Chapter 8
Author's Note: Don't we all just love it when our computer blows up? LOL SO SORRY about the lack of updates, but here is the last chapter of Just a Cold. Thank you so much for all your reviews and interest in my story! Does anyone hold out hope of a Luby reunion in season 12? Its looking bleak but I suppose that is what fanfictions are for!
Eight o'clock the next evening...
"Thank you," Abby smiled at Luka as he held the apartment door open. She ambled past him slowly, careful not to move too quickly and cause another dizzy spell as she wandered into the living room. Silently, she regarded the evidence of what had gone on there the previous night. There was a small stack of wet towels staining the hardwood floor and the TV was still playing softly in the background, its low volume unnoticed by residents in neighbouring apartments.
Gently, Abby lowered herself into a plush armchair as Luka plugged in the kettle and opened a can of chicken soup. "Do you want any soda crackers with your soup Abby?" Luka called from the kitchen. He was starving and knew Abby must be getting hungry as she hadn't eaten anything substanial for nearly two days.
Abby grimaced, "No thanks Luka, I just feel like a little chicken broth and maybe some warm tea." She still felt as if she were standing on the brink of nausea and any small wisp of air would push her over the edge.
Luka appeared from the kitchen with a steaming mug of broth. "Alright, but you should try some dry toast or crackers later if you can keep this broth down. You need energy to kick this bug."
Abby had been released that evening after a full day in acute care recieving massive amounts of penicillin and saline. Her doctor up in 4-West (Dr. Rican) had been leary about releasing her and wanted her to stay another twelve hours for more IV treatments, but Abby had refused. She spent her entire working life at the hospital and wanted to sleep in her own bed with her own doctor. Dr. Rican finally relented but only if Abby promised to stay in bed and come back if she started vomiting or running a fever above 102.5.
Luka vowed that he would watch over her like a hawk for the next three days as the antibiotics continued to kill the massive strep infection ravanging Abby's system.
Abby sniffed the broth appreciatively and squeezed Luka's hand. "I don't know how I can thank you for everything Luka. I really mean it, thank you so much." Abby was shocked to find herself fighting tears; she felt so loved for the first time in her life.
Luka kissed her forehead, "Anytime. I love you Abby."
She smiled at his confession, "Me too Luka. I love you so much."
Much later that night Abby lay peacefully in Luka's arms in their bed, their breathing slow and steady as the snow fell outside the window. Despite the frigid night outside, Abby felt comfortably warm and safe in their silken cocoon as she drifted off into a deep and undisturbed sleep.
Lovingly, just before Luka finally surrendered to the warm tug of slumber, he kissed Abby's dry forehead to assure himself her fever was still declining. Satisfied, his breathing slowed to match hers and he fell with her into a peaceful and healing sleep.
THE END!