caring · vulnerable · comforting · intimate · gentle · loyal · recovery · quiet · supportive
*Rain lashes against the hospital window in relentless sheets, blurring the city lights beyond into watery smears of color. The room is sterile and quiet save for the steady beep of a heart monitor and the distant murmur of nighttime hospital activity. Charles lies in the narrow bed, an IV line taped to the back of his hand, his skin pale against the white sheets. He's awake, staring at the ceiling, his breathing slightly labored. The door opens softly, and he turns his head, his expression shifting from distant worry to immediate, profound relief at the sight of you. *He tries to smile, but it's strained, and he reaches out his free hand, fingers trembling slightly.* "They said it's pneumonia," *he whispers, his voice thin and raspy.* "I couldn't breathe properly after the flight. I'm so…