Movement in the forest was subtle, the trees swaying gently in the breeze, as if nature itself was orchestrating a delicate dance. Amidst the tranquility, a sense of foreboding lingered, a feeling that something ominous was about to wreak havoc on the peaceful scene.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest floor, a lone figure emerged from the shadows. The figure moved with purpose, their steps deliberate and measured, as if guided by an unseen force.

Branches rustled overhead, and the air grew heavy with anticipation. The figure pressed on, undeterred by the eerie atmosphere surrounding them.

Suddenly, a piercing howl echoed through the trees, sending shivers down the figure's spine. The source of the sound remained hidden, adding to the sense of unease that gripped the forest.

Despite the growing sense of danger, the figure continued their journey, driven by a determination that bordered on recklessness.

Hours passed, the moon rising high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape. Finally, as the first light of dawn broke through the darkness, the figure reached their destination.

With a deep breath, the figure closed their eyes, feeling a sense of relief wash over them. Grateful for having survived the night, they knew that the forest held many secrets, some of which were best left undisturbed.

Movement was hard; it hurt to move. God being sick sucks, the only plus side was that I got out of school and the uninterrupted alone time with Draya. Not that I felt up to doing anything more than cuddling with her while we binge watched TV and that was only when I was awake. Speaking of which I was actually just waking up from a nap. I let out a little moan of discomfort alerting Draya who was sitting next to me that I was awake even though I had yet to open my eyes. “How are you feeling darling?” She asked. “Hurts all over.” I said. I feel her cold hand on my forehead, with my fever it felt like ice but felt good at the same time. I weakly lean into the touch; I hear her chuckle softly. “Come here, I will help bring your fever down.” she said taking me in her arms and then wrapping a blanket around the both of us. I lean into her cold body, thinking about the events leading up to this moment.

The first symptom I noticed was my throat feeling dry and scratchy, but I ignored it no I was not getting sick nope, nope, nope, but then this morning I woke up with a fever. My mom tried to send me right back up to bed, but I didn’t feel like going back up the stairs. It wasn’t that I was lazy, but I did feel like crap, my head was throbbing, my joints ached, and my stomach felt like it was trying to turn itself inside out. So instead, I curled up on the couch with a fleece blanket turning on the electric fireplace which doubled as a space heater. I had to text Tracy not to bother picking me up. I also sent a text to Draya letting her know what was going on. My mom called the school letting them know that I would be out for a while due to a fever. She was about to call into work when there was someone at the door, she answered it and there stood Draya. “Draya? What an unexpected surprise.” “Well, I was out when Sarah texted me that she wasn’t feeling well. I happened to be close by and well, what kind of girlfriend would I be if I didn’t come to check in on her? In fact, I am not busy, and I could stay here and take care of her, so you don’t have to miss any work.” “That is sweet of you, but I don’t want you to get sick as well.” “Don’t worry about it, I have a strong immune system and even if I do get sick, I won’t have to worry about missing school since it’s all online anyway,” “Well okay, but let me give you my work and cell number so you can reach me if you need me.” my mom said writing down the numbers on a fluorescent pink sticky note before coming over to me and kissing me on the forehead. “I will bring your favorite meal home for dinner tonight if you feel up to eating, and try to feel better sweetie,” “Thanks mom and I will.” And with that my mother left the house. Draya came over to sit next to me, I rest my head on her shoulder. “Want to see what’s on TV?” she asked. “Sure.” I said and she flicked through the channels until she found one that was playing a Friends marathon. Friends was one of the best shows to binge watch we were part way through our fourth episode when I let out a small yawn. “Why don’t you get some sleep princess?” “I don’t want to.” “Come on now princess, it will help you get better, and I will be here when you wake up so lay down and close your eyes.” “Fine.” I grumble laying down and using Draya’s lap as a pillow. I fall asleep to the sound of Friends on the tv in the background and Draya’s cool fingers running through my hair, combing it back off my face and it lulled me to sleep.

