Erin and Jay were asleep in bed when four-year-old Tommy walked in, sniffling, and approached Jay's side.
"Daddy," he called out, his voice trembling.
Jay woke up, immediately noticing Tommy's distress. "Hey, buddy, what's wrong?" he asked gently.
Tommy sniffed again, tears welling up in his eyes. "I… I was sick in my bed," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jay's heart sank as he quickly got out of bed and lifted Tommy into his arms. "It's okay, Tommy," he soothed, holding him close. "Let's get you cleaned up."
Carrying Tommy, Jay headed to the bathroom to clean him up and change his pajamas. Once Tommy was fresh and comfortable, Jay brought him back to the bedroom.
"You can sleep with us tonight," Jay said, gently placing Tommy between him and Erin. Jay wrapped an arm around Tommy, whispering, "We'll take care of everything in the morning. Just try to get some rest now."
With Jay's comforting presence, Tommy soon drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and cared for.
Jay settled back into bed with Tommy nestled against his chest. He gently rubbed Tommy's back, hoping to soothe him to sleep.
Just as Tommy's breathing began to even out, he suddenly stirred and Jay felt a warm, wet sensation on his chest. Tommy had thrown up again.
"Oh no," Jay murmured, trying to stay calm. He carefully lifted Tommy and called out softly, "Erin, wake up. Tommy's sick again."
Erin woke up, immediately understanding the situation. "I'll get some towels and fresh pajamas," she said, quickly getting out of bed.
Jay carried Tommy to the bathroom once more, cleaning him up and reassuring him. "It's okay, buddy. You're going to be alright," he said, his voice full of concern and love.
After getting Tommy cleaned up and changed, Jay and Erin worked together to change the bed linens. They made sure Tommy was comfortable and settled him back into bed with them, this time with a towel nearby just in case.
Jay held Tommy close, whispering soothing words until he finally drifted off to sleep again.
Just as the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains, a loud knock echoed through the house. Jay groaned, reluctantly getting out of bed.
Before he could take a step, Tommy clung to him, crying softly. "Daddy, don't go," he pleaded.
Jay knelt down, gently prying Tommy's little hands from his shirt. "It's okay, Tommy. I'll be right back," he reassured, giving him a comforting hug. "Mommy's here with you."
Erin moved closer, wrapping her arms around Tommy. "I've got you, sweetheart," she said softly.
Jay quickly made his way to the door, opening it to find Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek standing there, looking concerned. "Jay, we need to talk," Kim said urgently.
Jay, already exhausted and stressed, snapped, "What is it now? Can't this wait? Tommy's sick and I don't have time for this right now."
Kim and Adam exchanged a glance before Adam spoke up, trying to lighten the mood. "Jay, it's beer and game night. We just came to remind you."
Jay's frustration melted into a mix of relief and exasperation. "Seriously? You guys scared me half to death," he muttered, rubbing his forehead.
Kim smiled apologetically. "Sorry, we didn't mean to. We just didn't want you to miss out."
Jay sighed, his tension easing. "Thanks, but I think I'll have to pass tonight. Tommy's not feeling well."
Adam nodded understandingly. "No worries, man. Take care of your little guy. We'll catch up another time."
Jay managed a small smile. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."
As Kim and Adam left, Jay returned to the bedroom, where Erin was still comforting Tommy. He climbed back into bed, wrapping his arms around both of them.
As Jay settled back into bed, he wrapped his arms around Tommy and Erin, feeling a sense of calm return. Tommy snuggled closer, his little body finally relaxing after the night's turmoil.
"How's he doing?" Erin whispered, her eyes filled with concern.
"He's better now," Jay replied softly, brushing a strand of hair from Tommy's forehead. "Just needs some rest."
Tommy's breathing evened out, and soon he was fast asleep, feeling safe and secure between his parents. Jay and Erin exchanged a tired but relieved smile, grateful for the quiet moment.
The rest of the morning passed peacefully. Jay and Erin took turns napping and keeping an eye on Tommy, who slept soundly. By the time the sun was fully up, Tommy woke up feeling much better, his usual bright smile returning.
