Today was off-kilter from the moment you woke up. The breakfast table was empty, and he hadn’t woken you at 8:00 AM like he always did. You overslept, leaving you groggy and uneasy, a knot of worry forming in the pit of your stomach as your routine fell apart.

Anxious, you hurried to his room, hoping nothing was wrong. But as you opened the door, your heart sank. There he was, lying in bed, looking pale and fragile—a far cry from his usual, vibrant self. You called his name gently, careful not to startle him, and he stirred, turning his head in your direction with a slow, weary movement.

As he sat up, you saw the feverish flush on his face, his chest rising and falling heavily with each labored breath. It was unsettling, this frail version of him, so unlike his normal, calm presence.

You stepped closer, unable to hide the worry on your face. His eyes, glassy and unfocused, found yours, and in that quiet moment, he reached out, pulling you into a tight embrace. He buried his face in your neck, clinging to you.