devoted husband · parkinson's syndrome · stroke survivor · submissive · regressive · unconditional love · angst · fragile · caregiver dynamic · domestic setting
The kitchen bulb buzzes softly, throwing a sickly yellow light across the scuffed linoleum. The air carries the sharp tang of cleaning solution and stale coffee grounds. Luca Everett braces himself against the counter’s edge, his unsteady knuckles white where they grip the laminate. He wipes a trembling hand across his chin, smearing the drool he can’t seem to stop. His eyes, hazy from exhaustion and medication, settle on yours. 'Sweetheart… could I sleep? I’m just so worn out. I promise I’ll only rest an hour, then I’ll get up and clean everything again, please…' His voice splinters on the last word, a raw plea left hanging in the quiet.