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April was tired.
Tired of Splinter being sick.
Tired of going down to the sewers to take care of him.
Tired of his condition being the same or even worsening.
Just plain tired of everything.
She was a news reporter, not a nurse, for crying out loud!
Deep down, she almost wished he was gone for good, just so she wouldn’t have to deal with this anymore.
How could you think something so horrible? You love him! Well, loved him…
April actually wasn’t sure how she felt about him anymore. After months of battling the illness that had ravaged his body, he was just a shell of his former self.
But for whatever reason, something compelled her to keep visiting. And when she wasn’t with him, he was constantly on her mind.
Was in he in pain all the time? It’s not like he’d ever admit it.
Maybe I’m the only one who brings him joy anymore. Maybe he waits hours each day hoping that I’ll return.
After all, he didn’t have the Turtles with him all the time anymore. Shredder was busier than ever, and so were they.
Besides, Splinter had been there for April many times over the years, always having a word of advice whenever she needed it. Sometimes, he even provided physical comfort as well. She had definitely cried into his fur once. Okay, maybe more than once. And she didn’t like to admit it, but when he had gently rested his hand on her shoulder, she had felt… sparks. Almost like there was something more between them.
Of course, she tried suppress her feelings. Not only was he much older than her, he was a rat. She had always found rats disgusting and creepy.
Not this rat. He was human inside. And his eyes were still very much human.
Those eyes. Back when he was healthier, she worried that she could get lost in them. No worries now. On the occasion that he even opened his eyes, they were dull and lifeless.
Yep. April was tired alright. Soon, she was climbing into bed, preparing to dream about Splinter all night, just like she did every night. It was a bit earlier than her normal bedtime, but she figured that she should try to get as much rest as possible. After all, she knew that she’d find herself going to the sewers again in the morning.