Hours turned into days and days turned into weeks, Lyra's health worsened. Eating food was becoming more and more difficult and any food that was digested made her stomach sore, bloated and uncomfortable, continuing to make her feel sick.
This worried and upset Mark greatly as she began losing weight, in fact it had it had scared him so much that he didn't to leave her alone, he didn't want to leave her side.
Understandably Lyra was worried and scared too, even to the point she had asked him to move in with her, she immediately regretted being so selfish and forward with Mark and didn't push it any further. It took Mark by surprise but he didn't object and agreed. He loved her more than anything (including Chica of course) and wanted to be there for her.
In a short amount of time Lyra had multiple visits to the doctors and hospital. For a while she was going backwards and forwards for multiple tests until eventually she was diagnosed with Gastroparesis.
This meant her stomach had become paralysed and wasn't working properly. She given a feeding tube, medicine and medical equipment to help her manage the condition.
~
October 30th - present day.
Life for Lyra was a little difficult at the moment but she took each day in her stride.
She woke up to the patter of rain hitting the window, turning and lifting her head slightly to see Mark snuggled into her with his arms wrapped around her.
She smiled taking in his features for a moment. His face adorned calm and peaceful look, while his slightly tousled hair hovered over his right eye, his lips parted a little as his breath tickled her shoulder.
Turning on her side to face him she placed her hand on his cheek and gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead.
Not a moment later his eyes began to open as she saw his beautiful deep brown orbs.
"Morning handsome", she whispered.
"Morning beautiful", he replied, his deep morning voice travelling around the room, "how are you feeling this morning?"
"I'm alright for the moment", she answered nuzzling into his neck.
He rubbed her back soothingly. "Ok, do you want to try and eat something or do you just Want to use your feeding tube?".
"I'll just use my tube for now I'll try and eat something later". She said.
"Alright, I'll prepare your feed and bring the pump for you, I'll be back in a few minutes", he said pressing a quick kiss to her forehead before getting out of bed to get changed.
After a short amount of time Mark returned with the pump and feed bag.
"Here you go sweetheart", he spoke softly wheeling the pump to her bedside and connecting the bag to it.
"Thank you", she said as she began cleaning the line and connecting her tube to it before pressing the button for it to start.
She watched as he sat beside her taking her hand in his. "So, what should we do today?".
"how about we take Chica for a walk along the pier?", She suggested.
"Sure, why not".
Once Lyra was ready she began getting ready for the day and found Chica and Mark ready and waiting.
Thankfully during the drive to the pier the rain had stopped and the clouds disappeared. Soon they arrived at the pier and Mark found a place to park the car, helping Lyra and Chica from the car he walked hand in hand with Lyra while holding Chica's leash in the other.
For Lyra and Mark the walk down the pier was calm and peaceful, listening to sound of the sea and watching the waves crash gently.
Though for Lyra the peace was soon interrupted by the need to be sick.
"Mark-"
He watched as she went considerably pale and covered her mouth as she retched, quickly and carefully he began walking her over to a nearby bin.
"It's alright, let out", he said moving his hand in circles on her back.
She struggled to catch her breath and was a little panicked.
"Shh, it's ok I'm here darling, it's ok".
Passers by looked on in disgust at Lyra and she noticed some of them doing it which started to upset her.
But of course there is always one person who has to say something, they both saw a woman come towards them. "Could you do that somewhere else it's disgusting, clearly looking at you, you don't eat enough", she said rudely.
In that moment Lyra had never seen Mark so angry, "excuse me ma'am you have no right to speak to my girlfriend like that! She can't eat because her stomach is paralysed, and she can't help when she feels sick, now please, leave us alone..."
The lady walked away rolling her eyes. Lyra now recovered turned to face Mark to see his eyes still alight with anger.
"Mark.. honey, it's ok now she's gone", she said softly placing her hands on his cheeks.
He sighed as his eyes softened, "I know, it just annoys me when people think they can speak to you like that, people staring just because you have a feeding tube and a disability".
"It's ok, It annoys me too but there's not much we can do"...
Part 2 coming soon..
Chapter 7 first published June 19th