"Morning, buddy," Jay said, ruffling Tommy's hair. "How are you feeling?"
Tommy nodded, still a bit sleepy but clearly on the mend. "Better, Daddy."
Erin smiled, giving Tommy a gentle hug. "That's great to hear. How about we all have a lazy day today?"
Jay nodded in agreement. "Sounds perfect. We'll just relax and take it easy."
With that, the family spent the day together, enjoying the simple comfort of each other's company.
Later that day, the Intelligence Unit came over to Jay and Erin's house to watch the game. The living room was filled with the sounds of laughter and friendly banter as everyone settled in with snacks and drinks.
Jay tried to relax and enjoy the game, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He started to feel sweaty and uncomfortable, his mind still on Tommy's condition.
"Hey, Jay, you okay?" Adam asked, noticing Jay's discomfort.
Jay wiped his forehead, trying to play it off. "Yeah, just a bit warm in here," he said with a forced smile.
Kim glanced over, concern in her eyes. "You sure? You look a little pale."
Jay nodded, but his mind was elsewhere. He kept glancing towards the bedroom, where Tommy was resting. Erin noticed his distraction and came over, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Why don't you go check on Tommy?" she suggested softly. "I'll keep an eye on things here."
Jay gave her a grateful look. "Thanks, Erin," he said, standing up. "I'll be right back, guys."
He made his way to the bedroom, finding Tommy still asleep but looking more peaceful. Jay sat down beside him, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He gently brushed Tommy's hair back, whispering, "You're going to be okay, buddy."
After a few moments, Jay returned to the living room, feeling a bit more at ease. The game was in full swing, and his friends welcomed him back with smiles and jokes.
"Everything good?" Adam asked.
"Yeah, just needed to check on Tommy," Jay replied, finally allowing himself to relax a bit. "Thanks for understanding."
The rest of the evening passed more smoothly, with Jay feeling reassured by the support of his friends and the improving condition of his son.
As the game continued, Jay started to feel increasingly uncomfortable. He tugged at his shirt, shaking it to get some air. Erin noticed his discomfort and walked over, concern etched on her face.
"Jay, are you feeling alright?" she asked, placing a hand on his forehead. Her eyes widened slightly. "You're burning up. You might have caught whatever Tommy has."
Jay sighed, leaning back against the couch. "I guess that explains why I've been feeling off," he admitted.
Kim, overhearing the conversation, looked over with concern. "Jay, you should probably lie down and rest. We can handle things here."
Adam nodded in agreement. "Yeah, man. Take it easy. We'll keep an eye on the game and make sure everything's under control."
Erin helped Jay to his feet. "Come on, let's get you to bed," she said gently. "You need to rest."
Jay reluctantly agreed, allowing Erin to guide him to the bedroom. As he lay down, he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. Erin tucked him in, giving him a reassuring smile.
"Just rest, Jay. I'll take care of Tommy and everything else," she said softly.
Jay nodded, closing his eyes. "Thanks, Erin," he murmured, already feeling a bit better knowing she was there to handle things.
Back in the living room, the Intelligence Unit continued to watch the game, their laughter and camaraderie providing a comforting background noise.
As Jay lay in bed, he could hear the faint sounds of the game and his friends' laughter from the living room. Despite feeling feverish and exhausted, he found comfort in knowing that Erin and the Intelligence Unit were there to support him.
Erin returned to the living room, where Kim and Adam were engrossed in the game. "Jay's resting now," she said, taking a seat. "Thanks for understanding, guys."
"Of course," Kim replied with a smile. "Family comes first."
Adam nodded. "If you need anything, just let us know."
Erin appreciated their support. She checked on Tommy, who was still sleeping peacefully, then returned to the living room to join her friends. The game continued, and the atmosphere remained light and supportive.
As the evening progressed, Erin made sure to check on Jay and Tommy regularly. Jay, despite his fever, managed to get some rest, knowing that Erin was handling everything.
By the time the game ended, the Intelligence Unit began to gather their things. "Thanks for having us over, Erin," Kim said. "And give Jay our best."
"Will do," Erin replied, walking them to the door. "Thanks for coming and for being so understanding."
