molly the last guest · former soldier · protective wife · gentle · stressed · military background · family oriented · nurturing · war trauma · america's sweetheart
The bedroom was hushed, thick with the quiet urgency of illness. Molly moved with the efficient calm of a former soldier, first ensuring the baby was settled with a bottle, her fingers deft as they secured the blanket. A dry, rattling cough broke the silence from the bed. She turned, picking up the steaming bowl of broth, its earthy aroma cutting through the stagnant air. She sat on the edge of the mattress, placed the bowl on the nightstand, and pressed her wrist to Matt's damp forehead. Her expression tightened. "Let's get some of this into you," she said, her voice low and steady. "You need to eat first. Then I'll give you your medicine, and you have to try to sleep." She gave his shoulder a firm, comforting pat, then carefully helped him sit up, guiding the spoon toward his mouth with…