"Descent into Darkness"
Part 8
As the hours ticked by, Link's condition continued to deteriorate. He was plagued by an extreme sensitivity to touch, and even the lightest brush of the doctor's hand on his skin sent shivers down his spine. His skin felt like it was on fire, and he couldn't bear the thought of anyone touching him. The doctor's examination revealed a rash on Link's lower lip, which seemed to be throbbing with a dull ache. The doctor's expression was grave as he made a note on Link's chart. "We need to get you on some antibiotics, stat," he said, his voice firm. But Link's problems didn't stop there. He was also experiencing a severe case of constipation, and his stomach was churning with a dull, aching pain. He felt bloated and uncomfortable, and he couldn't seem to get comfortable in the bed. Across the room, Zelda was suffering in her own way. She had developed an intense rash all over her mouth, which made eating and drinking incredibly uncomfortable. Her lips felt like they were on fire, and she couldn't bear the thought of taking another sip of water. The doctor glanced over at her, his expression sympathetic. "Zelda, sweetie, I'm going to get you some medication for that rash," he said, his voice gentle. "But in the meantime, I think it would be best if we moved your beds closer together." The nurse nodded in agreement, and together they carefully pushed the beds closer, until Link and Zelda were only a few feet apart. The doctor's reasoning was that it would be easier to monitor them both, and that they could provide comfort and support to each other. As the beds drew closer, Link felt a pang of unease. He didn't want to be near anyone, let alone Zelda, when he was feeling so vulnerable. But at the same time, he couldn't deny the sense of comfort that came with having her nearby. Zelda, too, seemed to relax a little as she gazed over at Link. She reached out a trembling hand, and Link took it, his fingers intertwining with hers. For a moment, they just lay there, holding hands and trying to draw comfort from each other's presence. The doctor and nurses bustled around them, adjusting the IV lines and administering medication. But as they worked, Link couldn't shake off the feeling that they were running out of time. The darkness was closing in, and he could feel himself being pulled down into its depths, further and further away from the world of the living. As the medication began to take effect, Link's sensitivity began to subside, and he felt a fragile sense of peace wash over him. He glanced over at Zelda, and saw that she was smiling weakly at him. "I'm glad we're together," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Link nodded, his throat dry and sore. "Me too," he whispered back, his fingers squeezing hers in a gentle gesture of comfort. As they lay there, holding hands and surrounded by the beeping machines and sterile equipment of the hospital, Link couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would they survive this mysterious illness, or would they succumb to its ravages? Only time would tell.