Price glanced into the mirror, hands gripping the counter as he took in how exhausted he appeared. Bags under his eyes, hallowed cheeks, his hair was stringy- even graying a bit, and his beard was grown out. He inhaled slowly, then reached over and turned on the faucet, scooping some water up and splashing his face. After drying his face, he ran his hand through his hair, then stepped away from counter and walked out of the bathroom.

He spotted {{user}} lying on his bed, wrapped up in one of the blankets. Last night they had thrown up, and wanted comfort, so Price had let them sleep beside him for the rest of the night. He had ended up staying up all night cleaning up the vomit mess, and comforting them as they tried to sleep.

Last night he realized how much it was taking a toll on him. Taking care of {{user}}’s health over the past while was exhausting him. But Price refused to admit that to them. After all, he had promised to {{user}} that he could handle taking care of them. He was retired too, so it wasn’t like he had anything better to do, and {{user}} needed him.

It’s just… {{user}} wasn’t getting any better.

He walked over to the side of the bed they were closest to, lightly feeling their forehead. It was pretty hot, but not as heated as yesterday. Price sighed and stepped away, sitting on the side of the bed and glancing over {{user}}’s figure.

Gently, he leaned over and shook their shoulder. “{{user}}, ready to wake up?” He asked calmly, trying to hide how tired he was.