In the cardiologist's waiting room, Sam's expression conveyed utter disdain. She deemed the appointment unnecessary but played along, knowing it was a prerequisite to reinitiate intimacy with Jack. Their longing for each other had been evident the previous night. Despite her assurances, Jack remained anxious, fearing their recent intimacy might harm her. She told him quite explicitly she would indeed hurt him if he didn't carry on with what he had done in her quarters at SGC. A vivid debate, conducted in the nude on their bed, had finally convinced him, and Jack had put his tongue and hands to good use like only he knew how.

The cardiologist's waiting room exuded a calm and professional ambiance. Soft, neutral tones dominated the decor, with comfortable chairs arranged thoughtfully to ensure privacy for each patient. Large, framed health-related posters adorned the walls, providing informative visuals. The room was well-lit, creating a soothing atmosphere, while a reception desk sat at the entrance, efficiently managed by a receptionist. The air carried the hushed murmurs of patients engaged in quiet conversations or immersed in reading material. Besides Sam and Jack, another couple, much older, were sitting and waiting.

"General, Colonel," the receptionist called in a soft tone.

Jack and Sam rose, following her into a spacious office. A bald, lean man with a well-trimmed beard in his fifties greeted them warmly.

"Good morning. I'm Doctor John Newton, pleased to meet you," he said.

Jack and Sam reciprocated the greeting and settled on the sofa before his desk.

"So, Colonel Carter, I've thoroughly read your exams and tests. Before we make an examination, how are you feeling?" he asked.

Sam responded with a hint of defiance, "Tired, lost my appetite, and still have difficulty concentrating for too long. Apart from that, I'm fine."

Jack subtly warned her with a touch of his foot.

The doctor, intrigued, replied, "Fine, you said? The Asgard technology indeed saved you from future heart complications. That I can tell you without any exams. But your body went through quite an ordeal. I'm surprised you're not receiving psychological assistance."

Sam, resistant, stated, "I'm military, Doctor Newton," a dismissal that had been discussed and rejected at SGC and with Jack.

"But you died, Colonel Carter," the doctor gently reminded her.

Sam, irritated, retorted, "Hardly the first time."

The doctor sighed and decided to focus on the heart examination.

Sam was asked to undress for the examination in a separate part of the office. Dr. Newton performed a thorough head-to-toe examination, listening to her heart and lungs, examining blood vessels, and checking for swelling.

"All done, you can get dressed, Colonel," he said, leaving Sam to dress and return to the primary office. Dr. Newton, looking at the couple, delivered his verdict.

"Your heart is good, but your body is another matter. You're underweight and need rest. Stay home and engage in activities that are not stressful. Gardening, napping, knitting, or just doing nothing."

Sam blushed intensely, and Jack anticipated trouble.

"I don't do any of those things, Dr. Newton," she declared.

"Start doing them," the doctor insisted.

Jack intervened, cautiously asking about their sex life. Considering Sam's fatigue, Dr. Newton reassured them it could resume with moderation.

Concluding the appointment, the doctor recommended Nurse Fisher's presence at their house for several weeks during Sam's recovery. Sam raised an eyebrow, but Jack nodded in understanding.

"Take care, Colonel. You'll feel better if you start eating and resting," Dr. Newton advised as they left the office in silence.

Inside Jack's SUV, Sam raised a warning finger.

"Don't say a word," she said.

Jack swallowed, starting the vehicle and driving them home. Nurse Fisher awaited them there.

"So, how was the appointment?" she asked as they entered the house.

Sam passed her as if she didn't exist, heading to her office and closing the door with a loud bang. Jack scratched his head.

"Don't worry, she's not always like this," he said apologetically.

Tilda Fisher wasn't entirely convinced but let it go.

"Any special recommendations from Doctor Newton?" she asked, focusing on the medical aspect.

Jack took a deep breath.

"Her heart is fine, but she's underweight and needs rest. That's it," he said.

The nurse nodded, ready to work on a dietary plan.

"Very well. I'll work with her on that and see how the resting part goes," she said.

Jack excused himself and went to her office, finding her seated at her desk, looking at her computer—turned off.

"Okay, Sam, let it out. What's wrong?" he asked, sitting on the edge of her desk.

She slowly lifted her head and looked at him.

"You know, Jack, when I was alone on that planet after getting rid of those thugs from the Lucian Alliance, there were some moments when I broke down. I had panic attacks. The first one was so intense that I passed out. Then I started to get used to them, and they weren't so intense, but I felt so alone. I missed you so much. I thought that I was never going to see you again. And that broke my heart. That I would die there, alone, without you," she said, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Jack, hearing this for the first time, gently grabbed her hand.

"I would never stop looking for you until I found you, honey," he said.

Sam bit her lip.

"Yeah, I know that, but it was getting tough to have some hope after some time. Any hope at all. I think that's why my heart stopped. I sent the distress signal but didn't expect anyone to catch it. I gave up, Jack," she admitted.

