~Abuse~

Chapter 81

Four weeks had elapsed since Jay's discharge from the hospital, and the moment to remove the bandages from his stomach had arrived.

Jay was seated in the car, appearing much improved.

"Why have you brought me here? You know my aversion to hospitals," Jay inquired.

Erin chuckled gently, resting her hand on Jay's shoulder.

"The old bandages need to come off your stomach to prevent further illness. Besides, it's Christmas. I'd rather not escort you to the ER in a snowstorm," Erin reasoned.

Exhaling deeply, Jay exited the truck.

"I deserve a shiny star for being so brave!" Jay quipped.

The unit erupted in laughter as Jay strode into Med.

"He's back!" Adam exclaimed with a smile.

Erin nodded, her smile broadening.

"My husband has returned to his old self..." Erin said with a smirk.

At Med, Jay was lying on the bed while Will proceeded to remove the bandages.

"Did Erin tell you?" Will asked.

Jay shook his head in response.

"Tell me what?" Jay inquired.

Will, remembering it was a surprise, attempted to divert the topic.

"Oh! That I bought Ashlyn a little toy truck set," Will said with a smile.

Jay shrugged and shook his head.

"She might have? I was probably too asleep to hear," Jay replied.

Will nodded and gently removed the bandage.

"AHH!" Jay screamed.

Will apologized and sighed.

"Ever heard of '123'?" Jay asked.

Will chuckled softly and removed the next bandage.

"OUCH!" Jay yelled.

Will apologized once more and meticulously removed any remaining fluid.

"You're all set! See you at lunch," Will said with a smile.

Jay nodded, buttoned up his coat, and replied, "See ya, man!" with a grin.

Exiting the medical facility, Jay climbed into the truck.

"How are you feeling?" inquired Erin.

Jay responded with a jest.

"I feel... very dizzy..." he murmured faintly.

The team looked on with concern until Erin noticed Jay's barely suppressed chuckle.

"Oh, you ass!" she blurted out.

Jay just rubbed his shoulder and chuckled.

"He's just pretending!" Erin groaned.

Noticing tears in Erin's eyes, Jay softly called out, "Babe?"

He wrapped his arms around Erin, comforting her with a kiss on her forehead.

"Erin, it was just a small joke. I didn't mean to..." Jay said, his laughter tinged with anxiety.

Erin wept against Jay's chest, letting go of her pent-up worry.

"Hank chimed in, "She's been fretting over you, kid. Stayed awake all night to ensure you slept well, took your meds, and were pain-free."

Jay sighed with affection and kissed Erin's forehead.