"Sweetheart?" He asked softly, crouching down beside her and tenderly tucking her hair behind her ear to better see her face. The tears tracking down her cheeks were painful to see and he looped an arm around her to draw her against him in a hug.
"It hurts." She sobbed with both hands spread across her abdomen.
"I know love." He soothed, coaxing her to her feet. "Let's get you back into bed and I'll fetch your painkillers."
Her answer of thanks was marred by the groan that escaped her lips as she stood; her stomach protesting the movement. She leaned heavily on him during the short walk from the bathroom to their bed, clinging to him as he lowered her down.
Painkillers were gratefully received and swallowed with a little water. He stroked a hand across her cheek, smoothing away the tears as quickly as they fell. It pained him to see her so ill. It was bad enough watching Tom suffer, but Jill was worse. She was still considerably weakened from the ectopic pregnancy and the ensuing operation, meaning the illness had hit her harder than it had his son. Add to that the fact that the pain of the already sore incision site was made considerably worse by the convulsions whilst vomiting, and it was no wonder she felt so wretched.
"How are you feeling darling?" Gordon breathed softly several minutes later, upon noting the tears had lessened and her ragged sobs had quieted.
The reply she gave was a slight nod of her head and an unintelligible murmur. Her eyelids drooped and her breathing deepened, her whole body sinking into the mattress as the analgesia took effect. Gordon rose gingerly, being careful not to disturb her. He refilled her water glass, ensured her painkillers were within easy reach and drew the duvet up around her. A gentle kiss was placed to her soft cheek, and he regretfully withdrew from the room. He wanted nothing more than to stay with her, yet work beckoned; he couldn't leave Mike to run the hospital alone. Not only would it be unfair, it also wouldn't be possible; Mike could hardly deal with three doctors' worth of morning and evening surgeries, house calls, theatre lists, and any emergency that presented itself. Thus, with a weary sigh, Gordon left the house that morning, only after ensuring Sarah would be on hand to check on Jill periodically throughout the day.
