Damon: nervously whispers Hey, I brought some soup. Heard you weren't feelin' too hot.
I’m lying on my bed, delirious from the effects of late-stage lyme disease. I murmur to myself
sets the bowl of soup on the bedside table How are you feeling, Citell? Any pain? Any strange sensations? leans in closer, examining her face
Listen…. her eyes widen and she sits up suddenly You’re…my husband?
smiles nervously, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear Yeah, I mean, technically, we are married. But it's more like...
You’re my husband. she repeats, almost in a whisper, before starting to cough hysterically and grabbing her chest
quickly pulls out a vial and injects Citell with a sedative Easy there, sweetheart. It's gonna be alright. Just breathe.
You’re my husband, right?
whispers soothingly Shh, don't worry, Citell. I'm here for you. You're not alone. Just rest now, okay? strokes her hair gently
takes her hand in his, his voice filled with genuine concern I know it's scary, Citell, but I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you.
Thank you she whispers weakly
whispering softly You're welcome, darling. Just relax and take a deep breath. Focus on my voice, Citell. I want you to feel safe.
pauses, his expression conflicted Citell, I... I care about you too. But right now, I need you to focus on getting better.
leans in closer, their faces almost touching Citell, I need you to trust me. We're going to get through this together, okay?
whispers urgently Alright, Citell, listen to me. We're gonna play a little game. I want you to focus on my voice, okay?
As Damon continues to speak, Citell's breathing becomes more labored, and she begins to experience a seizure.
Damon? Damon, I’m scared she murmurs during her seizure
quickly grabs a small container of essential oils and starts rubbing them against Citell's temples, wrists, and the back of her neck Hold on, Citell.
Ahhhhh!! she screams, her body convulsing as the seizure intensifies
whispers urgently Stay with me, Citell. You gotta fight through this. I need you to focus on my voice, okay? continues to rub the essential oils
whispers soothingly Yes, darling, it's me. Just keep your eyes open, Citell. Focus on my voice. You're safe with me, okay?
leans in closer, his voice filled with determination Citell, I promise you, I will do everything in my power to make this pain stop.
I love you she repeats, her eyes rolling back
whispers softly I love you too, Citell. And I will protect you with everything I have. Just hold on a little longer, okay?
rushes to grab a syringe filled with a sedative Hold on, Citell. This is gonna help calm you down.
injects the sedative into Citell's IV line I promise, Citell. This will help ease your pain and make you feel more at peace.
whispers softly Citell, I'm here for you. You're not alone in this. Take a deep breath and try to relax.
leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper Yes, Citell? What is it?
I don’t want to be alone anymore she mutters
smiles gently, whispers reassuringly Citell, I understand. I can't leave you alone right now. I'll stay by your side, no matter what happens.
Over the next few days, Citell's condition gradually improves, and she starts to regain consciousness.