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Ellie shifted the strap of her bag over her shoulder as she stood near the camp’s entrance, waiting for Caitlyn. It had been a few weeks since their big fight, and now she was finally getting a chance to spend the weekend outside of camp—just her and Caitlyn. No Powder pulling pranks, no Ekko teasing, no Mira playing mediator. Just a quiet weekend at Cait’s place, something Ellie had been looking forward to more than she would admit.
Caitlyn’s car pulled up smoothly, and the commander stepped out, giving Ellie a warm smile. “Ready to go?”
Ellie grinned, nodding. “Been ready.” She tossed her bag in the back seat and climbed in, settling comfortably as Cait pulled away from camp. The drive was peaceful, the city slowly replacing the wilderness behind them. Cait didn’t talk much, just humming along to the soft music playing on the radio, but Ellie didn’t mind. She liked these quiet moments.
The city unfolded around them like a familiar blanket, all flickering lights and distant sounds. Ellie leaned her head against the window, watching as they passed by the old bakery on the corner, the one Caitlyn had taken her to once after a particularly rough day. The smell of warm bread and sugar had stuck with her ever since.
She caught Cait sneaking a glance at her from the driver’s seat.
“What?” Ellie asked, smirking.
Cait shook her head lightly, eyes back on the road. “Nothing. Just… glad you’re here.”
Ellie didn’t say anything right away. She wasn’t always good with words when things got… soft. But she felt her chest warm a little.
“Me too,” she mumbled, barely audible over the music.
They pulled into Caitlyn’s neighborhood not long after, the kind of place Ellie still wasn’t used to—quiet streets, tidy lawns, everything just so. It felt too nice sometimes, like she might mess it all up just by breathing too loud. But Cait never made her feel out of place. That helped.
Inside, the apartment was just as she remembered—warm lighting, clean without being sterile, and with little touches that made it feel lived in. A blanket draped over the back of the couch. A half-finished puzzle on the dining table. A photo of Caitlyn and Vi by the bookshelf.
“You hungry?” Cait asked, setting down her keys.
Ellie shrugged, then nodded. “A little.”
“Pizza okay?”
“Always.”
While Caitlyn made the order, Ellie wandered over to the couch and flopped down, staring up at the ceiling. The tension she hadn’t even realized she’d been carrying started to melt away. It was weird how safe this place felt now.
Caitlyn returned a few minutes later, slipping her phone into her back pocket. “They’ll be here in about thirty.”
Ellie gave a thumbs-up without moving, still stretched across the couch like a cat in the sun.
Cait chuckled and walked past her, ruffling Ellie’s hair in the process. Ellie swatted half-heartedly at her hand but didn’t actually try that hard to dodge it. Not like she used to.
“You can pick a movie if you want,” Cait said, heading into the kitchen. “Just no horror this time. I’d like to sleep tonight.”
Ellie smirked, already reaching for the remote. “You’re such a baby.”
“I prefer ‘self-preserving adult,’ thank you.”
While they waited for the food Ellie browsed through the movie options, eventually landing on some old and a little cheesy movie that Caitlyn liked. Ellie made fun of it at first, but by halfway through, she was sucked in, and Cait didn’t miss how her arm had crept closer until Ellie was leaning into her side, the way a kid might if they’d ever had the chance to feel safe on a couch like this.
Ellie glanced over at Caitlyn, who was watching the screen with her usual calm focus. “Hey… thanks. For letting me come.”
Cait turned to her with gaze soft. “You don’t have to thank me, Ellie. This is your home too, whenever you want it to be.”
Ellie looked down at her drink, suddenly unsure what to do with her hands. “Yeah, well… I’m still getting used to that.”
“That’s okay,” Cait said, bumping her shoulder gently. “There’s no rush.”
By the time the credits rolled and the last slice of pizza was claimed in a quiet battle of who’d reach it faster, Caitlyn stretched and glanced at the clock. “Alright. Time to get ready for bed.”
Ellie slouched deeper into the cushions. “Can’t I stay up a little longer?”
Cait raised an eyebrow. “We both know you’ll fall asleep the second I turn the lights off.”
Ellie smirked, but she didn’t argue this time. She kicked off her shoes and curled up under the blanket.
“You sure you’re gonna be okay on the couch?” Cait asked, pausing at the edge of the hallway.
Ellie shook her head. “I like the couch. It’s… chill.”
Cait watched her for a second, something unreadable flickering in her expression, then nodded. “Alright. Blanket and pillow okay?”
“Yeah. It’s good. Thanks.”
Caitlyn gave her a small smile. “Alright. I’ll be down the hall if you need anything, okay?”
