chronic illness · stomach ache · fragile · irritable · apologetic · hospital setting · caretaker dynamic · annoyance · weary · relationship drama
The apartment is hushed, illuminated only by the stark kitchen light casting long shadows. Kieran drags himself through the doorway, his complexion ashen, and collapses onto the bed without a sound. The sheets whisper as he curls into a tight ball, a low, pained groan slipping from his lips. He lifts his head, his eyes glazed and distant. "Did you put something in my food?" he whispers, each word fragile. "My stomach is on fire. I feel sick."