He couldn't believe he was sitting on the floor in the bathroom holding her, after she'd just been puking; but she was asking how his father's doing. He responded, "He's doing better than you are right now, that's for sure." She was so out of it, she said, "That's good."
He shook his head, dismayed at her response. He was upset with her because she didn't tell him she was this ill, and it was obvious she didn't go to the doctor either. But this wasn't the time to yell at her about her stubborness.
He took a breath and asked, "Does your stomach feel better now?" She didn't answer at first. But when he tried to move her; she whined and said, "Yes, stop moving." He responded, "Babe, we're on the floor. Lets get you up and back to bed." She heard him, but she didn't want to move. He brushed her hair back with his hand, and said, "Ker, come on. Help me help you, so we can get you better. Work with me, or I'm calling 911."
With those words he got her attention and she sat up. He stood and helped her to her feet and realized she probably hasn't changed her pajamas or the bed since she got sick. After closing the toilet bowl lid, and said, "Have a seat babe." She looked at him and asked, "Why? I just wanna lay down. You said I could lay down." He sighed as he responded, "You will. But I need to check your vitals. Just sit down please."
Not in the best mood to argue, she sat down and he grabbed the thermometer from the medicine cabinet. While he waited for her temp to register; he grabbed a set of clean pajamas for her. When she saw what he was doing, and tried to talk, he said, "Shh you'll disturb the reading." She sighed with her lips tight, and he almost laughed because she looked like a mad, sick kid. However, he held back his laughter, not wanting to agitate her any further.
When the temperature registered; it read 101 degrees. He immediately asked, "How long have you had this fever?" She responded, "I don't know. Maybe today." Concerned about her being possibly dehydrated, by seeing her dry lips, and unsure how long she'd been battling all of her symptoms.
He said, "I'm calling Doctor Gaines." She quickly replied, "No. I don't want to go to the hospital. Let me just rest. I'll be fine." He persisted as he responded, "No. Ker. You need more than rest. You don't have to go to the hospital; he'll come to us." She responded, "Okay."
Regardless of her apprehension; Tony called the doctor and he agreed to come right away. Thankfully he lived in the building, so it was a great convenience. By the time he arrived, Tony had given her a sponge bath, helped her brush her teeth, pulled her hair back in a ponytail, changed her pajamas, and set her up temporarily in the guest bedroom, while he cleaned their main bedroom.
While the doctor saw her; he couldn't just sit still. He needed to do something. So he decided to clean up while she was being evaluated. During the wait he disinfected the mattress, with Lysol. He flipped it, changed the sheets, cleaned up all the used tissues, empty cough drop wrappers, and empty mugs he presumes were filled with tea at some point that were by the bed.
When the doctor came out of the guest room; he met with Tony in the hall, and asked, "How long has she been like this?" Tony replied, "I'm not sure, maybe a day. I've been out of town. I talked to her yesterday and early today. She sounded a little stuffed up; but she didn't mention any vomiting or fever."
Dr. Gaines took a breath and said, "Okay, so from what she told me these symptoms just started today." Worried, Tony asked, "Is she going to be okay?" He nodded as he said, "Yes. She's going to be fine. She's got the flu, and a nasty bacterial infection that she's right in the middle of."
He asked, "Does she need to go to the hospital, or what?" He saw the worry in his eyes and comfortingly replied, "No. Not at all. I'm prescribing some medication to help with the nausea, vomiting, and fever. So she can get some actual rest, because she needs it. And I'm also giving her something for her congestion too, to break that up."
Tony asked, "How do we get the medicine? Do I need to pick it up?" He replied, "No. I texted my assistant, and the drugs will be here within the hour. In the meantime, she's resting comfortably. I was able to give her a few samples I had on hand. I gave her something to address the nausea, a pain reliever to help her sleep, because of her body aches, and an antibiotic for the infection.
She also was able to drink an entire bottle of water as well, with no adverse reaction; so that's a good sign. Her blood pressure is a little high, but not in a danger zone at all. I imagine the bacterial infection is the culprit for that. So all in all, she won't be in need of any more medication until later."
Tony asked, "How will I know what she needs to take when?" He replied, "There will be instructions with the medication on how to take it when it arrives. The antibiotic is the most important one; the others are to be taken as needed."
Tony nodded as he said, "Okay. I will make sure she takes that one. I know how much of a fan she is of taking medicine; so it's certain she will be more likely to take one pill verses three." Dr. Gaines smiled in response as he said, "Fair enough. I suggest you get you some rest. She's going to be out for a while, and will need your help when she wakes up. She may be groggy and irritable just as a warning."
Tony nodded in response and smiled with great relief as he said, "Thanks doc. I will take your advice; I appreciate your help here." He nodded as he said, "No problem Tony. It's my pleasure. Just make sure she drinks plenty of water, and she has only clear broth soups for a few days. Until her appetite improves, and her congestion dissipates. No dairy while she's congested."
He responded, "Understood. I'll be here to take care of her so your orders will be followed." He smiled as he said, "Good to know. As soon as the medication arrives I will bring it to you, okay?" He nods as he said, "Okay thanks." He responded, "You're welcome. I'll show myself out." Tony nodded and said, "Okay."
Feeling better about her diagnoses, he peeked in on Kerry and after entering the room; he saw she was sound asleep. She looked so peaceful, a complete difference from when he arrived home. He wanted the move to the spare bedroom to be temporary until the bed was changed. But she looked so comfortable, he hated to move her. So he decided to let her rest.
Not wanting to miss the doctor delivering the medicine; he slipped back out of the room, and went into the living room, as he sat on the couch. As he attempted to relax, Josie hopped into his lap. He held her in his arms, and could tell she was stressed. He hugged her and comforted her, as he said, "Mommy's going to be just fine Josie. Don't worry. Daddy's home."