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.

Gary picked up a thermometer and put it behind Richie's ear. It came back as normal.

' good." He muttered

Then he turned to Richie and sat on a chair. " Now, Ritchie, relax and breathe Normally, okay?"

Richie took a deep breath and lay back, lifting his shirt slightly as he tried to relax. Gary adjusted his gloves, leaning closer with a calm, reassuring presence. "Alright, Richie, just relax. Breathe normally for me."

Richie focused on his breathing, his chest rising and falling steadily. Ash gave him an encouraging nod from his seat nearby. "You’re doing great," Ash said softly, his voice helping Richie feel a bit more at ease.

Gary leaned forward, his gaze focused and calm. "Alright, Richie, I’m going to check around your stomach for any tender spots. Let me know if you feel any sharp pain." He placed his hands gently on Richie’s abdomen, applying gentle pressure as he palpated different areas.

Richie flinched slightly as Gary pressed down near his lower abdomen. "There," Richie murmured, gripping the edge of the table as he tried to hold still.

Gary noticed the reaction and nodded. "Got it. So, that’s where it’s most uncomfortable?"

Richie nodded, swallowing nervously. "Y-Yeah… right there. It's been like that for a few days now."

Ash leaned forward, concerned. "And it hasn’t gotten better at all?”

Richie shook his head, his eyes flicking to Ash, then back to Gary. "No… it kind of feels worse, actually."

Gary hummed thoughtfully, making a few notes. "Alright, that helps a lot. You’re doing great, Richie. Next, I’ll take a quick look with this small ultrasound device, just to make sure everything inside is as it should be." He gave Richie a reassuring nod as he prepared the machine and applied a bit of cool gel to Richie’s abdomen.

Richie tensed slightly at the coldness, but Ash patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Almost there, Richie."

"Yep, almost done," Gary added, moving the ultrasound wand gently across Richie’s stomach, his gaze focused on the monitor. The screen showed various shades of gray, but nothing that looked unusual.

After a few minutes, Gary turned off the machine and wiped the gel from Richie’s skin. "Alright, Richie. I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary here. Sometimes, even minor stomach issues can feel worse than they really are. I’d say it’s likely just a mild stomach bug or some irritation from something you ate. A bit of rest and some gentle food should help."

Richie sighed in relief, visibly relaxing. "So… I’m not sick?”

Gary smiled, patting Richie on the shoulder. "Nope. Just some mild stomach irritation. You’ll be fine in no time."

Ash grinned, nudging Richie. "See? Nothing to worry about. You’ll be back to yourself soon."

Richie managed a small smile. "Thanks, Gary… and Ash."

Gary gave him a nod, folding his arms with a friendly grin. "Anytime, Richie. Just remember to listen to your body. And maybe lay off the snacks for a bit."