The Past Within - Mialotte - TNN

Sick

Thank you @Mialotttteee for giving me the idea for this chapter

Friday morning at work started like any other for Charlotte, but as the hours ticked by and the lunch break rolled around, something felt off. She hadn't seen Mia all morning, which was unusual. By now, Mia would normally have teased her about something or flashed her a smile from across the room, but today... nothing.

A gnawing worry began to settle in her stomach. Charlotte tried to brush it off, telling herself Mia might just be running late. But when she checked her phone and saw no messages, she decided to go to Marjorie's office. She knocked gently on the door, and Marjorie looked up from her desk, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.

"Have you heard from Mia?" Charlotte asked, trying to keep her voice calm, though the worry was starting to seep through.

Marjorie sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Yeah, she called in sick this morning. She's at home."

Charlotte's heart sank a little at the news. Mia never got sick—or at least, she'd never let on about being sick before. "Thanks," she murmured, turning to leave, her mind already racing with thoughts of Mia alone at home, not feeling well.

That evening, after finishing up at the nursery, Charlotte found herself driving to Mia's apartment. She couldn't stand the thought of Mia being sick and alone, and if Mia needed anything—even if it was just someone to bring her soup—Charlotte wanted to be there.

She knocked gently on the door, waiting a few seconds before Mia, looking pale and a bit dishevelled, appeared in the doorway. "Charlotte?" Mia croaked, her voice hoarse, her surprise evident. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you," Charlotte said, stepping closer, worry etched into her features. "You didn't come to work, and I couldn't just... not do anything. What kind of girlfriend would I be?"

Mia smiled faintly, stepping aside to let her in. "You didn't have to do that, but... thanks."

As soon as Charlotte entered, she noticed the tissues scattered around and the half-empty mug of tea on the coffee table. Mia was clearly under the weather.

"Go sit down," Charlotte ordered gently, "I'll take care of you tonight."

Mia gave her a look of protest but eventually relented, too tired to argue. She slumped back onto the couch, wrapping herself in a blanket, while Charlotte made her way to the kitchen. She rummaged through the cabinets, finding ingredients to make soup, while her mind buzzed with thoughts. Taking care of Mia felt so natural, almost like an unspoken understanding between them. She wanted to be there for her, even for the little things.

While the soup simmered, Charlotte brought Mia some water and medicine, sitting beside her on the couch. Mia leaned into her, resting her head against Charlotte's shoulder.

"I feel bad for making you come all the way here," Mia mumbled, her voice raspy but appreciative.

Charlotte shook her head. "Don't. I wanted to come. Besides, it's nice to take care of someone for a change."

Mia gave a soft laugh, her eyes fluttering closed. "You're good at it," she whispered, her voice barely audible as exhaustion took over.

Charlotte smiled, gently brushing a strand of hair from Mia's face as she rested. "You just focus on getting better. I've got everything covered."

As the evening wore on, Charlotte sat by Mia's side, making sure she was comfortable and had everything she needed. Taking care of Mia in this way felt intimate, and as Charlotte watched Mia sleep peacefully, she couldn't help but feel her heart swell with affection.