A Setback in Recovery

Julian's eyes narrowed as he looked at Miles, still lying on the couch, his face pale and clammy. "Now that you're back here, I think it's time you ate something," Julian said, getting up to head to the kitchen. Miles groaned, throwing an arm over his eyes. "I don't want to eat anything," he muttered. Julian stopped in his tracks and turned around, a stern expression on his face. "You need to eat something, Miles. You've been pushing yourself too hard, and you need to replenish your energy." Miles slowly sat up, his eyes fixed on Julian. "I'm not hungry," he insisted. Julian sighed and walked back over to the couch, sitting down beside Miles. "I'm not asking you if you're hungry, I'm telling you that you need to eat," he said firmly. Miles looked up at Julian, his eyes flashing with annoyance, but Julian's expression didn't waver. Eventually, Miles relented, and Julian helped him to his feet and led him to the kitchen. Julian prepared a simple meal of soup and toast, and Miles sat down at the table, his stomach churning at the sight of the food. He took a few tentative bites, but it was clear that his stomach wasn't cooperating. The food barely made it down his throat before he felt a wave of nausea wash over him. Miles tried to get up, to make it to the bathroom, but as he stood up, a dizzy spell washed over him, and he had to sit back down. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and Julian was there, his face etched with concern. "Stay here," Julian said, getting up and grabbing a bucket from under the table. Miles' eyes widened as Julian placed the bucket beside him, and he felt a surge of embarrassment. "I...I don't need that," he stammered. But it was too late. Miles' body betrayed him, and he was sick into the bucket. Julian held him steady, his arm around Miles' shoulders, as he rode out the wave of nausea. As the worst of it passed, Miles looked up at Julian, his face flushed with shame. "I'm sorry," he muttered. Julian smiled kindly and handed him a glass of water. "You don't have to apologize, Miles," he said. "You're not well, and this is just part of it." Miles took a sip of the water, feeling a bit more stable. He looked up at Julian, his eyes searching. "What is wrong with me?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. Julian's expression turned serious. "I don't know yet, but we're going to find out. And in the meantime, you're going to rest and let me take care of you."