In quarantine

All the love

*Nina*
"Thank you Sherry". I smile at her, as I lean back on the pillow she has just fluffed up for me. It's the first time in three days I am really sitting up.. the first time I feel relatively clear in the head.. a sign the fever has finally broken.

"Oh you are welcome sweetie". She looks at Nick, who is curled up by my side, sleeping soundly. "What about sleepyhead there.. do you think he is hungry too ?"

I smile as I look at him.. my rock, my love.. he looks so peaceful sleeping. "I think It's better to let him wake by himself.. he needs rest".

"You are right.. he forgets himself the dear boy, wanting to care for everyone else, especially you.. he truly loves you". She smiles warmly.

"I know and I love him, with all of my heart". I feel a happiness bubble inside, looking at him, even the thought of him always does this to me. "I do not want to leave.. ever".

She touches my arm in a motherly gesture. "I am pretty sure he wants you to stay too, so I am sure you will figure it out".

"Figure what out ?" Nick mumbles, as he stretches his body.

Sherry grins. "This is my cue to disappear.. there is dinner on the table Nick, it's still warm".

"Thanks darlin'.. I am sure it is amazing as always". He says warmly, rubbing his eyes as he sits up.

"Morning love, hope you slept well ?" I say softly when Sherry leaves, he looks so cute with his hair sticking out in all directions and a mark from the pillow on his cheek.

He lights up in a glorious smile. "Darling, you are sitting up.. are you better ?" He gently touches my forehead. "The fever is going down, oh thank God".

"I am better, much better.. thanks to you mostly". I smile at him, his joy is infectious.

"No thanks to your spirit and maybe Sherry's good food". He leans in to kiss me softly.

I slap him softly on the chest. "No mostly you.. and now go get your food, you need Sherry's good food too".

He gets up and takes his plate of food, before sitting down beside me again. "So what was it, what did Sherry think you would figure out ?"

"Staying.. I.. I don't want to go back Nick.. I don't want to leave you". I look at him, wondering how he will react.

He gets up, putting his plate back on the table, a resolute look on his face, then he takes my plate, placing it on the table.

"What is happening Nick ? Are you okay ?" Did I say something wrong ?

"Nothing is wrong.. I just.. didn't want to knock the plates on the floor". He bites his lip and takes my hands as he sits on the edge. "I don't want you to leave, I wanted you to stay from the first moment I saw you.. I want you to stay and I .. I love you Nina, you are my better half, my light.. and will you marry me ? When this is all over I mean, I'll get you a ring of course.. I didn't plan this so..".

I clamp a hand over my mouth and honestly gasp badly.. which leads to a coughing spell.

"Nina, are you okay love ?" Nick is instantly there, his arm around me, softly rubbing my back. "Breathe.. slowly".

I feel dizzy, leaning on him.. and he tells me to breathe with him.. breathing in and out slowly and deeply, making me focus on him.

"Are you okay now ? Sorry, I should have..". He looks so upset.

"It's okay Nick". I manage to say. "You just .. Uhm surprised me.. a lot".

He kisses my temple. "I guess I surprised myself too.. so.. what do you say ?"

"Oh sorry, yes of course yes, I am no fool". I grin and he pulls me into his arms, kissing me.

"Thank you my love and now relax, I will feed you". He says softly and kisses me again, before getting the plates.

*Emilia*
"How is he today sweetie ?" Sherry comes into the tent, looking at LZ in the bed, concern in her eyes.

I shake my head. "No difference, he hasn't been awake at all.. even with the oxygen, I mean look at him".

"I know you are worried, I understand.. we all are". She pulls me into a hug. "But he has a lot of spirit.. he is tougher than he looks. You'll see, it will turn soon".

"I hope you are right. I would give anything to see him smile again, to hear that little chuckle he makes when he is happy.. to feel his hand grasp mine.. to..". I can't stop the tears.

She hugs me tighter. "He knows sweetie.. he knows.. and I promise you that he wants it too. It will happen, just keep believing".

"I will.. and thanks for the food. I hope he will wake enough to eat a bit". I say, I am worried because he hasn't eaten in two days now and hardly had any water either, if that doesn't change he will need the hospital very soon.

"And you, eat.. you need it to". She looks at LZ. "He would want you to eat".

I nod. "I promise.. I might not be able to eat much, but I will eat.. for him".

"God girl, we want you to be strong for him". She gives me one last smile before leaving the tent.

I look at the food, it looks delicious, but I have no appetite to be honest.. Maybe later.. I need to eat a bit.. later.

"Hi chiquito,it's a sunny day today you know and Sherry just told me that Nina's fever has broken.. she is getting better". I am not telling him about Zac now needing oxygen too, I don't want him to worry.

I take his hand in mine, trying to ignore the clammy feel to his skin. "I need you to get better, so we can go for walks again.. and you need to teach me to ride the one wheeler.. remember ?"

I try not to start crying, I have no idea how aware he is, how much he can hear.. but it is impossible for me to keep it all in. "I miss you, I miss you so much.  I am sorry I tried to push you away.. I was scared.. please stay with me".

It's not much, and for a moment I am not even sure if I am just imagining it, but no, his hand is gently squeezing mine and I have to clamp the free hand over my mouth not to sob.

"I know sweetie, I know". I lift his hand to my lips, pressing my lips to it. "I love you.. and I am waiting right here for you".