Taylor's anemia was becoming more challenging to handle with each passing day. The constant fatigue, lightheadedness, and weakness were all difficult, but what really unsettled her was the near-certainty that she'd pass out during every single appointment that involved shots, blood draws, or IVs. It was like her body shut down at the mere sight of a needle. She hated the feeling, hated the fainting, and hated having to rely on Travis to catch her every time, but as usual, he was there, steady and dependable, never complaining.
Today's appointment was no different. They sat together in the doctor's waiting room, Taylor anxiously shifting in her seat. She bit her lip, trying to calm her nerves, but as usual, just thinking about the needles was enough to make her feel faint.
Travis noticed, as he always did, and took her hand, gently squeezing it. "Hey," he said softly, his voice calm and reassuring, "I'm right here. It's going to be okay. We'll get through this together."
She gave him a small, grateful smile, though the anxiety was still evident in her eyes. "I know, I just... I hate this part. I feel so ridiculous for passing out every time."
"Taylor, there's nothing ridiculous about it. It's just something we deal with," he said, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. "And you don't have to go through it alone. I'll be right there with you."
The nurse soon called her back, and Travis kept her hand in his as they walked down the hall to the exam room. Once inside, Taylor took a shaky breath, and Travis could feel the tremble in her fingers as she held his hand tightly. He led her over to the exam table and sat down, then pulled her gently onto his lap, cradling her securely.
"Just lean on me," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her and positioning her so she'd be safe and comfortable. "Close your eyes if you need to. You don't have to look at anything you don't want to."
The nurse came in, holding the necessary supplies for the blood draw, and Taylor's heart immediately began to race. She squeezed Travis's hand, fighting to keep herself calm. But she could feel that familiar wave of dizziness creeping in, and she knew what was coming.
"It's okay, babe," Travis said quietly, his voice steady. "I've got you. Just breathe."
But as the nurse moved closer, Taylor's vision began to blur, and before she knew it, everything went dark.
Travis felt her go limp in his arms, her head falling gently against his shoulder. He adjusted his hold, cradling her so she wouldn't slip off his lap or hurt herself. The nurse looked at him, used to this routine by now, and waited patiently for Taylor to come around.
After a few moments, Taylor stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly regained consciousness. She felt Travis's arms around her, his hand gently stroking her back, and his calming presence grounded her. She blinked a few times, her vision clearing, and looked up at him.
"You're okay," he whispered softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "You just passed out for a minute."
She felt a flush of embarrassment, but his gentle smile reassured her. "Sorry... I just... I can't seem to stop myself from fainting every time."
"Taylor, stop apologizing," he said firmly but kindly. "I'm here for you, remember? I told you, I'll catch you every time."
She managed a small smile, comforted by his unwavering support. The nurse approached again, and Taylor tensed, but Travis kept his hold on her, his presence steady and reassuring.
"Let's try again, okay? Just breathe," he whispered. "You're safe with me."
Taylor closed her eyes, leaning her head against his chest as the nurse carefully completed the blood draw. She felt the familiar cold prickle of the needle, but she focused on Travis's breathing, letting his calmness ease her nerves.
When it was finally over, Taylor let out a shaky sigh of relief. Travis pressed a kiss to her temple, rubbing her arm soothingly as she leaned against him, still feeling lightheaded and a bit shaky.
"You did great," he murmured, his voice filled with pride. "See? We got through it."
She looked up at him, grateful. "Thank you... I don't know what I'd do without you here."
"You don't have to worry about that," he replied, his voice warm. "I'm not going anywhere. Now, let's get you out of here."
After they'd checked out, Travis kept his arm around her as they walked out of the office and into the bright sunlight. She still felt drained, the effects of the anemia and the blood draw weighing on her, but just having him by her side made her feel stronger.
"Are you hungry?" he asked as they walked to the car.
Taylor's stomach growled in response, making them both chuckle. "I could eat," she admitted, feeling her appetite return now that the appointment was over.
Travis smiled, steering them toward a cozy little diner he'd spotted on the way. They settled into a booth by the window, and Taylor felt herself relaxing as she took in the familiar, comforting atmosphere. The smell of coffee and freshly baked bread filled the air, and she finally felt like she could breathe again.
Travis reached across the table, taking her hand in his. "What sounds good? Something hearty to help get your strength back?"
She nodded, her mouth watering at the thought. "Maybe some pancakes... and eggs?"
He grinned. "Pancakes and eggs it is. Let's get you fueled up."
When the food arrived, Taylor dug in with enthusiasm, feeling her energy slowly start to return. Travis watched her with a smile, occasionally sneaking bites from her plate and making her laugh. By the time they were finishing up, Taylor felt lighter, the tension and fatigue from the morning's ordeal starting to fade.
"Feeling better?" he asked, watching her closely.
She nodded, reaching for his hand. "A lot better. Thanks to you."
Travis shrugged, squeezing her hand gently. "I told you, I'm always here. You don't have to face this alone, Taylor."
Her eyes softened, her heart full as she looked at him. "I know. And I'm so, so grateful for that."
As they left the diner, Travis wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. They walked in comfortable silence, the warmth of the sun on their faces, and for the first time in a while, Taylor felt truly at peace. She knew that as long as she had Travis by her side, she could handle anything—even her fears, her fainting spells, and her ongoing battle with anemia.
~~~~~~~~~~~>
