Qui Vive | Kaji Windbreaker 𓍯 ִֶָ

˚🎧⊹ TWELVE

Just stay

‧₊˚🖇️✩ ₊˚🎧⊹ ♡

You put a blanket on his shivering body. Despite his sweating, one blanket wasn't enough to ease his chills.

"Have you taken any medicine?" you asked. He nodded, his expression twitching from the headache.

"What time did you take it?"

"I... think... 5," he responded, his voice strained. You searched his closet and found another blanket, placing it over him. "It's time for you to take another dose. Where's your medicine kit?"

He raised a trembling arm and pointed toward the fridge in the kitchen area, where you spotted a white plastic box on top. You quickly went to retrieve it, opening the box to find a stab of pain reliever.

Returning to his side, you handed him the medicine and a glass of water and sat on the edge of his bed. "Here, take this. It'll help," you said softly. He took the pills with a grateful nod, swallowing them down with difficulty.

You stayed by his side, adjusting the blankets and ensuring he was as comfortable as possible. "Try to rest. I'll be here if you need anything," you reassured him, watching as he slowly closed his eyes, his breathing gradually becoming more steady.

"Stay." He demanded, almost whispering while his warm hand gripping on your wrist. You place your free hand a top of his to reassure him that you will not leave.

He's alone and sick, I would never leave him in this state.

While he slept, your eyes roamed around his room. It was small, painted in light blue, with a single light bulb hanging in the center of the ceiling. Thick curtains, a shade lighter than the walls, blocked out the natural light.

His closet stood against one wall, and a perfectly neat study table occupied the other side. Next to the bed was a bedside table with a small photo frame.It is a picture of him as a young boy, probably around 5 or 6, wearing his school uniform while holding a thread with a kite flying above him. He had a wide smile on his face, a smile you had never seen before.

You never thought he knew how to smile like that, and you wondered how he lost his. The joy in the photo seemed so far removed from the stoic, serious person you knew now.

Slowly slipping your hand off that he didn't let go the whole time, he's fast asleep not to notice the bed creaks when you stand up. Your feet leads you out his bedroom where you can see the small living room. On the right, there's the kitchen area and to the left is another bedroom, prolly it's his parents's room.

The silent dim room screams emptiness.
There are so many windows but it was closed and the curtains prevents the natural light to get it. You couldn't help but to slid the curtains on each side, opening the glass windows and the fresh air breeze entered.

You felt more comfortable and decided to open all of the curtains where when you turned back, the once look empty home became lively because of the light.

You went to the kitchen to see if there was something you could cook for your sick friend.

After a quick scan of the pantry and refrigerator, you decided that rice porridge would be the best option for someone with a fever.

You decided to make this particular dish because your grandmother used to make it for you whenever you're sick. It’s soothing and easy to digest.

After about an hour, the rice had turned into a smooth, creamy porridge. You put some of it into a bowl, sprinkle the green onions and chicken chunks on top, and added a small amount of soy sauce for extra flavor.

You tasted the rice porridge to check if it was all good. Grabbing a spoonful, you blew on it to cool it down before taking a bite. The familiar, comforting flavor warmed you from the inside out, and your heart felt satisfied as it tasted almost the same as your grandmother’s cooking. It seemed that you had inherited her  skills after all.

You let it sit for a while because when you check on him, he's still sleeping soundly.

‧₊˚🖇️✩ ₊˚🎧⊹ ♡