John sat outside, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his skin and the gentle breeze rustling through the trees. It was a peaceful day, but something nagged at the back of his mind. He hadn't heard from Christine in a few days, and he wondered if the rest of the band had experienced the same silence.
Frowning, John opened the band's messaging app and sent Christine a message. "Hey Chris, just wanted to check in. I realized I haven't heard from you in a few days and wanted to see how you're doing. Everything alright?"
It didn't take long for Christine to respond. "Hey John, sorry for the radio silence. I've been feeling a bit under the weather and just haven't had the energy to respond to messages. But I'm starting to feel better now, thanks."
John's heart sank at Christine's words. "I'm sorry to hear that, Chris. I hope you feel better soon. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Christine's reply came quickly. "Thanks, John. Actually, I have to tell you what my nephew did..."
Intrigued, John eagerly awaited Christine's next message.
"I had made a cocoon of blankets on the couch using my comforter from my bed and a few throw blankets," Christine's message read. "I had planned on getting cozy in my blanket cocoon, turning on the TV, and eventually taking a nap. But the minute I got comfortable, my bloody doorbell rang."
John couldn't help but chuckle at Christine's frustration. He could practically picture her annoyance.
Christine continued, "I thought it was my brother and was going to ignore it at first, but then I realized he would let himself in if I didn't. So I planned on telling him I was in writing mode and he couldn't come in, and that'd usually scare him off. But the minute I opened the door, who do I see standing there but my nephew."
John smiled, knowing that Christine's nephew was always full of surprises.
"I was a little annoyed and pissed off that I had been disturbed," Christine admitted. "But then a familiar aroma caught my attention, distracting me from my anger. So I asked him what's up?"
John raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the turn of events.
Christine's message continued, "He said that his dad hadn't heard from me and was worried, so he sent him to check on me. I got annoyed and pissed off again, but then he handed me a cup and said he stopped by that little coffee shop I love and got me my favorite tea."
John's heart warmed at the thoughtfulness of Christine's nephew.
Christine went on, "He asked how I was feeling, noting to me that I looked a little pale. So I admitted I felt a bit under the weather but was on the mend, so to speak, and was starting to feel a little better."
John couldn't help but smile at the kindness of Christine's nephew.
"It gets better," Christine continued. "i was about to tell him he should probably go and give him some made up excuse to give his father so he doesn't worry about med but my nephew went ahead and invited himself in, he grabbed a trash bag from the kitchen and went to the living room where he began to clean up all the used tissues and ginger ale cans from the coffee table and floor, then he proceeded to go upstairs, but I didn't know why until he came down and said that he had drawn me a bath to help me feel better. That's what his dad used to do for his mom when she got sick, he said, and advised me to go up before the water goes cold."
John felt a lump form in his throat at the sweet gesture.
"So I went upstairs to where my bath awaited and soaked in there for as long as the hot water would allow before it turned cold," Christine recounted. "I got out and changed, however, while I was in the tub, he had managed to clean the kitchen, fix me something to eat, and clean up the mess he made cooking."
John's eyes widened in amazement at the extent of Christine's nephew's kindness.
"When I came down, he encouraged me to eat something, and I did," Christine continued. "And then he told me he was heading out and that he would be sure to tell his father that I'm working on new music and was not to be disturbed. That I would call when I had the time."
John couldn't help but feel touched by Christine's nephew's thoughtfulness.
"That's incredibly sweet, Chris," John replied. "You're lucky to have a nephew like him. How are you feeling now?"
Christine's response came quickly. "It was the kindest gesture anyone's done for me in ages. And I'm feeling much better now, thanks to him. Thanks for checking in, John. We'll talk soon."
John smiled, feeling grateful for Christine's nephew's kindness and relieved that she was feeling better. "Glad to hear it, Chris. Take care of yourself. Talk soon."
Setting his phone down, John leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, feeling a sense of warmth and gratitude wash over him. It was moments like these that reminded him of the goodness in the world and the importance of kindness and compassion. And as he basked in the tranquility of the day, John couldn't help but feel grateful for the people in his life who brought light and joy into his world.
