After a while, I knew it was time to get up, even though I wanted to stay in bed with Leah a little longer. I sighed and looked at her. "Can you pass me my bra?" I asked.
Leah smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Which one?" she teased, picking up a bra and dangling it just out of my reach. "This one?"
I rolled my eyes, trying to keep from laughing. "Yes, that one. Come on, Leah, don't be mean."
She chuckled and finally handed it to me. "Just having a bit of fun," she said, leaning in to kiss my cheek.
Once I had my bra on, I quickly pulled on a T-shirt and some shorts. Leah, already dressed, watched me with a fond smile. "Ready?" she asked.
I nodded, feeling a bit more like myself. "Yeah, let's go."
We made our way to the living room, where Katie was sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee. She looked up as we entered and smiled. "Morning, you two. How did you sleep?"
"Pretty well," I said, feeling Leah's reassuring presence beside me. "Thanks, Katie."
Katie raised an eyebrow, glancing between Leah and me. "Glad to hear it. Are you hungry? I can make us some breakfast."
I hesitated. I hadn't eaten since two nights ago, but I wasn't feeling hungry. The idea of food made my stomach turn. I shook my head slightly. "I'm not really hungry, Katie. But thanks."
Katie frowned, concern etched on her face. "Maddie, you need to eat something. How about just a little bit? Some toast or fruit?"
I sighed, knowing she was right but not feeling up to it. Leah placed a gentle hand on my back. "Maybe just a small bite, Maddie. It's important to keep your strength up."
Reluctantly, I nodded. "Okay, maybe a little bit."
Katie nodded and headed to the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with a plate of toast and a small bowl of fruit. "Here you go," she said, setting it down on the coffee table.
Leah and I sat down on the couch, and I picked up a piece of toast, nibbling on it slowly. Katie watched me with a reassuring smile. "Take your time."
We sat there in comfortable silence for a while. The warmth and support from Leah and Katie made me feel a little better, even though my appetite hadn't fully returned. As I ate, I felt a small sense of accomplishment, knowing that I was taking a step toward getting better.
After a few bites, I set the toast down and leaned back against the couch. "Thanks, Katie. I'll try to eat more later."
Katie nodded, understanding. "That's all I ask. Just take it one step at a time."
Leah squeezed my hand gently. "We're here for you, Maddie. Always."
With their support, I felt a renewed sense of hope. No matter what challenges lay ahead, I knew I wouldn't have to face them alone.
As the day wore on, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with Maddie. She moved slower than usual, and there was a distant look in her eyes. It wasn't until mid-afternoon that the dizziness became noticeable. Katie and I exchanged worried glances as we watched her sway slightly.
"Maddie, are you okay?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.
She tried to brush it off with a weak smile. "I'm fine, really."
But it was clear she wasn't. Her eyes seemed unfocused, and I could see the room spinning for her. Katie walked over, frowning. "Maddie, you don't look fine. Maybe you should sit down."
Maddie shook her head stubbornly. "I'm okay. Really."
Before I could reach out to steady her, her eyes rolled back, and she crumpled to the floor, hitting her bad arm hard. The sound of her collapsing sent a jolt of fear through me.
