stolen smile - a mason mount story

t w e n t y - o n e

Mason frowned as he woke up to an unwell Florence, sneezing and groaning about how she couldn't breathe to Apollo, who stared up at her looking clueless and confused. "Good morning, baby." He broke the silence. "Happy anniversary Florence! Here's to many more."

Florence turned over to face him, her nose red and eyes watery. She gave him a small smile before croaking out a response. "Happy anniversary, Mase."

"You do not look well at all. Will you be okay for dinner tonight?"

Florence frowned. "Maybe if I can sleep it off until later! If not, we can just reschedule the meal and order food in tonight."

He nodded, pulling her into his chest. She was warm to touch, Mason knew there was no way Florence would be sleeping it off. He played with her hair as he waited for her to fall back asleep. Apollo watched on, waiting patiently for his owners to get up, whining a little as he noticed only Mason got up. "She's not very well, big lad. She's just resting."

He had spent the rest of the morning cleaning up the kitchen and shopping in preparation for their last minute anniversary plans. Mason had plans to go to the shop but found it difficult with Apollo's new-found clinginess to Florence, with the dog constantly whining when he wasn't able to open the door to the bedroom. He began to grow more worried when Apollo refused to eat his food in the evening and Florence hadn't gotten up yet.

The room was dark and the air felt thick. Florence was curled up into a ball on Mason's side of the bed. She looked so peaceful but it was visible that she was unwell. As silently as he could, he crept over to his girlfriend, and tried to shake her awake gently. It was to no avail as she continued to snore quietly. She was hot to touch and beads of sweat were forming on her forehead. Florence stirred as he attempted to wipe the sweat off her forehead.

Groggily, she spoke to him. "Is everything okay?" Florence had her eyes barely open, her eyelids fighting to stay open.

"Baby, you need to take some paracetamol. You're proper hot."

Florence attempted to laugh but instead ended up coughing. "Thank you, you're fit too."
---

Florence's boyfriend
Today 16:33

Happy anniversary to Florence
and you, her boyfriend!!!

Dropped her a message and
thought maybe I should do
the same for you

Cheers, bro! Can't celebrate
today, she's fully sick.

My poor best mate :(

(On about Flossie not you)
Delivered

---
It had been seven in the evening when she finally was able to stay awake. She was awoken by the noise of Apollo scratching at their bedroom door mixed with his whines. She was greeted with a flickering light coming from the living room, as Apollo stayed close to her side. She slowly crept into the room, sneaking up behind Mason.

"What are you watchin'?" She asked, making him flinch at the sound of her voice.

"You scared me shitless, Flo!"

"I'm sorry, babe!" She paused for a second looking over at him. "I ruined our day, didn't I?"

Mason shook his head in protest. Of course she hadn't ruined their day, she didn't exactly plan on being unwell. He felt guilt, did he come across as if he thought Florence had ruined their anniversary?