The room is freezing when Marley stirred awake, the dull ache already throbbing in his bones, not unfamiliar– but never welcome. He shifted slightly under the covers, swallowing back a grunt and hoping the movement would ease the discomfort.
Yet, after minutes, it didn't. Instead, the ever present pain grew sharper, starting at his tailbone and curling up his spine like vines and wrapping around his shoulders before waving back down to tense and strain at his legs.
His breath hitched as the sensation intensified, spreading like fire beneath his skin. How unfortunate, a night like this, to come every time he finally got his feet back under him.
Marley lay still for a moment, eyes shut tight, trying to will it away. Maybe, if he just lay there long enough, the pain would ebb—like it had on better days. He focused on his breathing, slow and steady, counting each inhale and exhale as if it might distract him. But the sharp twinges in his joints were relentless, growing stronger with each passing minute.
He curled up on his side, pulling the blanket tighter around him, trying to bury himself in its warmth. But warmth couldn't dull the sharpness that cut deeper into his muscles. His jaw clenched as he shifted again, a futile attempt to find a position that didn't hurt. Why now? He asked. Why, when he had been nothing but careful for days–?
Of course, there was no answer.
This was different. This night, it was like a weight pressing down on him, unyielding and merciless. The heaviness in his chest grew with each pulse of pain, and after what felt like an eternity, Marley knew he couldn't ignore it any longer.
His body wouldn't cooperate. Every movement felt like a battle, the sheets clinging to him like lead, but he forced himself to sit up, grimacing as the sudden shift sent a wave of sharp pain shooting down his spine.
It wasn't going away.
With a shaky breath, Marley reached for his brick on the bedside table. His fingers fumbled as another jolt of pain shot through his hand, making the simple task feel impossible. But after a few deep breaths, he managed to unlock the screen, blinking at the brightness in the otherwise dark room.
It was 2:14 a.m. Of course, no time for an episode like early morning.
For a moment, he just stared at the screen, debating whether or not to reach out. He hated waking people up—hated feeling like a burden—but the idea of sitting with the pain alone felt unbearable tonight. After a few moments of hesitation, he scrolled through his contacts and opened a message thread with Khairi.
hey, sorry it's late. earrly? pain's bad tonight. don't have to respond, jus needed to tell someon
He hit send before he could second-guess himself, not bothering to check his spelling and capitalization.. The screen dimmed as he lay back down, staring up at the ceiling, the glow of his phone resting beside him. His chest burned, swirling and swelling.
He didn't expect a reply right away—Khairi was likely asleep—but to his surprise, his phone buzzed a few minutes later, the vibration cutting through the quiet of the room.
yo, I'm awake. u ok? want me to call?
Marley exhaled a small breath of relief.
nah, it's ok. just hurting. as usual.
– sucks, man. wish I could punch it out of you lol.
pls do, feel free.
– seriously tho. you need anything?
YOU ARE READING
Hey, Blue
RomansaPreviously Titled -- The Head In My Hands. Frankly, Marley was tired of being sick. It had become part of his everyday life, sure, but gods- did it ruin everything. He never expected to be spending his late twenties working from home in quiet isolat...