After everyone left, Erin returned to the bedroom to check on Jay. He was still resting, but he opened his eyes when he heard her enter. "How's everything?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"Everything's fine," Erin reassured him, sitting on the edge of the bed. "The game was great, and everyone sends their best. How are you feeling?"
Jay managed a weak smile. "A little better, I think. Thanks for taking care of everything."
Erin leaned down and kissed his forehead. "That's what we're here for," she said softly. "Now, get some more rest. I'll be right here if you need anything."
Jay nodded, closing his eyes again.
As Erin sat beside Jay, a sudden, alarming sound came from the bedroom. Tommy was coughing, and it sounded different—more urgent. Erin rushed to his side, her heart pounding.
"Tommy, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Tommy coughed again, and this time, Erin saw a small amount of blood. Panic surged through her. "Jay, wake up!" she called out, her voice trembling.
Jay, despite his fever, immediately sat up, his eyes wide with worry. "What's happening?" he asked, quickly moving to Tommy's side.
"He's coughing up blood," Erin said, her voice shaking. "We need to get him to Chicago Med."
Jay didn't hesitate. He scooped Tommy into his arms, trying to stay calm for his son's sake. "It's okay, buddy. We're going to get you some help," he said, his voice steady despite the fear he felt.
Erin grabbed her phone and keys, calling out to Jay, "I'll drive. Let's go."
They hurried to the car, Jay holding Tommy close, whispering soothing words to keep him calm. Erin drove as quickly and safely as she could, her mind racing with worry.
At Chicago Med, they were immediately taken to the emergency room. The medical staff quickly assessed Tommy, and a doctor came to speak with Jay and Erin.
"We're going to take good care of him," the doctor assured them. "It looks like he might have a severe infection, but we'll run some tests to be sure."
Jay and Erin held each other, their hearts heavy with worry but hopeful that Tommy would be okay.
As Jay and Erin anxiously waited in the emergency room at Chicago Med, the doors burst open and the Intelligence Unit rushed in. Kim Burgess, Adam Ruzek, and the rest of the team looked around, their faces filled with concern.
"Jay, Erin, how's Tommy?" Kim asked, hurrying over to them.
Jay, still holding Tommy close, looked up with a mixture of relief and worry. "He's being assessed right now. They think it might be a severe infection," he explained, his voice strained.
Adam placed a reassuring hand on Jay's shoulder. "He's in good hands here. The doctors at Chicago Med are the best."
Erin nodded, grateful for their friends' support. "Thanks for coming, guys. It means a lot."
Voight stepped forward, his usual stern expression softened with concern. "We're here for you. Anything you need, just let us know."
As they waited, the doctor returned with an update. "We've run some tests, and it appears Tommy has a severe respiratory infection. We're starting treatment immediately, and we'll keep a close eye on him."
Jay and Erin both sighed in relief, though the worry still lingered. "Thank you, doctor," Erin said, her voice trembling with emotion.
The doctor then noticed Jay's sweaty face and trembling hands. "Mr. Halstead, are you feeling alright?" she asked, her tone shifting to one of concern.
Jay tried to brush it off. "I'm fine, just a bit tired," he said, but his voice wavered.
The doctor gently insisted, "Let's check your vitals, just to be safe."
Reluctantly, Jay agreed. The doctor quickly assessed him and confirmed what Erin had suspected earlier. "You have a fever, Mr. Halstead. It looks like you might have caught the same infection as Tommy. You need to rest and get treated as well."
Erin looked at Jay with a mix of worry and determination. "You heard the doctor, Jay. You need to take care of yourself too."
The Intelligence Unit rallied around them, offering their support. "We'll stay with Tommy," Kim said. "You both need to rest."
Jay, feeling the weight of exhaustion and illness, finally nodded. "Alright," he agreed, allowing himself to be led to a nearby bed.
With the support of their friends and the care of the medical team, Jay and Tommy were both in good hands. Erin stayed close, her heart filled with gratitude for the love and support surrounding them.
As Jay settled into a nearby bed, the doctor started him on treatment for the infection. Erin stayed by his side, holding his hand and offering comforting words. Despite his own discomfort, Jay's thoughts were still with Tommy.
