In quarantine

Improvements

2 days later
*Pilar*
I am awakened by an alarm and for a second I am confused, then I realise it is the oxygen tank. And I sit up feeling panic grab me like a cold hand. "Zac ! Zac are you okay ?"

"Yeah sorry.. I didn't mean to wake you". I realise he is sitting up and fumbling with the oxygen machine. "How do I make this thing shut up".

I reach over and shut it off. "Why have you taken off the mask Zac ?"

"It was bugging me". He rubs his face, the mask has left a slight mark. "And the oxygen started feeling too much.. Does that make sense ? So I tried taking it off.. and don't need it anymore".

Of course all this talking sparks a coughing fit, but when I grab the oxygen mask he shakes his head.. and the coughing is over much faster than before.

"Are you sure ?" I look at him as he lay back on the pillows.. Hope is blooming in my stomach. "Are you really feeling better ?"

He smiles softly at me. "I am feeling much better.. you have no idea how good it feels to breathe".

"Can I hug you ?" I mean I don't want to risk hurting him.. but I can't remember when I last felt this relieved.

He holds out his arms. "Of course.. I can't imagine anything better right now.. just, don't squeeze my chest too much.. it's still sore".

I slip into his arms and he folds them around me, as I snuggle closer. "I would never ever hurt you Zac".

"I know darling". He kisses the top of my head and I rest my head on his chest, the tears just coming before I even realise. "Don't cry baby ? Why are you crying.. are you sad".

I shake my head against his chest. "I am just so relieved that you are feeling better.. and I.. your lungs.. they sound so much better than just yesterday.. you are really gonna be okay..".

"Aww my most precious love.. of course I am.. how could I not, with you caring for me and waiting for me". He hugs me into him as I try to stop my tears. "Now no more crying okay.. it's a good day".

"It is". I look up at him. "I love you so much Zac.. I can't even start to describe what you mean to me".

He kisses my nose. "You don't have to.. I feel it.. every day.. and I love you too".

"I am happy you do.. it would be rather unfortunate if you didn't.. now when I have decided that you are my prince charming". I reach up to caress his cheek.

"He he yeah.. but you are my princess". He sighs softly. "I think I might take a little nap.. I might be able to get a good sleep finally".

I lean in ghosting my lips over his. "Do that.. I will stay right here.. watching".

"Thank you". He closes his eyes, and it doesn't take long before his breathing tells me he is sleeping. His lungs are still rattling slightly, but his breathing is so much better, and I could just lay here forever listening to him.

*Nick*
"Please.. just for five minutes.. while Sherry is doing her thing.. Nick, say yes". Nina looks at me pleadingly.

Sherry is about to clean and change the bedding, now when Nina is feeling much better.. and my dear fiance has gotten the idea that she wants to go outside, to get some fresh air.

"Okay.. but on three conditions". I look at her.. she looks much better, but is still pale and she has lost around ten pounds.

She almost rolls her eyes. "That is a lot of rules for one little trip outside".

"Yeah.. but we have to watch out for you". I can't help chuckling softly. "You will be wrapped in a blanket, so you don't get cold.. I will carry you.. and as soon as Sherry is done it's back in bed.. deal ?"

"I don't have a choice do I ?" She looks at me and I shake my head. "Okay then".

I gently wrap her in a clean blanket and notice Sherry smiling at us, as I lift her up and carry her outside. I decide to sit her in my lap. "There you go darling.. you are outside".

"I don't even get to sit on my own ?" She looks at me, raising one eyebrow.

"Nope.. I don't want you to get cold.. sitting on me is warmer". I pull her a little closer and she snuggles into me.

She rests her head on my shoulder. "It's much nicer too, to be honest".

We sit for a long time, just watching the sun setting, our fingers waved together.. honestly it feels so good and right.. I am so relieved to see how fast she is recovering and Zac got off oxygen this morning.. so now we just need LZ to turn and start healing.

"You know what I am looking most forward too.. beside the pain being gone and.. well getting married ?" She says softly.

"No, what ?" I have already decided that no matter what it is, I will make it happen as soon as possible.. anything to make her happy.

She look up at me, biting her lip softly. "To go paddle boarding with you and the dogs.. I really miss that".

"As soon as you are healthy enough I will take you paddle boarding.. the first couple of times you can just sit on my board.. so you don't strain yourself". I tell her.. honestly I can't wait for us to get back to normal again.. and do simple normal things like that.

"Sounds good.. I am marrying a true gentleman.. my mom will approve". She say giggling softly as she snuggles into me again.

I kiss her hair. "And my family will adore you, almost as much as I do".

"I hope so". She mumbles. "I can't wait to meet them".

"And I can't wait for you to meet them.. and them to meet you". I start rocking her softly.. and it doesn't take long before she grow heavy in my arms.. she is still weak and tires out fast, but we are on the right track.