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Winter groaned as she opened her eyes, her entire body feeling heavier than usual.
She tried to sit up, only to be pushed back down by a very determined Karina.
"What are you doing?" Winter grumbled, glaring up at her self-proclaimed captor.
"Keeping you in bed," Karina replied with a deadpan expression, folding her arms. "Today, I'm Dr. Karina. My diagnosis? You're weak, whiny, and incapable of taking care of yourself."
"I'm fine!" Winter protested, trying once again to sit up, only to have Karina plant a firm hand on her shoulder.
"Shush." Karina gave her a warning look before turning to Banana, who was perched on the bed, wagging his tail. "Banana, keep an eye on her. Don't let her move."
To Winter's utter disbelief, Banana meowed as if in agreement.
"You've got to be kidding me," Winter muttered, throwing an incredulous look between Karina and her traitorous cat.
Karina, unfazed, leaned down and wagged a finger in Winter's face. "You're not allowed to move. Not even an inch. Doctor's orders."
Winter scoffed. "You're not a real doctor."
Karina smirked, tilting her head as she tapped Banana's nose. "Banana thinks I am."
Winter groaned louder, flopping back against the pillows in defeat. "This is absurd. I'm not even sick!"
"Oh, really? Then what was that whole gasping-on-the-floor performance earlier?" Karina shot back, her tone sharp but her eyes still tinged with worry.
Winter opened her mouth to retort but faltered, glancing away. "That was... different."
"Exactly," Karina said triumphantly, standing up. "You need rest, and I'm making you something to eat."
"I don't need anything," Winter mumbled, but Karina was already halfway out the door.
"Stay. In. Bed!" Karina called over her shoulder, vanishing down the hallway.
Winter stared after her, thoroughly annoyed yet strangely touched. She glanced at Banana, who had settled next to her on the bed, staring at her as if daring her to disobey Karina's orders.
"You're supposed to be on my side," Winter muttered, narrowing her eyes at the cat.
Banana blinked at her, unimpressed, and curled into a ball, making it clear he wasn't moving anytime soon.
"I can't believe this," Winter sighed, sinking deeper into the pillows. Despite her complaints, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. As much as Karina drove her crazy, it wasn't the worst thing in the world to have someone fuss over her for once.
