Le's Soldier

Part 57

Lilly didn't sleep.

Leah was still curled on the couch, breathing softly, the bucket beside her. Every so often she shifted, face tightening, then settling again. Lilly sat at the end of the couch, elbows on her knees, watching.

Her foot bounced restlessly.

She hadn't smoked.

Not yet.

But the urge sat heavy in her chest.

She stood quietly and walked to the kitchen, gripping the counter. Her mind ran through worst-case scenarios — illness, infection, something serious. She hated not knowing. Hated that Leah looked small and pale and tired.

Her hand hovered near the drawer where she kept cigarettes.

She stopped herself.

"...not yet," she muttered.

Behind her, Leah shifted again.

That was enough.

Lilly grabbed one cigarette and stepped outside, shutting the door quietly. She lit it with shaky fingers, taking a slow drag. The smoke left her in a controlled exhale — not toward the door, not toward the house.

Only when she was really scared did she smoke.

This counted.

She finished it quickly, crushed it out, and went back inside.

Leah was awake.

"You smoked," Leah murmured softly.

Lilly didn't deny it. "Yeah."

"You're worried."

"Yeah."

Leah reached for her hand. "I'm okay."

"You've been throwing up all day."

"...yeah."

"You're pale, dizzy, not eating. That's not 'okay'."

Leah squeezed her fingers. "We'll go to the doctor."

"Tomorrow."

Leah nodded. "Tomorrow."

⸻

Next Morning

Katie was already at the house when they came into the kitchen.

She looked up immediately. "Jesus, Leah."

"Hi to you too," Leah muttered.

Katie frowned. "You look awful."

Lilly poured water, sliding it gently toward Leah. "We're going to the doctor."

Katie's eyes flicked between them. "You want me to come?"

Lilly hesitated — then nodded. "Yeah."

Katie softened slightly. She knew Lilly didn't ask for help often.

"Alright," she said. "I'll drive."

⸻

Doctor's Office

Leah sat between Lilly and Katie, hands clasped together. The waiting room felt too quiet. Lilly's knee bounced, jaw tight.

Katie nudged her. "Relax."

"I am relaxed."

"You're vibrating."

Lilly exhaled slowly.

The nurse called Leah's name.

They went in together.

After explaining symptoms, the doctor nodded. "We'll run a blood test. Just to check everything."