~Abuse~

Chapter 80

Jay was downstairs with Erin, savoring a blended breakfast, when he suddenly experienced intense stomach pain.

"It's alright..." Erin soothed.

She approached Jay from behind and began to gently massage his stomach.

"Your stomach seems bloated, babe..." Erin murmured softly.

Jay nodded and leaned back into Erin's embrace.

"I could really use a head massage right now," Jay whispered.

Erin smiled gently and glanced at the couch.

"You married the right woman," Erin said with a smirk.

Jay rose slowly from the stool and settled onto the couch.

There, Erin started to gently massage Jay's scalp, easing him into a relaxed state.

Jay struggled to keep his eyes open, but the mix of medication and Erin's calming touch proved too compelling.

"Hey, I know you're not feeling well... You don't have to struggle to keep your eyes open," Erin soothed.

The apartment door flew open as Hank and Ashlyn burst in.

Erin, looking up in confusion, asked, "Shouldn't you be in school?"

Ashlyn, dropping her monkey-themed bag, slumped onto the couch.

"Burst pipe," Hank explained with a sigh.

Erin nodded in understanding just as Jay began to cry.

"What's wrong, babe? Baby, what's the matter?" Erin inquired, concerned.

"My ear... it's blocked," Jay sobbed.

Exchanging a glance with Hank, Erin questioned, "Hank, could an earache or blockage be a side effect of the medication?"

After examining the medicine bottle, Hank confirmed, "Yes, some patients may experience ear blockage."

Erin frowned sympathetically and gently asked, "Would you let me try to clear it by moving your ear a bit?"

Jay, visibly uneasy, shook his head.

"I promise to be gentle and not cause any pain. I just want to help remove the blockage," Erin reassured softly.

Jay nodded slowly and covered his ears.

"Alright, it's okay," Erin soothed.

Erin carefully took Jay's hand away and started to rub his ear in comforting circles.

After a few minutes, Erin succeeded in clearing Jay's ear, prompting him to exclaim.

"Oh, baby, hey, it's clear now. It's okay..." Erin reassured him.

Jay clung to Erin, weeping on her shoulder.

"Babe, did you get any sleep last night?" Erin inquired.

Jay just shrugged and leaned against Erin's chest.

"Do you want to go to the bedroom?" Erin murmured.

Jay shook his head and whispered back.

"I've been cooped up in there too long..." Jay sniffled.

Erin nodded and gently laid Jay down on her lap.

"Mama! Mama! It's almost Christmas!" Ashlyn exclaimed with joy.

Erin nodded and softly hushed her daughter.

"I know, sweetheart. Please keep your voice down. Daddy's trying to rest," Erin replied.

Ashlyn said sorry and scampered off towards Hank.

"Whoa! I'll bring this soup to dad, kiddo," Hank said.

Hank set down the renowned Halstead soup and smiled.

"It was his mom's favorite..." he murmured to Erin.

Erin managed a smile through her tears as Jay stirred awake.

"Mama?" Jay mumbled.

Hank approached and gently stroked Jay's arm.

"It's the homemade soup from Mama, kiddo," Hank said with a smile.

Jay looked up, his face falling.

"I thought Mama would be here..." he whimpered.

Erin tenderly massaged Jay's shoulders and kissed his forehead.

"I know, my love. I know you miss her," Erin whispered.

Jay cried and clutched his mother's teddy bear.

"I've got this, Erin," Hank whispered.

Erin rose from the couch, and Hank took her place.

"Don't worry, I'm here for you, kiddo. Mom would be too, if she could," Hank comforted.

Jay gripped Hank's sturdy arms and sniffled.

"Hank? Borrow you for a sec?" Erin asked.

Hank gave a nod and carefully placed Jay on the pillow.

"Sweetie, could you look after daddy for a while?" Hank asked.

Ashlyn nodded and took a seat next to Jay on the couch.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Erin was revealing her surprise gift.

"So, Angela is expected to arrive at lunchtime. Everyone else knows; you were the last one I needed to inform," Erin said.

Hank smiled and gently kissed Erin's forehead.

"That's the best gift Jay could ever receive. Angela has been gone for six years," Hank replied.

Erin nodded, her smile gentle.

"Jay has been ill and had a tough time. I want to do something special for him..." she said.

With a smile, Hank exited the kitchen alongside Erin.

Jay was sound asleep with Ashlyn resting in his arms.

"That's adorable," Erin remarked with a smile.

Hank nodded in agreement and took a seat in the chair.

Later on, Erin and Jay were in bed, sleeping soundly.

Hi My Readers!!

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~Stay Safe 🙂