The Good Wife (COMPLETE)

Five

The next morning my throat hurt. It lasted all day. I started coughing the day after that. It only got worse from there and I found that I started having trouble sleeping at night because of all the coughing. I really tried not to wake Mark and for the most part, ended up sleeping on the couch with the TV on.

I had to go to work today and I really didn't want to call off. I had a spotless record and I really didn't want to break it. I know Jerry could manage on his own, but I didn't want to let him down. He was already so busy with trying to open another store and I didn't want to add to his burdens. I got up and drank a ton of water and took some cold and cough medicine. It helped me feel a good bit better so I decided to just go in. I could tough it out if things got bad again.

I arrived at the shop a little early, finding a renewed vigor and some fresh energy. I scrubbed the counter and tables good and made sure everything was in pristine condition before we opened.

The morning rush came and went and so did my energy. I felt worse than I did this morning. I leaned on the counter. I felt so drained. My body hurt. I couldn't help but to think it was a bad idea coming in. I should have just stayed home. Thankfully, it was Tuesday and super slow. Just a few more hours and I would be home in bed again. I could power through it. I sat on my stool and rested my head in my hands.

"Abby?" Jerry's voice said from around the corner.

"Yeah, Jerry?" I said, bolting upright.

"Can you-" He came into view and gave me a once over. His face softened. "Why don't you go home, honey? You don't look too well and I can close up."

"Oh, Jerry, I don't want to leave you by yourself."

"I'll be fine. Seriously. You go home and rest up so I can have you in tip top shape for you next shift."

I hesitated. I never left work early for anything. I felt so guilty. "Oh okay, but only if you're sure. I can-"

"I'm sure. Go," he said, shooing me towards the doors.

"Thanks, Jerry," I said, grabbing my bag and giving him an ultra quick hug, not wanting him to end up sick, too. He patted my back and sent me on my way.

I went home and took a hot shower, putting on my pjs. I crawled onto the couch and just lay there, drifting in and out of sleep as the tv show I had on played in the background. I felt somewhat better after a little rest.

The front door opened and Mark's voice rang through the hall. I glanced at the clock, not even realizing it was time for him to be home yet. Crap. I hadn't even thought to make something for him for dinner. My appetite was long gone so it never even occurred to me that I would be home before he was and that he would need to eat.

I sat up and looked over the edge of the couch. "Hi."

He looked at me and glanced at his watch. "You're home early," was all I got. No 'Hi, honey'. No 'How was your day?' In fact, he looked a little alarmed that I was there.

"I don't feel very well and Jerry sent me home early. I'm sorry, I didn't get a chance to make dinner."

"Oh. Okay. I'll find something," he said, opening the fridge door. He pulled a can of soda out and sipped at it as he made himself a sandwich. He headed towards his office, the door clicking shut behind him. I sighed and turned my show back on.

After another episode or two, my eyes began drooping shut. I slowly climbed the stairs and sat on the edge of our bed. I coughed a few times and my lungs hurt. I was exhausted from coughing so much. I looked up to find Mark standing at the doorway, watching me cautiously.