Two days later, the sun filtered through the curtains of their cozy cottage as May tried to shift on the couch where she’d been resting. Her face twisted in pain as she hissed, “Ow! Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!”
Drew, who had been in the next room, rushed in, alarmed. Aipom and Jigglypuff trailed behind him, looking concerned for once.
May winced and pointed at her cast-covered leg. “It still hurts. Worse than before. It’s been two days, Drew, and it’s throbbing.”
Drew’s brows furrowed in worry. He gently rested a hand near her cast but didn’t touch it. “It usually doesn’t take this long to heal… May, I think it’s infected.”
Her eyes widened. “Infected?! What do we do?”
Drew stood up quickly, running a hand through his hair. “We need to get you back to the Pokémon Center—immediately. Nurse Joy will know what to do.”
May groaned, her voice laced with both frustration and fear. “But it’s so far… and it hurts to move.”
“I’ll carry you,” Drew said without hesitation, moving to lift her.
“You’re not strong enough to carry me that far!” she protested, though her cheeks turned red.
“Watch me,” Drew retorted, sliding one arm behind her back and the other under her knees. He lifted her with a grunt but managed to steady himself. “See? No problem.”
May bit her lip, unsure whether to be grateful or embarrassed. Before she could argue further, Jigglypuff waddled over, tugging at Drew’s pant leg, while Aipom darted around excitedly.
“You two are going to help, right?” Drew asked, glaring at the duo.
Jigglypuff gave a determined nod, puffing out its cheeks as if ready for battle, while Aipom saluted with its tail.
“Good,” Drew muttered. “Now let’s go.”
The group hurried out of the cottage, Drew carrying May as carefully as he could. Aipom scouted ahead, leaping through the trees to ensure the path was clear, while Jigglypuff stayed close, occasionally humming softly to calm May.
Despite the pain and worry, May couldn’t help but smile weakly. “You’re really going all out for me, aren’t you?”
Drew glanced down at her, his face serious but tinged with a hint of softness. “Don’t get used to it. This is a one-time deal.”
May chuckled, despite herself. “Sure it is.”
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When they finally arrived at the Pokémon Center, Drew pushed through the door, panting from exertion but refusing to let May see how tired he was. Nurse Joy immediately noticed the strain on his face and the way May clung to him.