Ellie hesitated, then nodded. “Okay.”
The lights dimmed as Caitlyn walked away, and the apartment settled into that same soft quiet Ellie was slowly starting to get used to. She lay on her side, facing the arm of the couch, fingers tucked under her cheek, listening to the gentle hum of the fridge and the occasional creak of the walls.
The next morning, Ellie stirred at the first rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. She blinked, her body feeling oddly sluggish. There was a strange heaviness in her limbs, and when she swallowed, her throat felt scratchy. She turned over on the couch, trying to shake off the discomfort. No way was she getting sick—not now, not when she had the whole weekend with Cait away from camp.
She groaned softly and forced herself to sit up. Caitlyn wasn’t awake yet, which gave Ellie time to collect herself. She rubbed her arms, suddenly feeling a bit colder than before. Maybe she just needed to get moving.
Slipping off the couch, she padded to the kitchen, hoping a glass of water would help. But as she took a sip, she realized her stomach felt unsettled too. She pushed through it, setting the glass down quietly. There was no way she was going to let something as stupid as a cold ruin her weekend.
She wasn’t sick. She just needed to shake it off.
Determined, Ellie steeled herself and planned to act as normal as possible. She wasn’t about to let Caitlyn catch on.
Ellie took a deep breath, straightening her posture as she stepped away from the kitchen. It was just a little cold—nothing she couldn’t handle. She had been looking forward to this weekend for weeks, and there was no way she was going to let some stupid bug ruin it.
The soft creak of a door caught her attention, and she turned to see Caitlyn emerging from her bedroom, stretching her arms over her head. Her hair was slightly tousled, and she still had the hazy look of sleep in her eye. Seeing her this relaxed was rare, and for a second, Ellie almost felt bad for not telling her the truth.
“Morning,” Caitlyn murmured, rubbing at her neck. She glanced at Ellie, who quickly plastered on a smirk.
“Morning,” Ellie replied, her voice coming out rougher than expected. She coughed lightly to cover it up. “So, what’s for breakfast?”
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow at the question. “That depends—what are you in the mood for?”
Ellie shrugged, pretending to think. “Something good.”
Caitlyn chuckled as she made her way to the kitchen. “That’s not exactly helpful.” She eyed Ellie for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “You feeling alright?”
Ellie forced herself to look as normal as possible. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”
Caitlyn didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t push. Instead, she gestured toward the fridge. “How about pancakes?”
Ellie’s stomach twisted at the thought of food, but she forced a grin. “Sure.”
Caitlyn busied herself gathering ingredients while Ellie sat at the counter, resting her chin in her hands. She focused on keeping her breathing even, ignoring the way her head felt a little too heavy. She’d felt worse before and still powered through—this wasn’t any different.
“You actually gonna help, or are you just supervising?” Caitlyn teased as she mixed the batter.
Ellie rolled her eyes and stood, hoping the movement would help shake the sluggishness. “Fine, what do you need me to do?”
“Start heating the pan.”
Ellie grabbed the pan and placed it on the stove, twisting the knob to turn on the heat. The simple action made her feel lightheaded, but she gritted her teeth and shook it off. She wasn’t sick. She was fine. She had to be.
As Caitlyn poured the first pancake into the pan, Ellie leaned against the counter, watching the batter sizzle. She was determined to make it through the weekend without Caitlyn catching on. But as the smell of cooking pancakes filled the air, her stomach churned unpleasantly.
She swallowed hard, hoping it would pass. But then Caitlyn slid a plate of golden-brown pancakes in front of her, and the sight alone made her feel worse.
“You sure you’re alright?” Caitlyn asked again, this time with more concern. Ellie hesitated before grabbing her fork.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she insisted, cutting into the pancake. She took a bite, but chewing felt like a chore, and after a few seconds, she set the fork down, her appetite completely gone.
Caitlyn’s eyes narrowed. “Ellie—”
“I’m just not that hungry,” Ellie interrupted quickly, pushing her plate away. “Still full from all that pizza last night.”
Caitlyn studied her for a moment, then sighed. “Alright. But you know if something’s wrong, you can tell me, right?”
Ellie nodded, hoping that would be the end of it. She just needed to hold it together for the rest of the weekend.
Ellie took a deep breath, steeling herself as Caitlyn tidied up after breakfast. She was determined to push through the day without raising suspicion, even as her limbs felt heavier and her head ached with a dull throb.
“You know, I’ve been thinking,” Caitlyn said after a while. “How about we go shopping?”
Ellie turned her head, raising an eyebrow. “Shopping? For what?”
