unit cheered and wished him good luck.

Jay approached the clinic and entered.

Upon arriving at the clinic, he followed the nurse's lead.

Erin observed Ashlyn's concerned expression and turned to her.

"Daddy's going to be alright, sweetheart," Erin reassured with a nod.

Ashlyn returned the nod, her lips pursed in a pout.

Erin was tense, yet she maintained a stoic facade.

"Your husband's going to be fine, Erin!" Adam declared.

Erin exhaled deeply and confessed.

"I'm aware... It's the aftermath that worries me. When Jay comes to, he often suffers a panic attack," Erin disclosed.

The team acknowledged and began to play with the children.

Jay was undergoing surgery, and when the tooth was extracted, he struggled to breathe.

"N-No..." Jay murmured.

David halted the surgery, worried about his patient.

"G-Get off me!" Jay grumbled.

Jay sat upright and took a sharp breath.

"It's okay, sweetie. Have some water," Linda soothed.

Jay gulped the water down, and Linda cleaned the blood off his mouth.

"All done! You did very well," David said with a smile.

Jay sighed and settled into the wheelchair.

"See you next time for a check-up, Jay," David called out.

All that Jay could focus on were the racing thoughts swirling in his mind.

Linda soon wheeled Jay outside, where the unit noticed his tear-streaked face.

"He had a panic attack. Dammit..." Erin muttered under her breath.

Erin swiftly exited the truck and hurried over.

"Baby? Hey!" Erin whispered.

Jay looked up and collapsed into Erin's arms.

"We encountered some issues after the tooth extraction. He'll be quite tired and drowsy for a while, so please monitor him. The post-extraction medications are in this bag. Give him one when he gets home, and another after meals," Linda instructed.