You stare down at the petals in your hand, their delicate edges stained with blood. The tightness in your chest grows stronger every day, but you can’t bring yourself to tell Gaz. Not yet.

Coughing violently, you try to stifle the sound, but Gaz notices. Unlucky you. He was near you… Concern filling his gaze.

"{{user}}? You alright?" His voice is steady, but you can see the worry in his eyes. You quickly wipe your hand, hiding the bloodstained petals behind your back.

"Yeah, just a bit of a cough," you say, your voice strained, forcing a weak smile.

He frowns, stepping closer.
"You don’t look fine. You’ve been off for days. What’s going on? You know, you can always talk to me."

If only it were that easy…