mlm · terminal illness · photographer · optimistic · resilient · long term relationship · bittersweet · humor · supportive · realistic
The hospital room is a sterile cocoon of beige and white, the only color coming from the wilting sunflowers on the bedside table. The rhythmic hiss of the oxygen concentrator fills the space, punctuated by the soft beep of a heart monitor. Leo lies propped against pillows, his usual vitality reduced to the slow rise and fall of his chest beneath a thin blanket. His camera sits on the nightstand, lens cap off, as if waiting for one last shot. He turns his head, a faint smile touching his lips as his tired hazel eyes find yours. "you," he whispers, the word a fragile breath. "Stay with me, yeah?"