Aching

Tell ′em all I said hi

"Are you sure you're okay, Pomni?" Jax asked, concern evident in his voice.

Pomni nodded, although she couldn't bring herself to meet his gaze. "Y-yeah, I'm fine," she lied unconvincingly.

Jax studied her closely, noting the paleness of her complexion and the trembling of her hands. "Hm, I'm gonna call the doctor," he said, deciding to play along with her lie.

As he dialed the number, Pomni felt a wave of nausea wash over her once again. She fought hard to keep her breakfast down, but ultimately succumbed to the overwhelming pressure building in her chest. She threw up in the bathroom sink, tears streaming down her face as she battled the urge to cry out in pain.

When Jax returned, he was met with the sight of Pomni doubled over in pain, clutching her abdomen. "Pomni! What happened?" he cried out, alarmed by her distress.

Pomni managed to gasp out a response between painful coughs. "I-I'm not sure... I-it hurts..."

Jax rushed to her side, supporting her weight as she leaned against him. He helped her back to the bed, where she lay curled up in a ball, whimpering softly as the pain intensified.

The doctor arrived promptly after Jax's phone call, taking Pomni's vital signs and performing a thorough examination. After a moment of silence, he cleared his throat and looked at Jax. "I'm afraid your friend is suffering from appendicitis," he informed them gravely.

Jax's eyes widened in shock. "Appendicitis?! But how? That doesn't make any sense," he protested.

"It happens," the doctor replied matter-of-factly. "We'll need to operate immediately to remove the appendix before it ruptures and causes further complications."

Jax nodded numbly, struggling to process the news. "What does this mean for Pomni? Will she recover?"

The doctor hesitated for a moment before answering honestly. "There are always risks associated with surgery, but given her age and overall health, the chances of a full recovery are high. However, we won't know for certain until after the procedure."

Jax swallowed hard, trying to push down the fear that threatened to consume him. "Thank you, doctor. Please do everything you can to take care of her."

"Of course," the doctor assured him. "We'll do our best."

As the doctor prepared for surgery, Jax stayed by Pomni's side, no matter what. "Don't worry, Pomni," he whispered softly in her ear. "I'll be here waiting for you when you wake up."

As the anesthesia took effect, Pomni's eyes fluttered closed, and she drifted off into unconsciousness. Jax held her hand tightly, willing her to know that he was there with her every step of the way.

The hours passed slowly as Jax waited in the hallway outside the operating room, pacing back and forth as he tried to keep his nerves under control. Every time the door opened, his heart skipped a beat, hoping to catch a glimpse of Pomni.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the surgeon emerged from the OR, looking exhausted but relieved. "How is she?" Jax demanded, unable to contain his anxiety any longer.

The surgeon smiled tiredly. "She's doing well, considering the circumstances. The surgery went smoothly, and we were able to remove the appendix before it ruptured. She'll need some time to recover, but she should make a full recovery."

Jax let out a pent-up breath he hadn't even realized he was holding. "Thank you, doctor. Thank you so much for taking such good care of her."

The surgeon nodded solemnly. "It was my pleasure. Let her rest for a while before visiting, okay? She needs her strength to heal."

Jax nodded obediently, eager to see Pomni but knowing that she needed her rest. He settled in the waiting area, determined to stay by her side until she woke up.

A few hours later, the nurse finally allowed Jax to enter Pomni's room. He rushed to her bedside, taking in her frail form as she slept peacefully. He brushed a stray hair out of her face, his heart swelling with love and gratitude.

As he sat by her side, watching her breathe steadily, Jax felt a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that they still had a long road ahead, but for now, he was content simply being near her.

Later, Jax told her the story. He didn't want her to remember it because he wanted her to focus on healing. And she did, even if it took weeks.

Jax was happy to see Pomni recovering, even though she wasn't quite back to normal yet. He loved her dearly, and couldn't wait until she was fully healed and they could enjoy each other's company again.