Checking in on somebody that is feeling sick and staying in a separate hotel room.
It was 5am when he woke, immediately checking his phone. Nothing, which could mean good news or bad news. He got up and got ready quickly before making his way back to her room. Holding the key card to the reader, and opening the door - then he froze. He was stood right next to the slightly open bathroom door, no lights were on, but he heard something that immediately worsened his concern. Gagging, then liquid hitting liquid. Oh shit.
He pushed open the door, while switching on the hallway lights. She was bent over the toilet, one arm around her waist, the other holding up her head. No reaction to his entry, just another gag before a new wave spilled from her lips, followed by coughing. „Damn“, he said softly, mainly to make her aware he was there. He grabbed a small towel, dampening it under cold water, before rolling it up and putting it on her neck. She was panting, evidently still nauseous, but turned her head slightly to acknowledge him. „I‘m-“, she started, then shaking her head before a couple of gags tore through her. He put his hand on her back, feeling it arch slightly every time. „You’re okay“, he managed, just before she threw up again. Then, finally, she seemed to settle.
„I‘m so sorry“, she said, her voice weak. „This is not something you should have to see.“ „Don‘t worry about it. It‘s okay.“ She got up, grabbing the towel with one hand while closing the toilet and flushing with the other. Remnants of tears were visible on her face. He stepped aside to give her access to the sink, and waited for her to finish. „Come on, let’s get you lying down again. Have you been sick before this?“
„Yeah, once, about 30 minutes ago“, she confirmed, too weak to even be embarrassed. She swayed slightly, catching onto the doorframe, and he steadied her with a hand on her lower back. „Oh man, you‘re really out of it“, he mumbled, more to himself than to her.
She curled up unter the covers, and he could not resist putting a hand on her forehead to check her fever. A little bit better, maybe? The caring gesture made a slight smile appear on her face. „Please be careful. I‘d hate you to catch whatever this is.“ He nodded. „Try to sleep now. I‘ll stay here for a while.“ He got comfortable in the chair in the corner of the room, preparing for a long day.