Pokemon Indigo League Stories Part 2

Stomach ache

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 as he put gloves on. " You'll be fine."

Richie gulped glancing at Ash.

He was met with gentle eyes.

' you'll be fine.' ash reassured.

Richie took a deep breath and lay back on the examination table, lifting his shirt just enough to expose his stomach. Gary slipped the stethoscope under Richie's shirt, resting the cool metal against his abdomen. Richie shivered slightly, feeling both nervous and uncomfortable.

"Just relax, Richie," Gary said in a calming tone. "This will only take a few minutes."

Gary listened intently, moving the stethoscope to different parts of Richie's stomach, his face calm and focused. He could hear the soft gurgles of digestion, which was a good sign-nothing alarming, but he continued his checks carefully.

"So, any nausea?" Gary asked, shifting his stethoscope slightly to the right.

"Not really, just the pain," Richie replied, glancing nervously at Ash.

Ash leaned forward, giving Richie an encouraging smile. "See? You're doing great."

Next, Gary placed two gloved hands on Richie's stomach, gently pressing down on different areas. "Let me know if anything feels sharp or really uncomfortable," he said. Richie nodded, biting his lip as Gary's hands applied gentle but firm pressure.

When Gary pressed near Richie's lower left abdomen, Richie winced. "There," he muttered, gripping the edges of the table tightly.

Gary paused, watching Richie's reaction. "Got it. That's a tender spot, huh? That helps narrow things down a bit."

He straightened up and took a thermometer, checking Richie's temperature with a quick ear scan. It came back within the normal range, which made Gary hum thoughtfully. "Alright, no fever, which is a good sign," he said, setting the thermometer aside.

Ash leaned closer, glancing between Gary and Richie. "Does that mean it's just a stomach bug?"

"Possibly," Gary replied, still thoughtful. "But let's double-check." He turned to grab a small ultrasound device and moved back toward Richie.

Richie's eyes widened, and he tensed up again. "An... ultrasound?"

Gary smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, this just gives us a look inside without any pain." He applied a bit of cool gel on Richie's stomach, causing Richie to flinch. "Sorry about that-cold gel is never fun."

Ash grinned. "See, Richie? Just a little cold, that's all."

Gary moved the ultrasound wand across Richie's abdomen, watching the screen carefully as different shades and shapes appeared. He traced it around the tender area and examined every detail, checking for anything unusual. The screen showed normal digestive patterns, and after a few more minutes, he clicked the machine off and wiped the gel from Richie's stomach.

"Alright, Richie," Gary said, setting the device aside. "Everything looks okay-no blockages, no inflammation. It's just some irritation, likely from something you ate or a minor bug that's working its way through."

Richie sighed in relief, finally relaxing on the table. "So... nothing serious?"

Gary smiled, patting Richie's shoulder. "Nothing serious at all. Just drink plenty of fluids, stick to gentle foods for a day or two, and rest up. You'll be back to normal soon."

Ash gave Richie a thumbs-up. "See? I told you, nothing to worry about!"

Richie managed a small smile, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks, Gary... and Ash."

Gary gave a nod and offered Richie his hand to help him sit up. "Anytime, Richie. You did great. Just take it easy, alright?"

Richie nodded, feeling reassured and grateful, and with Ash's hand still on his shoulder, he finally felt like everything was going to be just fine.