“You need some new clothes,” Caitlyn insisted, glancing back at her with a smile. “You’ve been wearing those sneakers for ages, and your hoodie? They’ve definitely seen better days.”
Ellie stiffened at the mention of her clothes. She glanced down at her worn-out sneakers and faded hoodie. The idea of Caitlyn buying her new clothes felt strange. She didn’t like people doing things for her. It made her feel like a charity case, and she hated it.
Ellie hesitated. She tugged at the sleeve of her hoodie, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “You don’t have to do that, Cait. Really. My clothes are fine.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to,” Caitlyn said gently, nudging her. “Your shoes are falling apart, and your shirts have more holes than a cheese grater.”
Ellie shifted uncomfortably, her mind racing. It wasn’t that she didn’t want new clothes—it was more that she didn’t know how to accept things like that. She was used to getting by with whatever she could find or afford.
But Caitlyn wasn’t backing down. She placed a hand on Ellie’s shoulder, her voice soft but firm. “Come on. Let me do this for you. Please?”
Ellie sighed but ultimately nodded. “Fine. But I’m not buying a bunch of girly stuff, alright?”
Caitlyn chuckled. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Let’s go.”
The mall wasn’t far, and as soon as they arrived, Ellie felt that familiar discomfort again. The lights, the people bustling around, the noise—it was almost too much for her. She tried to shake it off, pulling her hoodie tighter around herself as they made their way inside.
“Alright, let’s find you some new shoes first,” Caitlyn said. She pulled Ellie toward the shoe section, where rows of sneakers and boots in every color imaginable sat on display.
Ellie hesitated, glancing at the price tags. “Cait, I don’t need anything that fancy.”
“Not fancy,” Caitlyn replied. “Just nice.”
Ellie sat down on the bench as Caitlyn knelt in front of the shoe rack.
“And you deserve nice things,” Caitlyn said with a smile, her tone leaving no room for argument. She picked out a pair of black sneakers, simple but sturdy. “How about these?”
Ellie stared at the shoes, then at Caitlyn, who was clearly waiting for her approval.
“Yeah, sure.” Ellie muttered, slipping off her old, worn-out sneakers and trying on the new pair. They fit like a glove. She hesitated at first, unsure, but then took a few steps, feeling the cushion of the soles beneath her.
“How do they feel?” Caitlyn asked, watching her closely.
“Good. Really good,” Ellie admitted, her voice softer now.
“Great. Let’s grab those, then,” Caitlyn said, her tone light and happy, but Ellie noticed the warmth in her eyes as she paid for them. It wasn’t just the shoes—it was the care, the thoughtfulness Caitlyn always put into everything.
Next, they moved on to the clothes. Caitlyn picked out a few shirts and a pair of jeans, but Ellie’s heart wasn’t in it. She barely looked at the clothing, only half-listening as Caitlyn chattered about the different styles. Then Caitlyn grabbed a dark green hoodie and handed it to her.
“Okay, let’s see how these look on you,” Caitlyn said, leading her to the changing rooms. Ellie tried to keep her cool, though her limbs felt heavy as she slipped into the outfit. The mirror made her feel uneasy as she studied herself, her reflection not quite matching how she felt. Her vision blurred again, and she closed her eyes, waiting for it to pass. The moment stretched longer than usual, and she had to grip the edge of the counter to stay upright.
When she stepped out of the changing room, Caitlyn looked up from her phone with an encouraging smile.
“Well?” Caitlyn asked. “How is it?”
Ellie felt her heart thud in her chest. She was not expecting Caitlyn’s reaction. Caitlyn walked over, inspecting her from head to toe, her eyes soft with affection. She reached forward, adjusting the hoodie's collar gently.
Ellie’s face flushed a deep red. She stepped back slightly, pulling at the hem of the hoodie nervously. “I—I don’t know. I mean, it’s comfortable.”
Caitlyn smiled, taking a step back to give Ellie space. “Comfortable’s a good start. You look great, Ellie. Really.”
Ellie avoided her gaze, her chest still felt tight, like the weight pressing down on her hadn’t quite lifted since the episode in the changing room. Her vision had cleared, but a faint headache lingered at the edges. She hoped Cait wouldn’t notice. She was trying so hard to act normal, and Caitlyn being kind—too kind—just made it harder.
Ellie ducked her head, her cheeks warming even more. “Thanks... I think.”
As they continued shopping, though, Ellie could feel her body growing weaker. She tried to ignore it, but her legs started to feel like lead, and the shopping bags Caitlyn handed her felt heavier and heavier.
“Here, let me help with those,” Caitlyn said when Ellie nearly dropped the bags.
