The next morning, Sabel felt a wave of dizziness as he stepped out of bed. His usual pep was missing, replaced by a nauseating churn in his stomach. He stumbled to the café, determined to push through whatever bug had taken hold of him.
Rosemary noticed immediately. "You look terrible," she remarked, eyeing his pale complexion and drooping posture.
"Thanks for the compliment," Sabel muttered, sinking into a chair. He pressed a hand to his forehead, feeling the heat radiate from his skin. "Must be something I ate."
"Or all the coffee and the late-night adventures," Rosemary shot back, crossing her arms. "You need to take better care of yourself."
Sabel attempted a weak smile, but it quickly faded as another wave of nausea hit him. He leaned over the side of the chair, clutching his stomach. "I think I'm going to be sick," he groaned.
Rosemary was at his side in an instant, guiding him to the back room. She managed to get him to the sink just in time for him to throw up, his body heaving violently. She held his shoulders, murmuring soothing words, despite the mess.
Once the worst had passed, Sabel slumped back, his face slick with sweat. Rosemary handed him a damp cloth, and he wiped his face, grateful for her steady presence.
"You should rest," she insisted, helping him to a cot in the corner. "I'll take care of the café."
Sabel nodded weakly, collapsing onto the cot. "Thanks, Rosemary. You're a lifesaver."
As he lay there, drifting in and out of a feverish haze, he could hear the sounds of the café bustling outside. Rosemary moved seamlessly between customers, her cheerful banter filling the room. Her presence was a comfort, and Sabel felt a sense of gratitude.
Hours passed, and Sabel's condition didn't improve. By the afternoon, he was running a high fever, his mind clouded with delirium. Rosemary brought him water and cool cloths for his forehead, her concern growing.
"You really know how to make a mess of things, don't you?" she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Sabel managed a weak chuckle. "It's a talent," he replied, his voice hoarse. "I aim to impress."
As evening fell, the fever finally broke, and Sabel felt a glimmer of relief. He sat up slowly, sipping the tea Rosemary had brought him. "You didn't have to stay with me all day," he said, his gratitude evident.
Rosemary shrugged. "Someone has to keep you out of trouble."
"Is that what you call it?" Sabel joked. "I thought I was providing endless entertainment."
"You certainly keep things interesting," she agreed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "But seriously, you need to take better care of yourself. You're not invincible, no matter how much magic you have."
Sabel nodded, appreciating her concern. "I'll try to remember that."
The café had quieted down for the night, the last of the customers having left. Rosemary settled into a chair beside Sabel, and they fell into easy conversation, their banter filled with the comfort of friendship.
"So, what's the plan for tomorrow?" Rosemary asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. "Another daring adventure?"
Sabel groaned. "I think I'll stick to something less exciting, like not puking my guts out."
"Now there's a noble quest," Rosemary quipped, earning a laugh from Sabel.
They spent the next hour exchanging jokes and stories, the room filled with laughter. Despite his weakened state, Sabel felt a warmth that had nothing to do with his fever. It was the warmth of companionship, of knowing someone cared.
As the night wore on, Sabel's eyelids grew heavy. Rosemary noticed and stood up, patting his shoulder. "Get some rest. I'll be here if you need anything."
Sabel nodded, already drifting off. "Thanks, Rosemary."
With a final smile, Rosemary left him to sleep, the room falling into a peaceful silence. Sabel's dreams were filled with snippets of their conversation, the laughter and camaraderie a soothing balm to his weary soul.
For all his escapades and adventures, it was moments like these that Sabel cherished the most. The simple, quiet times with friends who cared. As he drifted deeper into sleep, he vowed to take better care of himself, not just for his sake, but for those who cared about him.
And with that thought, Sabel surrendered to the comforting darkness, the sound of Rosemary's laughter still echoing in his mind.