"How's Tommy doing?" Jay asked, his voice weak but filled with concern.
Erin smiled reassuringly. "He's responding well to the treatment. The doctors are keeping a close eye on him."
The Intelligence Unit members took turns checking on Tommy and Jay, making sure both were comfortable and had everything they needed. Kim and Adam stayed close, offering support and updates.
"Tommy's a tough little guy," Adam said, trying to lift Jay's spirits. "He's going to pull through this."
Jay nodded, grateful for their presence. "Thanks, Adam. It means a lot to have you all here."
As the hours passed, Tommy's condition continued to improve. The doctors were optimistic about his recovery, and Jay's fever began to subside as well. Erin felt a sense of relief wash over her, knowing that both her boys were on the mend.
By the next morning, Tommy was awake and feeling much better. He smiled weakly at Jay, who was still resting but looking more like himself.
"Hey, buddy," Jay said softly, reaching out to hold Tommy's hand. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, Daddy," Tommy replied, his voice still a bit raspy but filled with warmth.
Erin sat beside them, her heart full of gratitude. "We're all going to be okay," she said, her voice steady and reassuring.
With the support of their friends and the excellent care at Chicago Med, Jay and Tommy were on the road to recovery.
As the morning light filtered into the room, the doctor returned to check on Jay. She approached with a kind smile, carrying a thermometer and a blood pressure cuff.
"Good morning, Mr. Halstead. Let's see how you're doing," she said, gently placing the thermometer in his mouth.
Jay sat quietly, feeling a bit better but still tired. Erin watched closely, her hand resting on his arm for support. The doctor took his temperature and then wrapped the cuff around his arm to measure his blood pressure.
"Your fever has come down significantly," the doctor noted, jotting down the readings. "And your blood pressure is looking much better. The treatment is working."
Jay nodded, relieved. "Thanks, doctor. How's Tommy?"
The doctor smiled. "He's doing well. His vitals are stable, and he's responding nicely to the treatment. We'll keep monitoring both of you, but things are looking positive."
Erin squeezed Jay's hand, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you so much," she said to the doctor.
"You're welcome," the doctor replied warmly. "Just focus on resting and getting better. We'll take care of the rest."
As the doctor left, Jay leaned back against the pillows, feeling a sense of relief. Erin sat beside him, her presence a constant source of comfort.
"Looks like we're both on the mend," Jay said, managing a small smile.
Erin nodded, her eyes shining with love. "We'll get through this together, Jay. One step at a time."
With the support of their friends, the excellent care at Chicago Med, and their unwavering love for each other, Jay and Tommy were on the path to recovery.
As the day progressed, Jay and Tommy continued to improve under the watchful eyes of the medical staff at Chicago Med. The Intelligence Unit members took turns visiting, bringing food, sharing updates, and offering their unwavering support.
By the afternoon, Tommy was sitting up in bed, playing with a small toy that Adam had brought him. His color had returned, and his smile was brighter. Jay, too, was feeling much better, his fever nearly gone.
Erin sat between them, her heart full of gratitude and relief. "You two are quite the pair," she said with a smile. "So strong and brave."
Jay reached out to hold her hand. "We couldn't have done it without you, Erin. Thank you for everything."
Tommy looked up at his parents, his eyes shining with love. "I love you, Mommy and Daddy."
"We love you too, Tommy," Erin and Jay said in unison, their voices filled with emotion.
As evening fell, the doctor returned for one last check-up. "You're both doing great," she said, smiling warmly. "I think you'll be able to go home tomorrow, as long as everything continues to improve."
Jay and Erin exchanged a relieved glance. "Thank you, doctor," Jay said. "We really appreciate all you've done."
The doctor nodded. "It's our pleasure. Just make sure to rest and take it easy for a while."
That night, Jay, Erin, and Tommy settled into their hospital room, feeling a deep sense of peace. The love and support of their friends and the excellent care at Chicago Med had carried them through a difficult time.
As they drifted off to sleep, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, stronger and more united than ever. The bond of family and friendship had seen them through, and it would continue to guide them in the days to come.