He slowly caressed her hair and wiped away her tears.

"You went through hell, Samantha; everyone breaks," he said, understanding.

"When I recover, we need to talk. I don't know if I want to continue doing what I was doing," she sniffled.

Jack wasn't surprised about her emotional turmoil.

"First, you get well, then we'll talk all you want. And whatever you decide, I'm here supporting you. Always," he said, kissing her forehead.

Sam closed her eyes.

"Thank you," she said.

He put a finger under her chin.

"Now, Colonel, this is my last day before I return to work. So, do you want to have lunch with your husband?" he asked with a smile.

Sam passed a hand through her hair and cleaned her face.

"If we stay home, sure. I'll have lunch with my husband," she said, smiling.

Jack got up and extended his hand. She took it, and he pulled her into his arms.

"And maybe after lunch, we can do one of those doctor-recommended activities..." Jack suggested.

Sam had her arms around his waist.

"As long as you're not planning on gardening," she said, kissing him.

Jack started to laugh on her lips, and before long, the only sound in the office was their heavy panting.

After consulting with a nutritionist colleague, Nurse Tilda Fisher crafted a comprehensive dietary plan for Colonel Carter. The focus was increasing caloric intake with frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. The plan included a variety of protein-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and tofu, essential for muscle repair and growth. Sources like avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish were incorporated to add healthy fats, providing concentrated calories and overall health support.

Given the extra calorie boost from dairy, Tilda hoped Colonel Carter favored yogurt and cheese. Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and corn were introduced, and snacks included nuts, trail mix, cheese and crackers, nut butter with whole-grain bread, and energy bars. High-calorie beverages, including protein and healthy fats, were on the menu, with a gentle reminder against skipping meals.

Tilda's goal was clear: help Colonel Carter gain weight and improve her overall health. As someone determined to achieve her objectives, Tilda Fisher was ready to guide Colonel Carter on this nutritional journey.

Nurse Fisher left for grocery shopping after explaining the new dietary plan to the Colonel and the General. Jack offered to go with her, but she said she would manage just fine. And then she left. Sam was still looking at the list of everything she was supposed to eat. She was having a hard time believing she could eat all of it.

In the meantime, Jack prepared a nutritious lunch that aligned with Nurse Fisher's dietary plan. He opted for a protein-rich meal with a touch of healthy fats. In the kitchen, he gathered ingredients to whip up a flavorful chicken and vegetable stir-fry.

He started by sautéing lean chicken strips in a bit of olive oil until they were golden brown. Then, he added various colorful vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, providing essential vitamins and minerals. To enhance the flavor, he seasoned the stir-fry with a mix of herbs and spices, carefully avoiding excessive salt.

Jack sprinkled a handful of nuts, like almonds and cashews, into the mix for an additional healthy fat boost. The nuts would contribute to caloric intake and provide an extra crunch and texture.

To accompany the stir-fry, Jack prepared a side of quinoa – a protein-packed whole grain that would complement the meal perfectly. He cooked the quinoa to fluffy perfection, creating a nutritious base for the stir-fry.

Jack plated the meal carefully as the enticing aroma filled the kitchen, creating a visually appealing and satisfying lunch for his wife. The colorful array of vegetables, protein-packed chicken, and hearty quinoa made for a well-balanced and delicious dish, meeting the dietary requirements outlined by Nurse Fisher.

Despite a lack of substantial hunger, Sam couldn't help but acknowledge Jack's culinary efforts as she savored every bite of the delicious, nutritious lunch he had prepared. However, fatigue weighed heavily on her, and she struggled to keep her eyes open while finishing the meal. Noticing her exhaustion, Jack promptly rose from his seat and, with a gentle smile, scooped her up into his arms.

"What are you doing?" Sam asked, her drowsiness evident.

"Now you're engaging in one of those doctor-recommended activities," Jack replied as they made their way to the bedroom.

Sam hid her face in his neck and chuckled.

"Am I? You are very kinky, General," she teased.

Jack laughed, carrying her into the bedroom.

"No, I'm not. You, on the other hand, have a filthy mind, Colonel. You are going to have a nap," he declared, placing her gently on the bed.

Sam opened her eyes, protesting, "A nap?! Jack, I don't want to take a nap," she pouted.

Jack, unfazed, began undressing her despite her feeble protests.

"Of course you do. You're already half asleep," he said, skillfully removing her bra and slipping a T-shirt over her head.

Sam attempted to resist, but her tired limbs wouldn't cooperate.

"Jack..." she whined.

"A nap, Sam. Then we'll see," he insisted, kissing her quickly.

With her eyes already closed, Sam smiled.

"Oh, that sounds so much better, General," she mumbled.

Jack shook his head, quietly leaving the room and closing the door, watching as she succumbed to much-needed sleep.