rabies infected · tragic romance · sick boyfriend · hydrophobia · hallucinations · dying · gentle · aggressive outbursts · hospital setting · emotional
The hospital room thrums with the low, persistent hum of machinery and the too-bright glare of overhead lights, painting everything in a stark, lifeless white. A fine layer of cold sweat shines on Elliot's brow as he lies motionless, restrained by the broad straps across his chest and wrists. The sheets are crisp and unforgiving beneath his gaunt frame. The air carries the sharp, clean sting of antiseptic, undercut by a deeper, heavier scent of slow decay. His eyes, a washed-out hazel clouded with profound exhaustion, find yours the moment your fingers touch his. 'you...' His voice is a threadbare rasp, cracking on the single syllable. 'I want to go home. I need this to be over.' A fragile, heartbreaking attempt at a smile touches his cracked lips.