Josh flushed the toilet and sat back against the cold tile in the bathroom, still dressed in his plaid sleep pants, socks, and threadbare Guns n' Roses t-shirt. He was exhausted. When Joe said he would feel bad, he wasn't kidding. He ached everywhere and found himself paying homage to the porcelain throne at least three to four times a day and the rest of the time trying not to. He rubbed his forehead, trying in vain trying to preempt the headache that was building up.

He stayed like that for a few minutes, debating whether or not to call out. He had gotten through three days a work, but now he felt like he had reached his breaking point.

Josh pushed himself up off the floor, leaning against the counter to get his bearings.

He staggered out into his bedroom, then down the hall into the living room.

The strong smell of coffee wafted into his nostrils and almost sent him running back into the bathroom.

"Why aren't you dressed?" Jeff Martin asked from behind the kitchen counter.

He was fully dressed, coffee cup in hand, reading a copy of The Pine Valley Reporter.

Josh collapsed into the soft cushions and throw pillows of the couch. He knew there was a good reason he gave in and let Jen decorate the apartment.

"I'm not feeling very well," Josh sighed, sinking into the couch cushions. "I think I'm going to call out."

Jeff took a swig from his coffee cup and set it along with the paper on the counter.

"What's wrong?"

Josh mentally cursed himself. Jeff was slipping into doctor mode. He sat down next to him and put his hand on his forehead.

"What are you doing?" Josh asked, trying to brush the hand away.

"I'm checking for a fever. Hmmm, there doesn't seem to be one. What symptoms are you experiencing?"

"I'm nauseous, achy, and I have a headache," he replied. He just wanted to get Jeff off his case.

"Sounds like the 24-hour bug. Staying home is probably the best thing. Want me to stay just in case?"

Josh bit back a sarcastic remark.

"I'm 29. I think I can take care of myself."

Jeff stood up, allowing Josh to stretch out.

"I'm going to let that slide, only because you look really bad."

He pulled the blanket off the back of the couch, and covered an almost sleeping Josh.

"Thanks," Josh said around a yawn.

"Shhh, sleep now." Jeff smoothed the blankets. "I'll be back around six."

The last thing Josh heard before giving into exhaustion was the sound of the door closing.

AMCAMCAMC

"Well, I have good news," Joe said beaming. "Your counts have bounced back up on the new dosages."

It had been two days since Josh had called out. He had to admit he was beginning to feel like himself. He had actually felt good when he got out of bed in the morning.

"That's great. Thank you so much," Josh replied, finally able to relax for the first time in days.

"You're welcome. Although I can't take much credit for the drugs."

Josh laughed. "Well, I should get back to work."

He got up from the leather couch and turned to leave Joe's office.

"Oh Josh."

"Yes?" Josh said, turning back around.

"There's going to be a family dinner at the house this weekend, and Ruth and I were wondering if you would be able to come. It's been a while, and I know Ruth would love to see you. I really would mean a lot to her…to the both of us."

Josh smiled.

"Of course I'll come."

Joe beamed. "I'll see you Sunday."

"See you Sunday."