Playmates

Sick Day

The morning dawned with a soft haze over the Elrod chateau, a gentle mist lingering among the garden paths and dew-kissed petals. Six woke with a sense of unease gnawing at her, a feeling that grew stronger as she remembered the events of the previous day.

Mono had come down with a cold.

She blamed herself, at least partially. Their escapades in the dusty, forgotten corridors and the pollen-filled trees had seemed harmless at the time—just another adventure in their summer of exploration. But now, seeing Mono tucked away in his room, pale and sniffling, she couldn't shake the guilt that tugged at her heart.

Determined to make amends, Six set about planning how to lift Mono's spirits and ensure he didn't spend the day bored and alone in his room. She raided the kitchen for supplies—freshly baked pastries, a pot of soothing tea, and a stack of Mono's favorite books she had surreptitiously noted during their visits to the library.

Armed with her makeshift care package, Six knocked softly on Mono's door. "Hey, Mono, it's me," she called out, her voice filled with concern.

The door creaked open, revealing Mono's tired but grateful smile. "Hey, Six," he greeted hoarsely, his voice thick with congestion. "Come on in."

Six entered the room with a burst of energy, carrying the tray laden with treats and books. "I brought you some things to cheer you up," she announced brightly, setting the tray down on a nearby table.

Mono's eyes widened in surprise and appreciation as he surveyed the spread before him. "Wow, Six, you didn't have to do all this," he murmured gratefully, touched by her thoughtfulness.

"I know I didn't have to," Six replied earnestly, pulling up a chair beside his bed. "But I wanted to. I feel really bad about you being sick, and I just want to make sure you're not bored."

Mono chuckled softly, his cheeks flushing slightly. "It's not your fault, Six," he reassured her gently. "I don't blame you at all."

Six nodded, though she couldn't quite shake the guilt. "I know, but still," she insisted, reaching for the teapot and pouring them each a cup. "I'll do whatever I can to make today better for you."

They spent the morning chatting quietly, sipping tea and nibbling on pastries as they flipped through the pages of books together. Six read aloud in animated voices, eliciting laughter from Mono despite his stuffy nose and occasional coughs.

As the day wore on, Six's determination to lift Mono's spirits only grew stronger. She regaled him with tales of their past adventures, exaggerating details and adding dramatic flair to entertain him. She even attempted to teach him some simple card tricks she had picked up from a passing magician during a visit to town, much to Mono's amusement.

"You're really good at this," Mono remarked with a smile, his eyes brightening as he attempted to replicate one of her tricks.

Six beamed proudly, her heart swelling with happiness at his genuine enjoyment. "Thanks, Mono! Maybe we can practice more once you're feeling better."

By midday, the room was filled with warmth—not just from the crackling fire in the hearth, but from the shared moments of laughter and companionship between Six and Mono. Despite his illness, Mono found himself grateful for Six's unwavering presence and her relentless efforts to brighten his day.

"You know, Six," Mono began softly as they sat side by side on his bed, a comfortable silence settling between them, "you really didn't have to go through all this trouble for me."

Six turned to him with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "I know, Mono," she replied sincerely, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. "But you're my friend, and I care about you. I want to be here for you, especially when you're not feeling well."

Mono's heart swelled with warmth at her words. "Thank you, Six," he said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'm really lucky to have you as my friend."

They sat in companionable silence for a while longer, the soft crackle of the fire and the occasional murmur of voices drifting in from the hallway creating a comforting backdrop to their shared moment of quiet closeness.

As the afternoon waned into evening, Six reluctantly prepared to leave, promising to return the next day with more treats and activities to keep Mono entertained. She lingered at the door, reluctant to say goodbye but knowing she had done everything she could to make Mono's sick day a little brighter.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Mono," Six said softly, her hand resting on the doorknob.

Mono nodded, a smile tugging at his lips despite his weariness. "I'll be here," he replied warmly, his eyes reflecting the genuine friendship they had forged.

With a final wave, Six slipped out of Mono's room and made her way down the quiet hallway, her heart lighter knowing she had made a difference in her friend's day. As she descended the staircase, thoughts of future adventures and shared moments with Mono filled her mind, bringing a smile to her lips.

Outside, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a rosy glow over the chateau and gardens beyond. And in that moment, Six knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she and Mono would face them together—bound by friendship, laughter, and the simple joy of being there for each other, even on the most unexpected of sick days.

IT'S 5 AM I'VE HAD 3 CUPS OF COFFEE AND I'M STILL GOING BABY!! I'm sorry the chapter was so short but I didn't know how to continue it. I'm so inspired to write more and I don't even feel sleepy yet!! Thank you yet again for reading another chapter!

((800+ Words))