I Told The Moon About You

7: Space

SEVEN
Space

It was the first time in months that Elias had to call in sick.

And he wasn't even the one that was sick.

It was Mars, who had caught a stomach virus. She was laying on the sofa, looking miserable with a trash can on the floor beside her. He gently stroked her hair, frowning when she groaned, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

"Get some rest," he told her, cupping her cheek. She was really, really warm. "I'll turn on the TV. I'll be right here, okay? So, don't worry. I know it sucks right now."

"How long is it gonna last?" she mumbled, burying her face in the pillow. Elias pulled his hand away.

"It varies. Sometimes it'll last one day, other times a week."

"No!" Mars cried, then cut herself off with a dry heave. Elias quickly lifted the trash can, but she shook her head, pressing her fist against her mouth. "I don't like this."

"I know you don't." He draped a blanket over her and turned on the fan above. "Do you need anything?"

"...Ice."

Elias couldn't help but reveal a small, amused smile. Whenever she was sick, she always just wanted to chew on ice. He nodded and got up, heading to the kitchen to fill up a glass. As he pressed the dispenser, his phone vibrated on the counter.

He found a familiar name on his screen. One he didn't really expect to see, but then again, this was the first time they didn't see each other every single work day.

Roman -
Gale said you were sick? Are you okay?

Elias -
It's not me that's sick, it's Mars. She caught a virus so I stayed home to take care of her. Thanks for checking in

Roman -
No problem (: Is there anything you need? I can help

Elias paused. He hadn't expected that. For him to ask if he needed any help. Elias had been doing this alone for years.

Before he responded, Elias brought the glass to Mars, pressing it against her cheek. She glared at him, but sat up to tip some of the pieces into her mouth. She crunched with the most miserable look on her face.

"I know you don't feel like eating," Elias said slowly. "But you'll have to. And drink a lot of water. Don't be afraid to throw up either. It'll help get it out of your system."

"I don't wanna eat," she whined. "It's gonna make me feel worse."

"You have to get something in your system, Mars," Elias told her, brows furrowed in concern. "Just dry foods. You can take it slow. No rush. Alright?"

She just nodded, a gloomy look on her face. As she took out her anger on ice cubes, Elias pulled out his phone to reply to Roman.

Elias -
That'd actually be really nice (: Thank you. Do you think you could pick some stuff up for me? I'll pay you back

Roman -
Of course, what is it?

Elias -
I'll send you a list! You still have my address?

Roman -
Yep (: I'll tell you when I'm on my way

Elias -
Thank you again

He set his phone down after sending the list. He looked at Mars, who was staring at the show playing on the television with a dull look. If he didn't know any better, he would've assumed she was depressed or something. That would've been far more concerning than the virus.