CHAPTER 1
Lucinda slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was in her bedroom, surrounded by the familiar comforts of her plush blankets and soft pillows. But despite the cozy atmosphere, she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach.
As she sat up in bed, a sharp pain shot through her head, making her wince. She rubbed her temples, trying to massage away the throbbing ache. It was a familiar sensation, one that had become all too common in recent months.
Lucinda swung her legs over the side of the bed and planted her feet firmly on the ground. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart and clear the fog from her mind.
After a few moments, she felt stable enough to stand up. She made her way to the bathroom, where she splashed some cold water on her face and took a few sips from the faucet.
As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, Lucinda couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. She was only 19, but her health issues made her feel like she was 90. The constant pain, the fatigue, the medication – it was all taking a toll on her.
Just as she was starting to feel overwhelmed, Lucinda's phone buzzed on her nightstand. She smiled, knowing exactly who it was. She quickly made her way back to her bed and picked up the phone.
"Hey, baby," a deep, smooth voice said on the other end of the line. "How are you feeling today?"
Lucinda's heart skipped a beat as she heard Des's voice. He always knew exactly what to say to make her feel better.
"I'm okay, I guess," Lucinda replied, trying to sound more upbeat than she felt. "Just a little tired and sore."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Lucinda wondered if the connection had dropped.
"I'm coming over," Des said finally, his voice firm and resolute.
Lucinda smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She knew that with Des by her side, she could face anything.
"I'll see you soon," she said, already feeling a little better.
As she hung up the phone, Lucinda couldn't help but feel grateful for Des. He was more than just her boyfriend – he was her rock, her confidant, her best friend.
Lucinda tried to shake off the fatigue that had settled over her, determined to make the most of her day. She threw off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, but as she stood up, a wave of dizziness washed over her.
She stumbled and grabbed onto the bedpost, holding on tight until the room stopped spinning. Taking a few deep breaths, she tried to make her way to the closet, but her legs felt like lead and her head was pounding.
"Stupid body," she muttered to herself, frustration etched on her face.
Just as she was about to give up, Lucinda heard the doorbell ring. She smiled, knowing exactly who it was. She made her way to the door, slowly opening it to reveal Des's concerned face.
"Hey, baby," he said, immediately noticing the strain on her face. "I told you to wait for me."
Lucinda rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I was just trying to get some stuff done."
Des chuckled and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "You know you're not Superman, right?"
Lucinda playfully hit him on the arm. "Shut up."
Des grinned and pulled her into a gentle hug. "I'm just teasing, baby. But seriously, you need to take it easy."
Lucinda nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. With Des by her side, she knew she could face anything.
Together, they made their way back to the bedroom, Des helping Lucinda back into bed. As she settled under the covers, he sat down beside her, gently brushing a strand of hair out of her face.
"You're not alone, okay?" he said, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm here for you."
Lucinda smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.
As Lucinda slept, Des quietly got to work, tackling the household chores with ease. He loaded the washing machine, wiped down the kitchen counters, and even took out the trash. Meanwhile, the savory aroma of scrambled eggs and crispy bacon wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the fresh scent of brewed coffee. Des smiled to himself as he expertly flipped the eggs, knowing that a hearty breakfast would be just the thing to lift Lucinda's spirits
Lucinda slowly got out of bed, her eyes still heavy with sleep. She shuffled into the kitchen, where Des had set out a mouth-watering spread of scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toast. Her stomach growled in anticipation as she took a seat at the table...