“Stop.” A wheeze escaped his lips, his hand raising to stop your approach. He shook his head. “Just…God, just stay there, please.”

You were just out of arm’s reach, too far to comfort him and too close for him to protect you. The moment that incessant cough of his became apparent, he kept you at a distance. He loved you far too much to risk it.

He panted for several seconds, doing all he could to get that air into his lungs. It was impossible at this point, the man was doomed, and he wouldn’t subject you to such a fate.