Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Stomach problems

Gary walked up to Richie and slipped the stethoscope under his shirt. " So you're having stomach problems?"

Richie nodded uncertainly and looked at Ash, who was sitting next to him and smiling encouragingly. " Go on. Tell him."

Richie took a deep breath. " I..... It started to hurt..... A few days ago but I just thought.... I.... Though it was because I ate too much. Now I'm not so sure."

Gary took a penlight and waved it in front of Richie's eyes. " Yeah, I think you have a stomach bug or something."

" What makes you say that?" Ash asked.

" Because his eyes are clear. If they were murky or foggy he woulda  been sick."

" B.... But how do we know?"

" Lie down and lift your shirt up." Gary instructed.

Richie hesitated, glancing nervously at Ash. Seeing his friend’s supportive nod, he lay down slowly, lifting his shirt just enough for Gary to examine his stomach.

Gary put on his stethoscope again, listening carefully as he moved it around different areas of Richie’s abdomen. "Let me know if anything hurts," he said, pressing gently in a few spots to gauge Richie’s reaction.

Richie winced as Gary’s hand pressed down on a tender spot near his belly button. "Ow," he mumbled, his face scrunching up.

Gary nodded, making a mental note. "Alright, that’s a bit sensitive. Could just be some bloating, but I want to be thorough."

Ash leaned over to get a closer look, clearly worried. "Is he okay?"

Gary gave a small smile. "It could be a stomach bug, like I said. If it’s mild, it should pass soon, but let’s check a few more things just to be safe." He pulled out a thermometer and handed it to Richie. "Under your tongue, buddy."

Richie took the thermometer, carefully placing it under his tongue, his eyes darting back and forth between Gary and Ash.

Ash gave him a reassuring smile. "See? Easy stuff. You’ll be back to battling in no time."

Richie grinned around the thermometer as it beeped, and Gary took it out, studying the reading. "Temperature’s normal, so no fever. That’s a good sign."

Richie let out a relieved sigh, but Gary wasn’t quite done. He gently tapped Richie’s stomach with his fingers, listening for any unusual sounds. "Sometimes stomach issues can be caused by gas or something you ate. Have you been feeling any nausea or noticed any changes in appetite?"

Richie bit his lip, thinking for a moment. "Yeah… I haven't felt like eating much lately."

Gary nodded, looking thoughtful. "Alright, I’d say we’re dealing with something mild. For now, stick to light foods, get some rest, and drink plenty of water. If it doesn’t improve in a day or two, you might need something more."

Ash gave Richie a pat on the shoulder. "See? Nothing too bad. Just a few days of taking it easy."

Richie smiled, visibly relieved. "Thanks, Gary."

Gary gave him a reassuring smile back. "Anytime. And if it gets worse, you know where to find me."