Trials of the Test Subjects

Fun chapter: sick

Third part

The room fell silent again, the only sounds being the gentle hum of the machines and the soft rattle of the IV bag. I felt a bit better with every minute that passed, the fever ebbing away slowly but surely. Despite the lingering exhaustion, a sense of calm washed over me as I lay there, resting.

The minutes stretched on, and I must have drifted in and out of sleep, because before I knew it, the door creaked open once more. This time, it was Zz and Lyn who stepped in, followed by Ave. They had all been standing outside, waiting, I assumed, for permission to visit me.

Zz was the first to speak, a teasing grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Look at you, lounging in bed like some kind of royalty. Getting all the special treatment, huh?"

I offered him a small, tired smile. "Yeah, well, it's not as glamorous as it sounds. Mostly just me and my fever."

Lyn, who was holding a small tray with a steaming bowl of soup, winked. "Good news, though-this is the best soup you'll get outside of a five-star restaurant." He placed the tray on the bedside table, the scent of something warm and savory filling the air.

Ave moved toward me as well, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a more serious tone. "How're you feeling?" he asked, his voice low, almost protective.

"Better," I replied, reaching for the soup, the warmth from the bowl a welcome comfort. "Just still a little out of it. I'm sorry I'm slowing everyone down."

Zz rolled his eyes. "Seriously, you don't need to apologize. We've all been through enough weird stuff to know when to take a break."

Lyn took a seat beside me on the bed, his easy grin returning. "And besides, you've been the one keeping us all on track with the plan. You're allowed to rest."

Ave nodded in agreement, though his brow furrowed slightly. "Don't push yourself too hard, alright? We're all fine, but you need to take care of yourself first."

I nodded, lifting the spoon to my lips and savoring the warmth. It wasn't five-star restaurant quality, but it was enough to bring me comfort. As I ate, I felt the tension in my body begin to release bit by bit.

Sera's voice echoed softly from the doorway. "If you're all done playing nurse," she said with a slight chuckle, "Mitochondria needs rest. Let her finish her meal."

The group collectively groaned in playful protest, but none of them pushed further. Lyn gave me a quick thumbs up before standing up, and Zz leaned in close with a wink. "We'll let you enjoy your food in peace. But if you need anything-anything at all-don't hesitate to call."

I was grateful for their attention, but even more so for the lightness they brought into the room. They didn't hover or overwhelm me with questions; they just... understood.

With a final glance over their shoulders, the three of them left, leaving Sera standing in the doorway, a quiet presence.

"You sure you don't want any help finishing that?" she asked, a playful glint in her eyes.

I shook my head, now more aware of how much I needed to rest than I had been earlier. "I'll be alright. I just need to sleep off this fever."

She smiled warmly, her expression softening. "Alright. Just call if you need anything, okay?"

I nodded again, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. With the group's gentle care and the nurse's kindness, it was easier to relax, easier to accept that sometimes you had to let others take charge for a little while.

"Thanks, Sera," I murmured, my eyes growing heavier.

She smiled and nodded, giving me a quiet wave as she turned to leave. "Rest up, Mitochondria. We've got your back."

As I sank deeper into the pillow, the warmth from the soup still lingering, I felt the last remnants of my fever slip away. Sleep beckoned, and with it, the assurance that everything would be okay-whatever came next, I wouldn't have to face it alone.

And as the door clicked shut behind Sera, I finally allowed myself to close my eyes, drifting into a much-needed, peaceful sleep.