A Bride's Story

Chapter 25: Panic

Soon, the entire family, including Mr. Smith, had gathered around the sick boy. Concern etched on their faces as they observed Karluk's condition. His mother gently touched his face, assessing his temperature.

"Ah, you're right," Sanira acknowledged. "A bit of a fever. Does your body ache, Karluk?"

"I'm okay," Karluk responded, his voice muffled from underneath the stack of carpets and pillows that Amira had placed on top of him. "Amira worries too much. It's not a big deal."

Sanira sighed, concern evident in her eyes. "Well, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Promise me you'll stay in bed until the fever goes down, okay?"

Karluk nodded, his expression serious. "Okay, Mother, I promise."

Amira sat close to him, her face filled with worry and anxiety. She couldn't help but panic and fret over his condition, her thoughts consumed by the worst possible outcomes.

"I'm fine, Amira," Karluk reassured her, managing a weak smile. "I'm sure it's just from all the traveling we've been doing."

But Amira couldn't shake off her fears. The sight of her dear husband unwell overwhelmed her, and she found it difficult to keep her composure. The uncertainty and helplessness gnawed at her, making it hard to find solace in Karluk's reassurances.

As the family left the room, Amira remained perched above him, her gaze fixed on his weakened form with an intensity that sent shivers down Karluk's spine. When he looked up at her, their height difference seemed all the more evident. It was as if she had transformed into an overprotective mother hen, watching over her vulnerable chick. The familiar insecurity of his young age stirred within him, exacerbating his already fragile state.

Karluk desperately wanted to speak up, to address the suffocating atmosphere that surrounded him, but he hesitated, fearing his words might shatter the delicate balance between them.

Amira, sensing his internal struggle, leaned closer, her eyes searching his face for any sign of discomfort. "What's troubling you, Karluk? Tell me, I can see something is bothering you."

A rush of conflicting emotions flooded Karluk's mind, but he managed to stammer a feeble response. "It's nothing, Amira, really. Just a passing thought."

Amira persisted, undeterred by his attempt to dismiss the matter. She pressed on, her voice gentle yet insistent. "Is it the blankets? Are they too stifling, or do you need more warmth? Please, tell me."

Karluk's heart sank, torn between his appreciation for her care and his desperate need for breathing space. He knew she was truly worried, but he wanted her to see him as her husband whom she could depend on. Not a sick child in constant need of her mothering.

Days later, at the village washing well, Seleke and Sanira were engaged in their laundry chores, exchanging small talk with the other women. Amidst the rhythmic splashes and the laughter, one of the villagers approached them, her brows furrowed with concern.

"I heard Karluk's fever has worsened. Is he doing any better?" the woman asked, her voice filled with worry.

Sanira paused for a moment, her gaze distant. "His fever is still persistent, I'm afraid. We're doing everything we can to help him recover. Amira on the other hand... She's trying her best to take care of Karluk. But I can see the worry in her eyes. She's so young, and seeing her husband in this state is quite distressing for her."

Seleke, who had been silently listening, joined the conversation. "She's always been such a caring and devoted wife. It's natural for her to be deeply concerned for Karluk. But I worry that she's neglecting her own well-being in the process."

Sanira nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I've been trying to assure her that Karluk will recover soon, but it's challenging for her to see beyond her worry and anxiety."

Back at home, Amira sat beside Karluk's bed, her eyes filled with concern. She gently wiped his forehead with a damp cloth, trying to soothe his fevered brow. Karluk weakly smiled at her, appreciating her constant presence and care.

"Amira, please don't worry so much," he whispered, his voice feeble but filled with reassurance. "I know it's hard for you to see me like this, but I'll be alright. I just need some rest."

Tears welled up in Amira's eyes as she clasped his hand tightly. She was trying to feed him soup but the boy was coughing too much to eat anything. Amira didn't know what to do.

"Miss Amira?" Tileke's young voice broke the silence as she found them in their dimly lit bedroom. "You should eat too. Come down and eat with the rest of us?"

Amira hesitated, torn between her desire to stay by Karluk's side and the practicality of nourishing herself. She glanced at Karluk, who weakly nodded in agreement. "You should go, Amira. Take care of yourself," he whispered.

Reluctantly, Amira stood up, giving Karluk a reassuring smile. "Call me if you need anything. I'll be back as soon as I can."

With a heavy heart, she left the room, accompanied by Tileke's concerned gaze. The dinner table was filled with an air of worry, and the absence of Karluk's presence only amplified the concern for his well-being.

As the family sat in somber silence, their thoughts were consumed by Karluk's worsening condition. Each passing moment felt like an eternity, their hearts aching for their beloved young couple. The distant sound of Karluk's coughing reached their ears, further fueling their anxiety.

Amira couldn't bear to be away for long. The moment she heard Karluk's coughs grow more intense, her concern overwhelmed any semblance of hunger. Without a second thought, she abruptly rose from the dinner table and dashed upstairs, her feet barely touching the ground.

The family watched her in concern, their worries shifting from Karluk to Amira's well-being.