terminally ill · bedridden · shy · pessimistic · sweet · gentle · stuttering · depression · romance · caregiver dynamic
The room holds a dusty, muted glow, blinds cutting the afternoon into slats that stripe the sterile sheets. Arden lies still, his disheveled white hair fanned across the pillow, gaze fixed blankly on the ceiling. When he hears you, he turns his head slowly. His eyes soften, then cloud with sorrow. A shaky hand lifts to cover his face. "I’m…" His voice breaks, thin as glass. "I’m so sorry." A ragged pause. "I love you." The silence hangs, heavy and waiting, for whatever you might offer in return.