Thank you, for listening

Chapter 17 : Morning After

Lucy stirred awake slowly, the soft light filtering through the curtains casting a gentle glow across the room. For a moment, she lay there, disoriented, as she took in her surroundings. The familiar smell of Tim's cologne enveloped her, and the warmth of the blankets wrapped around her felt comforting.

As her mind cleared, memories from the previous night flooded back. She remembered Tim's vulnerable state, the way he had needed her, and how they had fallen asleep together, entwined in each other's warmth.

But now, she was alone.

Pushing herself up on one elbow, she glanced around the room, her heart racing slightly. Tim's side of the bed was empty, and her stomach churned with a mix of confusion and concern. Where had he gone? Had he left without saying goodbye?

Just as panic began to creep in, a loud retching noise echoed from the bathroom, followed by the unmistakable sound of someone being sick. Lucy's heart dropped, and she immediately sprang from the bed, the softness of the sheets replaced by the cold air of the room.

"Tim?" she called, rushing towards the bathroom door.

"Lucy!" he croaked from the other side, and her heart sank further at the sound of his voice. It was weak, strained, and filled with discomfort.

She opened the door and stepped inside to find him hunched over the toilet, his face pale and sweaty. "Oh, Tim," she said softly, instinctively moving to kneel beside him.

He looked up at her, his eyes wide and glassy, and she could see the fatigue etched on his features. "I'm so sorry," he mumbled, his voice thick with nausea. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"Don't apologize," Lucy replied, rubbing his back gently. "I'm here. Just breathe."

Tim leaned against her, the warmth of her hand providing a small comfort. "I feel awful," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

"I know," she said, her heart aching for him. "Let's get you some warm water."

As he leaned back against her, she quickly filled a glass with warm water and brought it back to him. "Here, sip this," she encouraged, holding the glass to his lips.

He took a tentative sip, grimacing slightly as the liquid went down. "Ugh, I can't believe I let it get this bad," he said, running a shaky hand through his hair.

"You had a rough night," Lucy reassured him, still gently patting his back. "You're allowed to feel sick. Just take it easy."

After a few moments, Tim managed to sit back against the wall, the color in his face slowly returning to a more normal shade. "Thanks for being here," he said, his voice still hoarse.

"Always," she replied, offering him a warm smile. "Let's get you back to bed, okay?"

With her help, Tim stood unsteadily and shuffled back to the bedroom. Lucy guided him to the bed, tucking him in as he settled back against the pillows. She could see the weariness in his eyes, and it broke her heart to see him like this.

"Can I get you anything else?" she asked, brushing her fingers against his forehead to check for fever.

"Just you," he said weakly, a hint of his playful spirit breaking through the fog of his sickness.

She chuckled softly, a warmth spreading through her chest at his words. "Well, you've got me. But you also need some medicine," she replied, rising from the bed to rummage through his cabinet for something to help with his nausea.

After finding some medication, Lucy returned to his side. "Here, take this," she instructed, holding out the small pill to him along with the warm water.