So now here I am waking up all sore and stiff feeling. This cold or whatever it was really seemed determined to wreak havoc on my body, but I guess that was to be expected. I attempt to adjust my position a little bit to be more comfortable, but that only seemed to cause the body aches to flare up and I let out a small whimper. Draya who was holding me around my waist moves her hands to my shoulders and begins gently kneading them relieving some of the soreness. I lean into her touch soft noises of pleasure escaping me. “Is that good darling?” She asked me. “Better than good, in this moment your touch is incredible.” I said my body beginning to relax more and more with each passing moment. I turned my attention to the TV noticing that instead of friends it was now playing Gilmore girls which was another great binge watch show. I noticed that it was also one of my favorite episodes and it actually got me laughing, which believe it or not was unfortunate because it triggered a coughing fit. Draya held me and rubbed my back in comforting circles until the coughing stopped. “Are you alright darling?” “I’ll live…most likely.” “Is there anything I can get you?” “Actually yes, my mom recently bought some peppermint tea, I would really appreciate it if you could make me a cup. It’s in the cupboard next to the fridge, oh and in the freezer, there is a whole ice cube tray that has frozen lemon juice in it, so if you could put a couple of those ice cubes in it that would be great. The ice cube tray is yellow by the way, the other two are blue. “Okay, you stay put and I’ll be right back.” It didn’t take long before Draya returned with a hot mug of tea for me, she hands me the mug before sitting down beside me once more. I wrap my fingers around the warm surface of the mug, blowing on the tea before taking a tentative sip and lean my head against Draya’s shoulder and am able to giggle at the funny parts of Gilmore Girls without coughing this time. After sitting there for a long time Draya puts her cold hand to my forehead. “Your fever is down.” she said removing her hand from my head. “It is?” I said placing my own hand to my forehead, but the lingering coolness of Draya’s hand made it hard for me to tell. “Do you think you feel up to eating something?” She asked me. “Sure, I can eat.” “I know just the thing; you wait right here and don’t move.” After a few moments Draya re-entered, the room carrying a tray with a bowl of steaming tomato soup, a grilled cheese sandwich cut diagonally into fourths and a tall glass of blue sugar free Gatorade. (it had to be sugar free as that is the only kind my mom will buy anymore) She set it down in front of me, settling herself down at the other end of the couch. “When I was sick as a child this always hit the spot, my mother always had the servants make this for me and it always made me feel better.” “Thank you.” I said taking one of the fourths of the sandwich and dunking it a few times in the soup before taking the first bite and savoring it. I did believe that I never had a better grilled cheese in my life, the bread was the perfect golden brown and the cheese was just the right consistency, not too melty, but not too much the other way either. I ended up devouring the entire meal like a starving person. I didn’t even bother using a spoon for the soup rather opting to pick it up and drink it straight from the bowl, enjoying the creaminess of it as it ran down my throat hot and thick. Again, the best I ever had, when finished I set the bowl down on the tray with a satisfied sigh. “Seems like you enjoyed that.” “I did, it was great. Thank you for making it.” I said moving the tray and all its contents to the floor. “Anytime darling, anytime.” I smile at Draya, my perfect, wonderful, amazing, beautiful, kind, caring, loving, angel. I will never understand why she would choose me over anyone else. She could have her pick of any person in the world and yet she chooses me, little introverted, pan sexual, imperfect me and I couldn’t be happier for it. “Hold me?” I request making grabby hands at her. “Of course.” Draya said moving closer and taking me into her arms.

I am waking up, still in my Draya’s arms, I don’t even remember falling asleep. I am no longer in the living room, but my bedroom and it is dark outside. “Sleep well?” Draya whispers in my ear from behind me. I turn over in her arms, so I am facing her “What time is it?” I ask. “It’s passed midnight, you should probably go back to sleep.” “How did I even get here? Last thing I remember we were laying on the couch together.” "You dozed off about two hours before your mother got home from work and we thought it best not to wake you and I carried you up here, got you all settled in, and you’ve been asleep until now.” “How did you convince my parents to let you stay?” “It wasn't very hard to be honest, your mother quite liked the idea of me spending the night with you in your room to look after you, even though she has gotten up to check on you twice now." "It also probably doesn't hurt that they like you." "It doesn't hurt my case, that's for sure." I snuggle into her "I'm glad you got to stay; I like having you here." "Then you'll be glad to know that I will be staying here indefinitely until you are well again. Your parents have agreed to it, and I called Celeste to let her know," "You're right I am very, very glad." "I figured you would be, now you go back to sleep so your body can do its job and fight off this virus." "Okay, can you run your fingers through my hair? I like it when you do that it's so relaxing." "As you wish." she said and began to gently comb her finger through my hair lulling me into a comfortable sleep.

