The Unlikely Caregiver

Cruella de Vil, the infamous fashionista, stood in her opulent mansion's foyer, her eyes fixed on Jasper, her loyal and lovable sidekick, as he leaned against the doorframe, looking rather worse for wear. His usual cheeky grin was replaced with a pale, wan expression, and his bright eyes had lost their sparkle. Cruella's initial reaction was annoyance; she had far more important things to attend to than babysit Jasper through a minor illness. But as she took in his disheveled appearance, something in her chest shifted, and she felt a pang of concern. "What seems to be the matter, Jasper?" she asked, her voice a little softer than she intended. Jasper coughed weakly, his shoulders shaking with the effort. "I...I don't know, Cruella. I just feel awful. Been feeling it all day." Cruella's gaze narrowed as she took in his flushed face and labored breathing. This wasn't just a simple cold; Jasper was genuinely ill. She strode over to him, her heels clicking on the marble floor, and took his wrist in her hand, feeling for his pulse. "You're coming with me," she said, leading him toward the phone. "We're going to get you to a doctor and figure out what's going on." Jasper didn't protest, too exhausted to argue. Cruella arranged for a doctor to visit the mansion, and soon they were sitting in the lavish drawing room, a kindly old physician examining Jasper. As they waited for the diagnosis, Cruella couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. Jasper was always the strong one, the one who kept her running smoothly, and seeing him like this...it was almost too much to bear. She pushed the feeling aside, attributing it to her well-known compassion for those in need. The doctor's words confirmed her suspicions: Jasper had come down with a nasty case of pneumonia. Cruella's eyes widened as the doctor outlined the treatment plan, and she felt a flutter in her chest. This was going to be a long night. As they made their way back to the mansion, Jasper shivering in the backseat of the car, Cruella couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. She had never been one for nurturing; her forte was more...exploitative. But Jasper's condition had somehow managed to tug at her heartstrings, and she found herself willing to do whatever it took to get him back on his feet. As they entered the mansion, Cruella gestured to the guest room. "You'll stay here. I'll have one of the staff bring up some soup and...and whatever else you need." Jasper nodded weakly, his eyes already drooping shut. Cruella watched him settle into the bed, a strange sense of responsibility washing over her. She had never taken care of anyone before, and the thought of doing so now...it was both daunting and intriguing. As she turned to leave, Jasper's voice stopped her. "Cruella?" She turned back, her eyebrow raised. "Yes?" Jasper's eyes, though tired, sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Thanks, Cruella. I know I'm not exactly...easy to care for." Cruella's lips twitched into a small smile, a gesture she quickly suppressed. "Just rest, Jasper. I'll take care of everything." Little did she know, this was only the beginning of a very long, and very transformative, night.