Nurturing the Wounded

As the last of the nausea subsided, Alec lay there, spent and exhausted, with Miller still holding him. He looked up at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Elle," he whispered, his voice hoarse. Miller smiled softly and helped him lie back down. "You're welcome, Alec. Now, let's get you cleaned up and comfortable." She got to work, fetching towels and cleaning up the mess on the couch. Alec watched her, feeling a sense of wonder at her kindness and compassion. As the apartment began to tidy up, Miller fetched a blanket and wrapped it around Alec, tucking him in like a child. "I'm going to go make some tea," she said, her voice gentle. "That'll help soothe your stomach." Alec nodded, feeling a wave of sleep wash over him. He closed his eyes, listening to the sound of Miller moving around the apartment, making tea and tidying up. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that he was in good hands. When he opened his eyes again, Miller was sitting beside him, holding a cup of tea. "Here, drink this," she said, helping him sit up. Alec took a sip of the tea, feeling the warmth spread through his chest. It was soothing, and he felt his stomach begin to calm down. He took another sip, and another, feeling his energy start to return. As he drank the tea, Miller stroked his hair, her touch gentle and comforting. Alec felt a sense of calm wash over him, and he began to drift off to sleep. He was vaguely aware of Miller pulling the blanket up around him, and her soft voice whispering in his ear. "Sleep, Alec. I'll take care of everything." Alec slept for hours, lulled by the sound of Miller moving around the apartment, tidying up and making phone calls. When he woke up, he was feeling a little better, his body still weak but his stomach calm. Miller was sitting beside him, watching him with a soft smile. "How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice gentle. Alec took a deep breath, assessing his body. He was still tired, but he was feeling a little better. "I'm okay, I think," he said, his voice weak. Miller nodded, her smile growing wider. "Good. I've got some soup ready, and some toast. Why don't you eat something, and then we'll see about getting you back on your feet?" Alec nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Miller. He was lucky to have her taking care of him, and he knew it. As he ate the soup and toast, Miller sat beside him, watching him and talking softly. She was nursing him back to health, and Alec felt a deep sense of appreciation for her kindness and compassion.