It was a Thursday in December. Joyce had just started a new medication for a sinus infection. The only bad thing was one of the side effects was a sensitive stomach. This meant more vomiting.
The kids were home for winter break. Except for Jonathan was at the wheelers, so only will and El were home.
Both Joyce and Hopper were in the kitchen cleaning up. He was wiping down the counters and she was doing the dishes. She was starting to feel pressure on the sides of her head. Then it hit her. The wave of nausea. She dropped the plate that she was washing, and held onto the counter, bending downwards.
Hopper heard the sink turn off and looked up. He knew what was happening. Walking over to her he placed his hand on her back. Going over to the freezer, he got an ice pack out and wrapped it in a small thin towel. Walking back over to her, he stood behind her and brought her to lean her back against him. She rested the back of her head against his chest. Bringing the ice pack up to her forehead, he held onto her.
They stayed just like that for a few minutes. But when she stood normal again, it hit her again. But this time she felt it in her chest. She ran to the bathroom, Hopper close behind her. She got down on her knees and he held her hair back.
Hopper just held her hair up and rubbed her back. "Are you okay?" He decided to ask once there was a break in between 'sessions'. "no" It was just one word but it came out very softly. "Do you wanna go lay down? I can pull the fan to the side of the bed if you want." He tucked her hair behind her ear and strokes her cheek. "okay" She almost couldn't speak.
He went over to pick her up. He lifted her easily as he'd done many times before. Carrying her bridal style out of the bathroom and up the stairs, he kissed the top of her head. Once they reached the bedroom, he gently laid her down on her side of the bed. He turned on the ceiling fan as well as fan in the corner of their room. He brought it over to her side of the bed as promised, and turned it on.
Tucking her in, he kissed her forehead. Then her cheek. The her lips. "I love you, baby. Go ahead and go to sleep, I'll come to bed in about... and hour or so." It was 8:50 and usually they were both in bed by ten. At least on a regular night. "that sounds good." She smiled tiredly and he kissed her one last time and left, closing the door behind him.
It was later in the night, about 9:55. He finished up cleaning, and the last of the ice cream. He checked the time and decided he should go to bed. Turning off all the lights as he made his way up stairs. Going into Els room to check on her, he slightly opened the door. She was sleeping peacefully. Next he went into Jonathan's room, who had come home with Nancy. They were cuddled up on his bed sound asleep. Will was asleep on his side, facing the wall.
Hopper made his way over to his and Joyce's room. Very quietly walking in. He pulled back the covers on his side of the bed, cuddling her from the back, spooning her. She leaned into his chest, sighing.
Joyce was in a deep sleep. Hopper was extremely tired. But for some reason he just found it soothing to admire her features. He played with her hair. He kissed her cheek, and kissed the top of her head.
The snow fell heavily outside. The temperature below zero. But their bed was as warm as could be. Everyone in the house was sound asleep. No Russians, no upsidedown, no mindflayer. No worries. They were safe.
