TNN ONESHOTS

Sickness bug - CD & SD

Clodagh sat on the edge of her bed, feeling a wave of nausea wash over her. Her stomach churned, and she could feel the panic rising within her. It wasn’t just the physical discomfort that troubled her; it was the overwhelming fear of being sick itself. The thought of losing control, of feeling vulnerable, sent her mind spiralling into a dark place.

She hugged her knees tightly, trying to steady her breathing. “I can’t do this,” she whispered to herself, her heart racing. Memories of past experiences flooded her mind—times when her phobia had taken over, leaving her feeling helpless and trapped. Clodagh knew she had to fight against the rising tide of anxiety, but the fear felt insurmountable.

Taking a deep breath, Clodagh reached for her phone and texted her wife, hoping for a distraction. “Hey, can you come home early? I feel sick.” she typed, her fingers trembling slightly. A few moments later, a reply came through, bringing a glimmer of hope. “On my way!” With that small reassurance, Clodagh knew she wouldn’t have to face her fears alone, and her wife would be with her soon. As she waited, she focused on the sound of her Sorscha voice and laughter in her mind, reminding herself that support was just around the corner.

*

Sorscha could hear Clodagh’s breathing quicken from the other room, a telltale sign that panic was setting in. She rushed to her parents' side, finding Clodagh curled up on the bed, her face pale and her hands trembling. “Clodagh, hey, look at me,” Sorscha said gently, kneeling beside her.

Clodagh’s eyes were wide with fear, and she shook her head, trying to push the nausea away. “I can’t breathe, Sorscha. I feel so sick,” she gasped, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Just focus on my voice,” Sorscha urged, her own heart racing but determined to keep her calm. She took a deep breath, demonstrating the slow inhale and exhale she wanted Clodagh to mimic. “In through your nose, out through your mouth. You’re safe here with me.”

As Clodagh struggled to follow her wife's lead, Sorscha placed a reassuring hand on her back, gently rubbing small circles to help ground her. “You’re okay, you’re okay,” she repeated softly, creating a rhythm that matched their breaths. Slowly, Clodagh began to mirror Sorscha’s breathing, the frantic pace easing just a little.

“Just keep breathing, Clodagh. I’m right here,” Sorscha continued, her voice steady and soothing. With each breath, Clodagh felt the panic start to recede, replaced by the warmth of Sorscha’s presence. “You’re not alone in this. We’ll get through it together.” In that moment, surrounded by support, Clodagh felt the weight of her fear begin to lift, knowing that Sorscha was her anchor in the storm.

*

Clodagh lay curled up on the couch, a blanket wrapped tightly around her as waves of nausea washed over her. She had been feeling unwell for days, but today was the worst. Each time she thought it might be over, another wave would crash, leaving her breathless and overwhelmed. Tears streamed down her face as she clutched her stomach, feeling both sick and utterly helpless. She was terrified to eat or drink anything in case she was sick again.

Sorscha entered the room quietly, her heart aching at the sight of her wife in such distress. She knelt beside the couch, brushing Clodagh’s hair back from her forehead. “Hey, love, I’m here,” she whispered, her voice soft and reassuring. Clodagh looked up, her eyes glassy and filled with tears. “I can’t take this anymore, Sorscha,” she sobbed, her voice breaking between bouts of sickness. “It hurts so much and im scared.”

Sorscha wrapped her arms around Clodagh, holding her close. “You’re going to be okay. Just breathe, okay? I’ve got you.” She gently stroked Clodagh’s back, whispering comforting words as the waves of nausea came and went. Clodagh leaned into her, finding solace in Sorscha’s presence even as her body betrayed her.

Between bouts of sickness, Clodagh would cry out, expressing her frustration and fear. “I just want it to stop,” she murmured, her voice muffled against Sorscha’s shoulder. “I know, love, I know,” Sorscha replied softly, her heart breaking for her wife. “Just let it out. I’m right here. You’re not alone in this.” With each passing moment, Sorscha’s unwavering support helped Clodagh feel a little stronger, a little less afraid, as they navigated the storm together.

As the evening wore on, Clodagh's strength began to wane, and Sorscha could see the exhaustion etched on her wife's face. After another bout of sickness, Clodagh lay back against the couch, her eyes fluttering closed, the weight of her illness finally catching up with her. Sorscha knelt beside her, gently brushing a few stray hairs from Clodagh's forehead, feeling a mix of love and concern.

“Hey, love,” Sorscha said softly, “let’s get you to bed.” Clodagh opened her eyes slightly, a faint smile breaking through the fatigue. “I don’t think I can walk,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Without hesitation, Sorscha scooped her up in her arms, cradling her against her chest. Clodagh felt safe and cherished in Sorscha’s embrace, the warmth of her wife providing a much-needed comfort.

As Sorscha carried her to their bedroom, Clodagh nestled her head against Sorscha’s shoulder, feeling the rhythm of her heartbeat. “You’re so strong,” Clodagh murmured, her voice thick with emotion. Sorscha smiled down at her, determination shining in her eyes. “I’ll always be strong for you, love. Just rest.”

Once they reached the bed, Sorscha gently laid Clodagh down, tucking the blankets around her. She climbed in beside her, wrapping her arms around Clodagh, who instinctively leaned into her warmth. The room was quiet, the only sound being their synchronized breathing. As Clodagh felt the heaviness of sleep begin to pull her under, she whispered, “Thank you for taking care of me.” Sorscha pressed a soft kiss to Clodagh’s forehead, her heart full. “Always,” she replied, and soon, they both drifted off into a peaceful slumber, united in love and comfort.