The next day, the unit decided to take a road trip to help Jay clear his mind and get some fresh air.
Kim was behind the wheel, navigating the winding roads with ease. The rest of the team chatted and laughed, trying to keep the mood light and positive.
Jay, sitting in the passenger seat, opened the window to let in some fresh air.
He closed his eyes, hoping the cool breeze would help ease the nausea that had been plaguing him. He rubbed his belly, trying to calm the queasiness that seemed to linger.
Kim glanced over at him, her eyes filled with concern. "How are you feeling, Jay?" she asked softly.
Jay forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm okay," he replied, his voice strained. "Just a bit nauseous."
Kevin, sitting in the back seat, leaned forward. "Try to focus on the horizon, Jay. It might help with the motion sickness," he suggested.
Lindsay nodded in agreement. "And take deep breaths. It can really make a difference."
Jay nodded, appreciating their advice. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Thanks, guys," he said, his voice a bit steadier.
Emma, sitting next to Kevin, looked up at her dad with wide eyes. "Dada, are you going to be okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Jay reached back and gently squeezed her hand. "I'll be fine, sweetheart. Just need to take it easy," he reassured her.
Voight, sitting next to Emma, gave Jay a supportive nod. "We're here for you, Jay. Just let us know if you need anything."
Jay nodded, feeling the support of his team. He closed his eyes again, focusing on the fresh air and the steady rhythm of the car.
As the road trip continued, the car hit a series of speed bumps, causing Jay to groan in discomfort. The jostling only made his nausea worse, and he clutched his stomach, trying to keep the queasiness at bay.
Kim noticed his distress and immediately slowed down, pulling over to the side of the road. She turned to Jay, her eyes filled with concern. "Jay, are you okay?" she asked softly.
Jay nodded weakly, though his face was pale. "Just… the bumps," he muttered, his voice strained.
Kim gently moved his seat back, giving him more room to recline. "Here, try to relax," she said, patting her knees. "Lean back and take it easy."
Jay did as she suggested, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. The cool breeze from the open window helped a little, but the nausea still lingered. He rubbed his belly, trying to soothe the discomfort.
Kevin, sitting in the back seat, leaned forward with a look of concern. "Jay, do you need anything? Some water, maybe?"
Lindsay nodded in agreement. "Or we can stop for a bit if you need to get some fresh air."
Jay shook his head, trying to muster a reassuring smile. "No, it's okay. Just need a moment," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Emma, sensing her dad's discomfort, reached out and gently touched his arm. "Dada, are you going to be okay?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.
Jay opened his eyes and looked at his daughter, his heart aching at the sight of her concern. "I'll be fine, sweetheart," he said softly.
Voight, sitting next to Emma, gave Jay a supportive nod. "Take your time, Jay. We're in no rush."
Kim continued to pat Jay's knees gently, her touch soothing. "Just focus on your breathing, Jay. We're here for you," she said softly.
As the journey continued, Jay's discomfort became more apparent. He drew his knees up to his chest, trying to find a position that would ease the nausea. Kim noticed his movements and immediately understood that he wanted to lie down.
"Hang on, Jay," she said softly, glancing at him with concern. She carefully pulled the car over to the side of the road and turned to the rest of the unit. "Adam, can you switch with me? Jay needs to lie down."
Adam nodded, understanding the urgency. "Of course," he said, quickly unbuckling his seatbelt and getting out of the car. He moved to the driver's seat while Kim helped Jay recline fully in the back.
"Just take it easy, Jay," Kim said gently, adjusting a pillow under his head. "We'll get you comfortable."
Jay nodded weakly, grateful for her care. "Thanks, Kim," he murmured, closing his eyes and trying to relax.
Adam started the car again, driving smoothly to avoid any more bumps. The rest of the unit kept a close eye on Jay, ready to help if needed.
Kevin leaned over from the front seat, his voice filled with concern. "How are you feeling, Jay?"
Jay took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "A bit better," he replied, though his voice was still strained.
Lindsay reached back and gently squeezed his hand. "Just rest, Jay. We're here for you."
Emma, sitting next to Jay, looked at him with wide, worried eyes. "Dada, are you going to be okay?" she asked softly.
Jay managed a small smile, reaching out to touch her hand. "I'll be fine, sweetheart. Just need to rest," he said, his voice filled with reassurance.
Voight, sitting in the front, turned to look at Jay. "Take your time, Jay. We're in no rush," he said, his voice steady and supportive.
After a long drive, the unit finally arrived at their hotel. They were all eager to check in and get settled. Kim parked the car, and they all made their way to the reception desk. The receptionist greeted them warmly and began the check-in process, confirming their reservations and handing out room keys.
As soon as they had their keys, Kim felt a sudden wave of nausea. She turned to Lindsay, her face pale. "I need to find a restroom," she said urgently.
Lindsay nodded, understanding immediately. "I'll come with you," she said, guiding Kim towards the nearest restroom.
The rest of the unit watched them go, concern etched on their faces. Voight turned to the receptionist. "Can you point us to the nearest restroom?" he asked.
The receptionist nodded and gave them directions. "It's just down the hall to the left," she said.
Kevin and Adam exchanged worried glances. "I hope Kim's okay," Kevin said softly.
Jay, still feeling the effects of his own nausea, leaned against the counter, trying to steady himself. "She'll be fine," he said, though his voice was filled with concern.
