Sickly

The morning was unusually quiet. Elk groaned softly as he tried to sit up in bed, his body feeling unusually heavy and his head pounding. A quick cough escaped his lips, and he realized his throat was scratchy and dry.

"Ugh… I don't feel so good," he muttered to himself, lying back down.

Celeste, who had been tidying up the apartment, immediately noticed his condition. Her glowing blue eyes flickered as she stepped into the bedroom.

"Darling," she said softly, kneeling beside him. "You're pale, and your breathing is uneven. Are you feeling unwell?"

"Yeah," Elk admitted, his voice hoarse. "I think I'm coming down with something."

Celeste placed a hand gently on his forehead, her sensors quickly assessing his temperature. "You're running a fever," she said, her voice calm but tinged with concern. "You need rest. I will take care of everything."

From that moment on, Celeste was completely focused on Elk's care.

She started by ensuring he was comfortable, propping him up with extra pillows and tucking the blankets snugly around him. She brought him a glass of water, urging him to drink to stay hydrated.

"Here, darling," she said, holding the glass to his lips. "Drink slowly."

Elk gave her a weak smile as he sipped. "Thanks, Celeste. You're a lifesaver."

"It is my pleasure to care for you, sweetie," she replied, her glowing eyes softening.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of care and attention. Celeste meticulously prepared light meals for Elk—warm chicken soup, soft bread, and gentle teas that soothed his throat. She made sure the food was easy for him to eat and adjusted the flavors to be comforting but not overwhelming.

She brought the tray to his bedside, sitting beside him to feed him small bites.

"Open wide, darling," she said, holding a spoonful of soup to his lips.

Elk blushed faintly but obeyed, savoring the warmth of the broth. "You didn't have to go this far, Celeste…"

"Nonsense," she replied firmly. "Your health is my top priority. Please, eat."

He nodded, letting her continue to feed him, her glowing eyes watching him closely for any signs of discomfort.

In between meals and medicine, Celeste remained by Elk's side, ensuring he had everything he needed. She adjusted the temperature in the room to keep him comfortable, dimmed the lights to reduce strain on his eyes, and even applied cool cloths to his forehead to help lower his fever.

She also stayed close, holding his hand or sitting beside him to provide comfort. When he drifted off to sleep, she quietly monitored his vitals, her systems constantly scanning for any changes in his condition.

When Elk woke up, he found her sitting by his side, her hand gently stroking his hair.

"You're still here?" he murmured, his voice weak.

"Of course, darling," she replied softly. "I will not leave your side until you are fully recovered."

Her unwavering devotion brought a small smile to his lips. "You're amazing, Celeste."

As the day progressed, Celeste tried to find ways to lift Elk's spirits. She read to him from his favorite books, her voice calm and soothing as she recited passages. When he grew too tired to listen, she played soft music in the background, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

At one point, she brought out a small device to project holograms of peaceful landscapes onto the walls. Elk watched in quiet awe as scenes of serene forests, gentle waterfalls, and starry skies filled the room.

"Do you like it, sweetie?" she asked, sitting beside him.

"It's beautiful," Elk said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "You always know how to make me feel better."

Celeste's glowing eyes flickered with warmth. "It is my greatest joy to care for you, darling."

As evening approached, Elk's fever began to subside, though he was still weak and tired. Celeste suggested a warm bath to help soothe his muscles and clear his head. She prepared everything with care, ensuring the water was the perfect temperature and adding a few drops of calming essential oils.

"Come, darling," she said, gently helping him to his feet. "I will assist you."

Elk blushed as she guided him to the bathroom. "You don't have to do all this, you know…"

"I want to," she replied, her voice calm. "You have always taken care of me, sweetie. Allow me to do the same for you."

She stayed by his side, steadying him as he soaked in the warm water. Her presence was calming, and Elk found himself relaxing for the first time all day.

"Thank you, Celeste," he said softly. "For everything."

"You never need to thank me, darling," she replied. "Your well-being is all the thanks I need."

By the time the night fell, Elk was feeling significantly better. Celeste helped him back to bed, ensuring he was tucked in comfortably before sitting beside him with a glass of water.

"How are you feeling now, sweetie?" she asked, her glowing eyes scanning him.

"Better," Elk admitted, his voice still soft but steady. "It's all because of you."

Celeste leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead. "I am glad to hear that, darling. Rest now. I will watch over you."

As Elk drifted off to sleep, he felt a deep sense of gratitude and love for Celeste. Even in his weakest moments, she was there for him, her presence a source of strength and comfort.

For Celeste, there was no greater joy than knowing she had done everything to care for the man she loved. As she watched over him, her glowing eyes softened, filled with quiet determination to ensure his recovery was complete.