A new chapter for Rory and Logan

Echoes of buddy

[Doctor's Office Waiting Room]

Rory: (holding Freddie) "I can't believe how nervous I am. It's just a routine check-up, right?"

Logan: "I know, but it's his first one. I just want everything to be perfect."

[Door opens, Luke walks in]

Luke: "Hey, you two. Thought I'd come by and offer some moral support."

Rory: (surprised) "Luke! What are you doing here? I thought you had the diner to run."

Luke: "Lorelai told me you were a bit anxious about Freddie's appointment. She's swamped at work, so I figured I'd step in."

Logan: (smiling) "Thanks, Luke. It means a lot to have you here."

Rory: "Yeah, it really does. Freddie's lucky to have so many people who care about him."

[Nurse calls them in]

Nurse: "Rory Gilmore and Logan Huntzberger? The doctor is ready to see you now."

[They all stand up, Luke gives Rory a reassuring pat on the back]

Luke: "Let's go see how the little guy's doing."

[Doctor's Office - Examination Room]

Doctor: "Good afternoon, everyone. How are we doing today?"

Rory: "A bit nervous, but we're excited to see how Freddie's doing."

Doctor: "That's completely normal. Let's take a look at our little patient here."

[The doctor begins examining Freddie, checking his weight, height, and overall health. Freddie coos and looks around curiously.]

Doctor: "Freddie looks perfectly healthy. He's growing well and hitting all his milestones. Do you have any questions or concerns?"

Logan: "Actually, we've noticed he seems a bit fussy at night. Is that normal?"

Doctor: "It's quite common. Babies can have different sleep patterns, and it often changes as they grow. Just make sure to keep a consistent bedtime routine."

Rory: "Thank you, Doctor. That's reassuring to hear."

[The doctor finishes the examination and hands Freddie back to Rory.]

Doctor: "You're doing a great job, both of you. Keep up the good work."

[They leave the examination room, feeling relieved and happy.]

Rory: "See, Luke? Everything's fine. Thanks for being here with us."

Luke: "Anytime, kiddo. That's what family is for."

[They all head out of the doctor's office, ready to celebrate Freddie's good health with a family dinner.]
* later on, everyone is in the living room, enjoying some Chinese food when Luke's phone rings. He steps aside to take the call. The room quiets down as they notice the change in his expression.

Luke: "Hey, Liz. What's up?"

Liz (crying): "Luke, Buddy's dead. TJ and I are heading over there now."

[Luke's face falls, and he takes a deep breath, trying to process the news.]

Luke: "I'm so sorry, Liz. How's Maisy holding up?"

Liz: "She's pretty shaken. They were like second parents to you, and she's really struggling."

Luke: "Do you need me to come over?"

Liz: "Just... just be there for us, okay? We need you."

Luke: "Of course, I'll be there. Hang in there, Liz."