*LZ*
My eyes and throat are dry, my body feels like a wet rag and my chest feels like an elephant has been dancing tango on it for a week. I try to speak, but realise there is a mask on my face, so I try to remove it.

"Baby, don't pull off the oxygen mask". Emilia's sweet voice sounds next to me and her small hand grasps mine.

I blink my eyes trying to focus on her, and there she is, smiling warmly at me and looking like an angel.. I try gesturing, telling her what I want.

"Are you thirsty ?" She asks softly and I nod, happy she understood. "Here, I'll get you some cold water".

I try smiling to tell her that I am grateful for her help, but I am not sure she can see with the mask on.

She comes back and removes the mask, then she gently slips a hand behind my neck and lifts my head slightly. "Here you go sweetie.. slowly".

I feel the glass on my lips and greedily drink the cold liquid.. it soothes my throat a bit.. and take at least a bit of the thirst, but all too soon she pulls the glass away and I hear myself whimper.

"I know.. but you need to go slow.. you can have some more in five minutes.. okay ?" She sounds so caring and worried at the same time.

I nod slowly and she puts the mask back on, before sitting the glass on the table.

"I am so happy to see you.. awake". She is back on the edge of my bed, her hand resting lovingly on top of mine.

As I can't do anything else, I snuggle closer to her, turning my hand to grab hers.. I couldn't possibly find the words to tell her how much her help and support means anyway.

"What is it ?" She looks at me when I squeeze har hand.. I lift my hand to tap the mask. "You want the mask off.. are you sure ?"

I nod and she gets up and walks around, switching off the oxygen, before removing the mask and sitting down on the opposite edge of the bed.

Breathing in slowly, I wait for the pain, for the feeling of air not working.. and I can't claim it doesn't hurt, but it is bearable and I don't feel like I am choking. My voice is a weak croak. "Thanks".

"No need to thank me chiquito.. it's my pleasure to be here.. and please don't use too much energy talking.. you need to rest and get strong again". She is smiling at me with such love.

A single tear rolls down her cheek and I catch on my finger.. I hate seeing her cry.. even though I suspect that it is a happy tear.

"I .. I love you". I manage to say.. nervously holding my breath.. I mean she is loving and caring with me.. but I also know that sometimes caring for someone sick, seeing all the.. really bad things.. it can kill a romantic relationship.

"I love you too.. with all my heart". She leans down just ghosting her lips over mine. "And that is why I am gonna put that mask back on.. so you can relax and heal".

I feel my cheeks heat up, this is what I hate the most. "Bathroom ?"

"Oh you need.. okay..". She get up. "I'll fetch Nick or Marshall to help you".

*Emilia*
I hurry outside, noticing how the sun seems warmer and more bright.. I am so relieved that LZ seems to have finally turned to the better, even though I realise that we are not completely out of the woods yet.

"Hi Emmi..". Matt smiles and waves when he sees me.

"Hi Matt". I am happy we can get along.. even though it still feels slightly weird. "Have you seen Marshall or Nick around".

He nods. "Marshall drove into town, apparently this disease is starting to .. ease up.. and Nick went for a walk with the dogs".

"Oh..damn". What to do ? Maybe if Sherry or Pilar give me a hand we can manage.

Matt looks at me curiously. "Is something wrong ? Can I help ?"

I honestly hate asking.. knowing it has to be super weird for him. "LZ is awake.. and he needs the.. bathroom.. I wanted to ask Nick or Marshall .. but ..".

"I can do it". He walks towards the tent, but stops when I don't follow. "It's not a problem Emmi.. really".

I step closer, grabbing his hand and squeezing it. "Thank you Matt.. Thank you for handling it all so .. well".

"Oh sweetie.. was I upset at first yes.. did I blame LZ for stealing you away.. yeah.. but in reality I pushed you into his arms.. and well, how can I blame him for falling in love with you ?" He squeezes my hand back. "Let's go help the patient".

LZ looks a bit surprised to see Matt, but when Matt tells him with a smile that he is only happy to help, he seems to relax.

And Matt insists that LZ should take no chances, simply lifting him and carrying him off.. I know both Nick and Marshall would have done the same.

While they are gone I air out the tent and change the bed.. that will hopefully help him recover faster.

"Here you go". Matt sits him down on the bed as they return.

"Thank you Matt.. I really appreciate it". LZ says and slump back down on the pillow.. apparently Matt has helped him change clothes too.. he is wearing a new pair of pyjama pants and a t-shirt. "And thanks for taking care of things here darling".

Matt retracts himself to the exit. "No problem.. get some rest okay ? See you Emmi".

"Yeah see you Matt and thanks". I send him a grateful smile as he leaves.

"He is right.. I should rest a bit". LZ says. "Could I have some water first ?"

I give him the glass, and he empties it.. then he snuggles up in bed and I help him with the oxygen mask, as his breathing is getting laboured, and I do not want to take chances while he is sleeping.

Soon after he is sleeping, and to be honest, the little snores and sounds he makes, makes me smile.. it's the healthiest sleep he has had in a long time.