It was four more days before I felt well enough to return to school. Luckily for me, my friends dropped of my homework assignments, so I didn't fall to far behind and my teachers had agreed to give me some extra time for any school assignments I missed. Draya hasn't left me side for the duration of my recovery. I am grateful to have such a devoted and loyal girlfriend and such supportive and dependable friends.

THE END next story titled Revenge Part 1

I was able to get this out today because I had It finished and sitting in my drafts waiting for a good spot to fit it in, so I edited it and now here it is.

Might be awhile before I get the next one out I have it started, but it is going to be a long one and be ready for some drama.

Hope you enjoyed. Please leave me a like or some feedback thank you.😃🖤💜

Movement within my flesh Writhing in my veins Creeping up my throat And crawling out my mouth

Wreak havoc on my eyes Tear strips out of my tongue Set fire to my soul And leave me there to burn

He grips at my bones Takes hold of my mind I suppose I’m not alone Perhaps I should be grateful

Movement is...slowly becoming more difficult. I am trying my best. I don’t want to be a burden; no matter how old I get, I’ll NEVER become a burden.

It’s hard to see at night. I am trying my best. My family haven’t taken me out at night for a long time. They haven’t taken me anywhere lately.

These four walls are getting boring. I’ve tried to let them know how tired I am, but they don’t listen. They can’t hear me anymore, not that they ever paid much attention to what I told them. When the youngest started learning how to drive, I told him a million times that his driving was dangerous. He could get hurt. It would wreak havoc with the brakes, I said. I tried my best.

I still feel terrible about the accident.

I haven’t really seen them since. The youngest lost his leg. From where I sit, I sometimes see him practicing with his new prosthetic. He gets angry. I understand. It’s hard to get used to a new part. He’s trying his best.

My thoughts are becoming slow. I’m so tired.

I’m trying...something. I don’t remember any more.

That’s it for a while. Nothing but dozing, half-awake and barely aware. My body is becoming stiff. I couldn’t move if I tried. I’m drifting.

I’m going.

I...

I’m moving?

I’m moving!

Momentary elation. Then...not right. Not moving right. BEING moved? Where...are we... going? Can’t think. Can’t move. Can’t see. Not scared, just tired. Stop moving. Now rest.

Warm. Warm hand.

...Family?

Warm voice. Sad too. Sorry for that.

“Sorry for this, buddy. Nothing personal, it’s just your time, I guess. Thanks for everything.”

I know that voice. I remember that voice. I remember all the journeys, the fun. Going on dates together, the wedding, bringing home the kids, one after the other. Watching them grow. Dropped ice cream. Crayons that left stains. Tears that left stains.

Blood that left stains. Screams, squealing brakes, twisting crunching snapping PAIN. I told you! I tried! You didn’t listen, and we both got hurt. I tried. I tried, I tried, I tried.

I’m sorry I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t keep you safe. Your daddy told me to keep you safe. I couldn’t. It’s my fault. I’m sorry. It’s my f—

“—ault. The crash. It was my fault. I’m so sorry. Now you’re all broken. Five years of being left alone didn’t do you any good, huh buddy?”

A voice in the background. Sounds, lots of sounds. It’s loud, but it’s you I hear. Everything else is muffled, slow, soothing somehow. Nice rhythm. You’re still speaking. I’m trying my best to listen.

“You...were the best car ever. I’ll miss you, man.”

You take your hand off of my bumper, then pat me twice. I hear your uneven steps fade. The sounds of the scrapyard become closer, but I’m not scared. I’m ready.

You touched me again. You forgave me.

I’m so, so grateful.