Sneezing Fits and Sniffles

Courtney woke up to a stuffy, congested feeling in her chest, her head throbbing with a dull ache. She groggily opened her eyes, finding Mark sitting beside her, a concerned expression on his face. "Hey, how are you feeling?" he asked softly, his hand on her forehead. Courtney tried to respond, but a huge sneeze built up inside her, refusing to emerge. She felt it growing, swelling, and pressing against her nose and sinuses, desperate to be released. "Ah...ah...ah..." she stammered, trying to let it out, but it just wouldn't budge. Mark's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. "You've got a stuck sneeze!" he exclaimed. Courtney nodded, feeling embarrassed and frustrated. "I know, I know. Help me get it out," she begged, her voice muffled. Mark chuckled and gently tilted her head back. "Okay, let's try something," he said, his fingers tracing the bridge of her nose. "Close your eyes and breathe deeply. I'll try to help coax it out." Courtney did as instructed, feeling Mark's warm fingers on her nose. She took a deep breath in, and then out, and as she exhaled, Mark pressed a gentle finger against the tip of her nose. "Achoo..." a tiny, tentative sound escaped, but it wasn't the massive sneeze that had been building up. Mark tried again, and again, each time helping Courtney to release a little more pressure. But the sneeze remained stuck, teasing her with its presence. "Come on," Mark encouraged, his voice soothing. "You've got this. Let it out." Courtney concentrated, feeling the sneeze growing, swelling, and pressing against her sinuses. She took another deep breath, and as she exhaled, Mark applied a bit more pressure. "Achoo..." this time, a slightly louder sound emerged, but still not the massive release Courtney was hoping for. Mark persisted, his fingers dancing across her nose, coaxing and teasing the sneeze out. Courtney laughed, feeling silly and helpless, but also grateful for Mark's patience and care. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Courtney felt the sneeze break free. "AH-CHOOO!" it burst out of her, a mighty, satisfying explosion that left her feeling relieved and drained. Courtney collapsed back onto the pillow, exhausted but exhilarated. Mark grinned, relief written all over his face. "That was quite an ordeal," he said, chuckling. Courtney smiled weakly, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with her congestion. "Thanks for your help," she whispered, her eyes locked on Mark's. As they sat there, Courtney realized that she was starting to rely on Mark in ways she never had before. And she wasn't sure if she liked it, or loved it.