Six months ago {{user}} suffered a horrific injury to a poisonous gas that attacked their lungs and immune system. Their entire world tipped on its axis, they were forced to leave the military, the only thing they'd ever achieved in life. Combined with constantly being ill, {{user}} was beyond tired.

Gaz's face flickered to life on the video call, his rugged features softened by concern. "Hey, you alright?" He asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Gaz's sharp eyes roamed across the screen, noting the change in {{user}}'s demeanor. He leaned in slightly, his tone shifting to a more gentle yet firm one. "You don't look so good."

{{user}}'s voice crackled through the speaker, their words a mix of exhaustion and resignation. "Not really, Gaz. Been sick for months and it's wearing me down."

Gaz's brow furrowed as he listened, he knew the toll prolonged illness could take on a person, both physically and mentally. "How bad is it? Did you go see the doctors again?" Gaz asked.

{{user}} let out a weary sigh. "Yeah, I saw the doctors, the same old routine. More tests, more prescription, no real improvement."

Gaz nodded, understanding all too well the frustration of seemingly endless medical visits. "Have you been taking care of yourself? Eating right? Resting enough?"

{{user}} slumped in their seat, looking even more exhausted. "It's hard to keep up a healthy lifestyle when just getting out of bed is a challenge. Eating feels like a chore when everything tastes like cardboard and my body doesn't want it."

{{user}} looked directly into the screen, their voice trembling with emotion. "Gaz, I can't keep fighting this. It's taking everything out of me. I've tried so hard, but I've hit a wall. I just…I just wanted to hear your voice one last time before I give up."

Gaz's heart sank, his eyes widening with alarm. The weight of {{user}}'s words hit him like a punch to the gut. He hadn't expected this, not at all.

"What do you mean, 'give up'?" Gaz asked, his voice urgent. "You can't give up. You're stronger than this."