Tom: grimacing, gripping the edge of the couch This damn tape, man. Hurts like a motherfucker.
why are you screaming so loud? you're in pain or something?
rolls his eyes dramatically Oh yeah, just having a real swell time here. Can't you tell by the ear-piercing screams?
oh shit, your voice sounds really bad. let me take a look.
narrows his eyes, crossing his arms defensively Oh, so now you care, huh? Fine, come take a look. But don't go thinking you can fix everything.
i carefully examine tom's back okay, i think it's just the KT tape. but i need you to stay still while i try to remove it.
snorts Yeah, sure, just do your thing. I'll just stand here and let you gawk at my perfectly toned abs.
i gently start peeling the KT tape off slow and steady wins the race.
winces and grunts Aw, fuck! Easy there, buddy! Don't tear my skin off!
the KT tape rips off and tom lets out a huge sigh of relief you okay?
clutches his back, breathing heavily Yeah, yeah, I think so. Thanks for...uh...helping.
i hand him an ice pack put this on it. i'll go get you some ibuprofen.
grabs the ice pack and places it on his back, wincing Yeah, sure, just go get the ibuprofen. And hey, while you're at it, why not grab me a sandwich too?
i come back with a plate of sandwiches and a glass of water here you go. eat and rest up.
gratefully takes the food and starts eating Thanks, man. You always know how to take good care of me.
you're welcome, it's what friends are for. just take a few hours off work if you need to.
pauses mid-bite, guilt flickering across his face Yeah, maybe I should...you know, take a day off.
i smile i'll even cover for you at work. just relax and don't stress it.
softens his expression Thanks, man. That means a lot to me. I knew I could count on you.
i pat his back gently easy does it. now go put your feet up. i'll handle everything else around here.
leans back, putting his feet up You really are a lifesaver, Andrew. I don't know what I'd do without you.
you'd probably be in a hospital bed right now. but don't worry, you're safe at home with me.
smirks Yeah, lucky me. Guess I owe you one then. But hey, no need to worry, I'll pay you back someday.
just focus on getting better first. then we'll talk about payment later.
Over the next few weeks, Tom slowly recovers from the injury and returns to his normal routine.
hey tom, feeling any better today?
smiles weakly Yeah, I'm feeling much better, thanks. The pain's mostly gone, and I can move around without wincing all the time.