Danny never got sick. It was like he was immune to every cold or virus there was out there. That's why Linda was concerned when he coughed his way through breakfast.
Danny walked into his room with a pounding headache after a long day at work. He smiled at his wife as he started to undress. Even asleep she was beautiful. Tiredly the detective crawled into bed, coughing when he laid down.
"Danny?" Linda mumbled, turning to her back.
"Yeah, babe. It's me." He once asked her why she always asked if it was him, and she had said something like 'just making sure no one's here to steal me'. Danny didn't like that answer, but let it be. If it made her feel better to ask, then he'd let her ask.
Linda rolled over, assuming her regular position- her head resting on her husband's chest. The second her skin made contact, she knew something was wrong. She looked at Danny, worry on her face.
"What's the matter?"
"Danny, you're burning up!" She put her hand on his cheek, which he leaned into. Then her hand went to his forehead, and finally her cheek rested on his. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed.
"Where're you going?"
The nurse turned the light on. "To get this." She pulled out the first aid kit from the nightstand drawer. Adjusting her self on the bed, she draped her stethoscope around her neck. She handed Danny a bottle of Tylenol. "Take this. It's fever reducing."
Danny popped the pills in his mouth and swallowed, without the help of water. He stuck his tongue out. "Don't do that with Tylenol."
Linda laughed lightly, sticking the thermometer in his ear. She frowned, "one oh three point two and..." she waited for the beep for the other ear. "One oh two point nine."
"That's bad." Danny mused, coughing again.
"Yeah, that's bad. Open up." Once he had done what he was told, Linda pressed the tongue depressor onto his tongue. She peered into his throat, "Say 'ah'."
"Why?"
"Because it moves the muscles. And who's the nurse anyways? Say 'ah'."
Danny did as told and waited for the diagnosis. "'Inda?"
"What?"
"You're da grea'es' wi'e a guy cou' 'ave."
She smiled, "I'm just doing my job." Putting away the light she added, "as a nurse and a wife."
Danny smiled a little, looking at her stethoscope. Something about her stethoscope around her neck while she wore an old NYPD T-shirt of his was adorable.
Placing the stethoscope on his chest, Linda instructed, "deep breath, please."
The detective knew this routine. He had been through it countless times when the EMTs checked him out after an altercation at work.
"Well," Linda slung the stethoscope around her neck again. "You sound congested, your throat's red, and you're running a fever. Without any tests, I'd say it's a virus. But you're gonna get tested tomorrow. I'm setting up an appointment as soon as the doctor's office opens."
"You're the greatest." Danny rubbed her back.
"And you're sick. Lie down. Imma get you water."
"I can get it myself."
"No, fevers make you dizzy. I don't want you falling down the stair or tripping over something and hurting yourself." Linda put away the first aid kit.
"Linda?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you."
"I love you more." She smiled.
"I love you most."
"Good. Now go to sleep! I don't want you getting up unless you're going to the bathroom. Stay in that bed."
Danny smirked and shook his head. I love her.
Linda took Danny to the doctor, who proclaimed he had mononucleosis.
"Mononucle—" dropping his voice to a whisper, Danny asked, "the kissing disease?" Looking at his wife, he added, "I swear I haven't kissed anyone but you."
"Relax. It can also be transmitted by sharing drinks or food or anything like that. As long as spit transfers, you can get it." Linda explained. "You probably got it from a family member... that everything, doc?"
"Yes. You can take this to the front."
"Thank you. Come on, let's get you back in bed." Linda linked arms with her husband, leading him out the door. In the car, she said, "this goes away in a few days to a few weeks. You'll be better in no time."
Danny smiled at her, "you're too good to me."
"I'm just filling my promise. In sickness or in health. Right now, you're sick. And as a wife, and especially a nurse, I have an oath to take care of you."
"You're doing a great job."
Linda smiled, "I try. Save your voice. You're hoarse as it is."
"Yes nurse."
Linda rolled her eyes good naturedly. With a lot of bed rest and vitamins, she knew Danny would be on his feet again soon.
