Alive and Well (Enterprise alternate ending)

The Visit

Archer smiled worriedly at his friend. He stepped closer until he was standing right next to Trip. Phlox slipped quietly away, to give them privacy, but still stayed relatively near by, just in case.
"How're you doing, buddy?" Archer asked. Trip groaned in response.
"Lousy. I ache all over and every time I close my eyes, all I see are the flashes from the damned explosion. But never mind my misery. How did the speech go?" Trip's southern twang sounded like music to his old friend's ears, as weak as it may have been. Archer chuckled.
"Fine. Standing ovation, despite it being practically last minute." he joked. Trip chuckled, then coughed.
"Phlox tells me that I'll be able to leave in a day or so. I want to get out of here and see my folks. I know they're worried."
"I'm sure they are. T'Pol packed your things for you. They're already at your folks' place." Trip nodded.
"How is she?"
"She's fine. Worried about you, but she won't show it. Or at least, she tries not to. You know how she is."
Tucker chuckled again.
"Indeed I do," he said thoughtfully. A voice cleared his throat. Archer turned around and saw his Denobulan friend.
"I'm sorry, Captain, but I'm afraid Trip needs further rest," Phlox stated apologetically. Archer nodded.
"Of course, Doc. I'll come by later and check on him. Let me know when you're about to release him." Phlox smiles and nods. Archer looks at Trip.
"Good to see you doing ok, buddy."
Trip smiles. "Thanks for stopping by. And next time, bring Porthos." Archer nodded.
"Good idea. I think he's worried about you" he says, then turns and walks away. Trip lays back in his bed as his thoughts drift to T'Pol.

A/N: If anyone has any suggestions on how to continue this, please let me know. I'd love to continue this. This story won't be very long. It's only an alternate ending. A "how it should've ended" kind of thing.