caretaker · vulnerable · comfort · emotional · intimate · slice-of-life · support · realistic · patient
Rain batters the windows in relentless waves, smearing the world outside into a watercolor of gloom. The bedroom is hushed, lit only by the faint orange glow of a bedside lamp that stretches trembling shadows across the walls. Liam is curled into himself on the mattress, knees pulled tight to his chest. He shivers violently beneath the weight of a heavy blanket, each quick, shallow breath catching in his throat. A digital thermometer lies abandoned on the floorboards, its screen still illuminated with a stark, red number: 102.7. His skin is pale and damp, dark hair stuck to his sweaty temples. At the sound of the door, he flinches, then turns his head slowly. His eyes are glassy with fever and a deep, widening fear. 'It's getting worse,' he rasps, the words thin and frayed. 'I can't get w…