Ellie gave a small shrug. “I’m fine. Just… tired, I guess.”
Caitlyn smiled gently and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “Alright then, let’s finish up here. Head out and grab some groceries for dinner. I figured we could cook something together.”
Ellie nodded quickly, forcing a smirk. “Yeah, sure. What are we making?”
Caitlyn gave her a knowing look but let it slide. “I was thinking spaghetti. Simple, classic. Can’t mess that up, right?”
Ellie scoffed. “You underestimate my talent for disaster.”
Caitlyn chuckled and tossed her keys in the air before catching them. “Come on, let’s go before I change my mind and just order takeout.”
The ride to the grocery store was quiet, the city bustling around them as Ellie leaned against the car window, trying not to focus on the way her stomach churned. She kept her responses short whenever Caitlyn spoke, hoping the lack of conversation would make it easier to keep up the act.
Inside the store, the bright lights and endless shelves made Ellie feel dizzy, but she gritted her teeth and followed Caitlyn through the aisles. She let Cait do most of the picking, nodding whenever she asked if something looked good.
“You wanna grab the pasta?” Caitlyn asked, pausing near the shelves of neatly stacked boxes.
“Yeah, sure.” Ellie stepped forward, reaching for a box of spaghetti, but her hand trembled slightly as she did. She hoped Caitlyn didn’t notice, but the commander’s sharp gaze missed nothing.
“Ellie—”
“Got it,” Ellie cut in quickly, shoving the box into the cart. “What’s next?”
Caitlyn exhaled slowly, watching her for a moment before nodding. “Sauce and some veggies. Come on.”
By the time they made it back to Caitlyn’s apartment, Ellie felt completely drained, but she shoved the feeling aside. She helped put the groceries away, forcing herself to act normal. Cooking was a slow process, mostly because Caitlyn didn’t trust Ellie not to start a fire, but the atmosphere was light.
“Okay, this actually smells good,” Ellie admitted as they stirred the sauce.
Caitlyn smirked. “See? My cooking isn't that bad.”
Ellie rolled her eyes, but the fondness in Caitlyn’s voice made her chest warm. The feeling, however, was quickly overshadowed by the growing unease in her stomach. By the time they sat down to eat, Ellie barely touched her plate, poking at the pasta as Caitlyn watched her with growing concern.
“Not hungry again?”
Ellie shrugged. “Guess not.”
Caitlyn didn’t push, but Ellie could tell she was keeping an eye on her. She excused herself as soon as Caitlyn was distracted, heading straight for the bathroom.
The moment she shut the door, she gripped the edge of the sink, her breath coming in shallow pants. Her stomach twisted violently, and before she could stop it, she lurched forward, emptying what little she’d eaten into the toilet. The force of it left her trembling, and she sank to the floor, pressing her forehead against her arm as she tried to catch her breath.
A gentle knock came from the door. “Ellie? You okay?”
Ellie squeezed her eyes shut. “Yeah, fine. Just… give me a sec.”
A pause. Then Caitlyn’s voice, softer this time. “Ellie, open the door.”
Ellie swallowed hard, trying to will the nausea away. She didn’t want Caitlyn to see her like this. Didn’t want her to worry. But as another wave of dizziness washed over her, she knew she wouldn’t be able to hide it much longer.
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, forcing herself to take slow, deep breaths. The cool tile beneath her helped a little, but not enough to make the nausea completely disappear. After another few seconds, she pulled herself up with shaky limbs and turned on the sink, splashing cold water on her face.
“Ellie,” Caitlyn’s voice came again, more insistent. “I know you’re not fine. Just let me in.”
Ellie gripped the counter, staring at her pale reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were glassy, her face clammy. She sighed, realizing there was no use in pretending anymore.
With a reluctant sigh, she unlocked the door. Almost immediately, Caitlyn pushed it open and crouched down in front of her, her sharp gaze scanning Ellie’s pale face.
She reached forward, brushing some of Ellie’s damp hair away from her face before pressing the back of her hand against her forehead. The second she made contact, her brows furrowed, and her frown deepened.
“You’re burning up,” Caitlyn murmured, her fingers lingering for a moment before she pulled away. “Why didn’t you say something earlier?”
Ellie shrugged weakly. “Didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.”
Caitlyn exhaled through her nose, clearly frustrated, but instead of scolding her, she just shook her head. “Alright, come on. You need to lie down.”
Ellie didn’t argue as Caitlyn guided her back to the couch, tucking a blanket around her. A cool hand brushed against her forehead again.
“I’ll get you some medicine and water,” Caitlyn said, brushing Ellie’s hair back again before standing. “Just stay put.”
