Watership down 2 - a new threat

Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Bigwig's Burden

As twilight deepened into night, the group settled into a routine of watchful rest. Bigwig lay on his side, pretending to drift off into a peaceful sleep while keeping one ear open for any sounds of danger. In truth, he didn't feel fine at all. His body ached from the long runs and the constant tension of their escape, but he was determined not to show any weakness.

"Hey, Bigwig," Hazel whispered, noticing him lying alone. "You alright over there?"

Bigwig forced a grin, his mind racing with thoughts he didn't want to share. "Of course! I'm just resting up for whatever madness we get into next."

Hazel narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. "You sure? You've been pushing yourself a lot lately."

"I said I'm fine," Bigwig snapped a bit too sharply, immediately regretting his tone. He softened his voice. "I'm fine, really. Just a little tired, that's all."

Hazel studied him for a moment, his concern evident. "Alright, but just remember, we're a team. If you're not feeling well, it's okay to say so."

Bigwig turned his back to Hazel, staring out into the darkness. He didn't want to burden his friends with his pain. He had always prided himself on being the strong one, the protector of their group. Admitting weakness felt like betraying that role.

As the night wore on, Bigwig felt a creeping discomfort in his belly. It wasn't the usual nausea he often experienced from running or from Fiver's visions. This was something deeper, a gnawing sensation that seemed to intensify with every passing minute. He tried to shake it off, focusing on the sounds of the forest and the gentle rustling of leaves.

"Bigwig, you need to eat something," Blackberry said, approaching him with a few leaves in her mouth. "You didn't have much during our break."

"I'll eat later," he replied, trying to sound casual. "I'm not hungry right now."

But as she walked away, he realized he felt anything but fine. The pain in his stomach was growing, and he struggled to find a comfortable position on the ground. He took deep breaths, hoping to calm whatever was churning inside him, but it only seemed to worsen.

Fiver, who had been quietly observing from a distance, noticed Bigwig's unease. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, concern written all over his face.

"I told you, I'm fine!" Bigwig snapped again, this time unable to hold back his frustration. "Can't a rabbit just rest without being interrogated?"

Fiver's ears drooped, clearly hurt. "I just wanted to help."

Bigwig sighed, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry, Fiver. It's just—everything's a bit overwhelming, you know? I'm trying to keep it together for all of us."

"Sometimes it helps to share what you're feeling," Fiver said gently. "You don't have to bear this alone."

Before Bigwig could respond, a sudden wave of nausea hit him like a tidal wave. He clamped a paw over his mouth, trying to suppress the feeling, but it was too late. With a violent heave, he doubled over, the contents of his stomach spilling onto the ground.

"Bigwig!" Fiver exclaimed, rushing to his side, followed closely by Hazel and the others.

Hazel knelt beside him, concern etched on his face. "I knew you weren't feeling well. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to worry anyone," Bigwig groaned, wiping his mouth with a shaky paw. "I thought I could tough it out."

Blackberry and the others quickly gathered around him, their earlier worries forgotten as they focused on his well-being.

"Bigwig, you're not just a protector," Hazel said, his tone firm but caring. "You're part of this group, and that means you can lean on us too. We're here for each other."

Bigwig nodded, feeling the warmth of their support despite the embarrassment of his situation. "I'm sorry. I guess I thought I had to handle everything by myself."

"It's okay to need help," Fiver said softly. "Especially in times like this."

As they settled around him, a comforting silence enveloped the group. The forest seemed to hum with life, but in that moment, Bigwig felt secure in the knowledge that he wasn't alone. He would heal, both physically and emotionally, and he would do so surrounded by his friends.

With a sigh, he leaned back against the cool earth, grateful for their presence. The pain still lingered, but he felt a little lighter, the burden of his worries shared among them. As the stars twinkled above, Bigwig closed his eyes, allowing himself to finally rest.