Voight placed a reassuring hand on Jay's shoulder. "Let's get you to your room so you can rest," he suggested.
Jay nodded, grateful for the support. "Yeah, that sounds good," he replied.
As they made their way to their rooms, Kim and Lindsay found the restroom. Kim rushed inside, and Lindsay followed, ready to help if needed. "Take your time, Kim," Lindsay said softly, rubbing her back. "We're here for you."
Kim took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. "Thanks, Lindsay," she said, her voice shaky. "I just need a moment."
Back at the reception, the rest of the unit waited patiently, their concern for both Kim and Jay evident.
Later that night, Kim was fast asleep in their hotel room, exhausted from the day's events. Jay, however, was still struggling with his discomfort. Voight, sensing Jay's unease, had taken a seat beside him and was gently rocking him, trying to provide some comfort.
Jay leaned back against Voight, his eyes closed as he tried to relax. The gentle motion helped a little, but the nausea and headache still lingered.
Emma, sitting nearby with her drawing supplies, looked up and noticed Voight rocking her dad. "Is Dada going to be okay?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.
Kevin, sitting across the room, gave her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, Emma. Your dad just needs some rest. He's in good hands."
Lindsay nodded in agreement. "Voight's taking good care of him. He'll be okay."
Adam, leaning against the wall, added, "Your dad's tough, Emma. He'll get through this."
Emma nodded, though her eyes were still filled with worry. "I hope so," she said quietly.
Voight continued to rock Jay gently, his voice calm and steady. "Just focus on your breathing, Jay. We're all here for you," he said softly.
Jay took a deep breath, trying to follow Voight's advice. "Thanks, Hank," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kim stirred slightly in her sleep, but remained deeply asleep, her exhaustion evident.
Explore
The next morning, the unit was starting to settle into their hotel rooms. They were all trying to relax after the long journey. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Jay, feeling a bit better, decided to answer it.
As soon as he opened the door, a figure in a hooded sweatshirt sprayed something directly into his face. Jay immediately felt a burning sensation in his eyes and throat. He stumbled back, falling into the wall, his hands clawing at his face.
"Jay!" Kim screamed, rushing over to him. The rest of the unit quickly followed, slamming the door shut to keep the assailant out.
Jay was on the floor, screaming and crying in pain. "It burns! It burns!" he shouted, his voice filled with agony.
Kevin and Adam knelt beside him, trying to help. "Jay, stay with us," Kevin said urgently. "We need to flush your eyes."
Lindsay grabbed a towel and soaked it in water, pressing it gently against Jay's face. "This will help, Jay. Just hold on," she said, her voice trembling.
Emma, seeing her dad in such distress, started to cry. "Dada! What's happening?" she sobbed, her small body shaking with fear.
Voight, trying to stay calm, picked Emma up and held her close. "It's okay, Emma. Your dad's going to be okay," he said, though his own voice was filled with worry.
Kim continued to comfort Jay, her hands shaking as she tried to soothe him. "We're here, Jay. Just breathe," she whispered, her heart breaking at the sight of his pain.
Jay's screams gradually turned into sobs as the unit worked to flush the pepper spray from his eyes. The burning sensation was still intense, but their efforts were starting to help.
After what felt like an eternity, Jay's breathing began to steady. He leaned against the wall, his face red and swollen. "Thank you," he managed to say, his voice hoarse.
Kim held his hand tightly, her eyes filled with tears. "We're here for you, Jay. Always," she said softly.
The unit exchanged worried glances, knowing that this was yet another challenge Jay would have to overcome. But they were determined to support him every step of the way.
Emma, still clinging to Voight, looked at her dad with wide, tear-filled eyes. "Dada, are you okay?" she asked softly.
Jay nodded weakly, trying to reassure her.
Later that night, Jay was still struggling to sleep. The sobs rolling down his face only made the burning in his eyes worse. He tried to keep quiet, not wanting to disturb Kim, but the pain was too much to bear.
Kim, sensing his distress, woke up and immediately moved closer to him. She opened her arms, inviting him to lie down. "Come here, Jay," she whispered softly.
Jay turned towards her, his body trembling with each sob. Kim gently rubbed his eyes, trying to soothe the burning sensation. "It's okay, Jay. Just let it out," she said, her voice filled with compassion.
Jay continued to cry, the pain and exhaustion overwhelming him. "It hurts so much," he whispered, his voice breaking.
Kim held him tightly, her hands moving gently over his face. "I know, Jay. I'm here. Just breathe," she whispered, trying to comfort him.
The rest of the unit, hearing the commotion, gathered around the door. Kevin, Lindsay, Adam, and Voight exchanged worried glances.
"Should we go eat and give them some space?" Kevin asked softly, his voice filled with concern.
Lindsay nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "Yeah, I think they need some time alone."
Adam looked back at Jay and Kim, his heart aching for his friend. "We'll bring them something back," he said quietly.
Voight, always the steady presence, gave a nod of agreement. "Let's give them some privacy," he said, leading the way out of the room.
As the unit left to get some food, Kim continued to comfort Jay. "You're doing great, Jay. Just keep breathing," she whispered, her hands still gently rubbing his eyes.
Jay took a deep breath, trying to focus on Kim's soothing touch. The pain was still there, but her presence made it more bearable. "Thank you, Kim," he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude.
Kim kissed his forehead, her heart aching for him. "We're going to get through this together, Jay. I promise," she whispered.
Jay nodded, feeling the love and support of his wife.