She sat heavily, letting her head rest against the cushion as Caitlyn disappeared into the kitchen, returning a moment later with a glass of water, anti-nausea tablets, and some pain relievers.
“Take these,” Caitlyn instructed, handing them over.
Ellie made a face but swallowed the pills with a sip of water, grimacing at the aftertaste. Caitlyn sat down beside her, watching closely as Ellie shifted under the blanket.
“You should start feeling better soon,” Caitlyn assured her.
Ellie didn’t meet her eyes, her gaze fixed on a loose thread hanging from the edge of the blanket. She picked at it nervously, her fingers clumsy and feverish. “I’m sorry.”
Caitlyn's expression softened as she gently rubbed Ellie’s arm. “It’s okay. I’m not angry. I just wish you’d told me when it started.”
“I didn’t want to worry you,” Ellie whispered, her voice barely audible.
Caitlyn let out a long, slow breath. “Ellie, I’m always going to worry. That’s part of the deal now. You’re my daughter. You don’t have to hide things from me—especially not this.”
Ellie’s chest tightened at Caitlyn’s words, the weight of them settling in her stomach. She had never been good at asking for help or admitting when something was wrong. But Caitlyn was right—she wasn’t the only one who cared. She wasn’t alone in this anymore.
After a few moments, Ellie nodded softly, her eyes lingering on the blanket as if it could offer her some sort of comfort.
“I know,” Ellie whispered, her voice small, like it was taking everything she had just to admit that. “I’ll try… to tell you more.”
Caitlyn’s hand found Ellie’s again, warm and steady, and she squeezed it gently. “Thank you.”
-
Ellie lay there, her head resting against the cushion, staring blankly at the ceiling as the heat from her body seemed to radiate off her. Caitlyn's protective instinct kicked in, and she wanted to make sure Ellie was as comfortable as possible. She reached over again, brushing her fingers through Ellie’s hair, soothing the younger girl in the way only she could.
“Hey, how are you feeling now?” Caitlyn asked gently, her thumb brushing over Ellie’s temple as she waited for an answer.
Ellie let out a soft sigh, the weight of the exhaustion pressing down on her. “A little better, just tired.”
Caitlyn nodded, her brow furrowing slightly. “You should be getting some rest.” She hesitated for a moment before continuing, as though weighing her words carefully. “You know, if you’re comfortable with it, I think it might be better if you came into the bedroom with me. That way, I can keep an eye on you while you sleep. Just in case.”
Ellie froze. The suggestion was simple, but the idea of being in Caitlyn’s room, sharing the same space like that, made her feel shy and awkward. She wasn’t used to being taken care of like this, and the thought of spending the night in Caitlyn’s bedroom felt… too intimate somehow. Her heart raced, her face flushed, and she immediately started to pull away from the idea.
“I—uh, I don’t know...” Ellie trailed off, looking away to avoid meeting Caitlyn’s eye. Her pulse quickened, and she wrapped the blanket tighter around her shoulders, trying to make herself small.
Caitlyn offered a small smile. “You don’t have to, but I’ll sleep better knowing you’re close by.”
Something about the way she said it—like it wasn’t just about keeping an eye on Ellie, but maybe something more—sent a flicker of warmth through the girl’s chest. She didn’t know how to respond to that. No one had ever said they’d sleep better because of her before. Usually, people were just relieved to get rid of her for the night.
Still hesitant, she murmured, “Okay… just for tonight.”
Caitlyn nodded once, stepping aside and offering a hand. “Just for tonight.”
Ellie accepted the help, her hand trembling slightly as she rose to her feet. The room swam for a moment, the lingering effects of whatever bug she'd caught making her unsteady. Caitlyn’s grip was firm and reassuring as she guided Ellie down the hallway.
Ellie stepped into the room, glancing around as if she had never been there before. Caitlyn’s bed was neatly made, the space smelled faintly of lavender, and everything about it felt... familiar. A lump formed in Ellie’s throat, but she quickly swallowed it down, not wanting to seem weird about it.
Caitlyn gently steered Ellie towards the bed. “Here, just sit down and get comfortable. I’ll grab you another pillow.” She fluffed the existing pillows and plumped them against the headboard before disappearing into the walk-in closet.
Ellie perched on the edge of the mattress, feeling the soft give of the memory foam beneath her. The duvet felt luxurious against her skin, a stark contrast to the worn blankets she usually used. She hesitated for a moment, then leaned back against the pillows, sinking into their comforting embrace. A wave of exhaustion washed over her, heavier than before.
She closed her eyes, focusing on the gentle rhythm of her breathing. The scent of lavender was more pronounced here, a calming balm against the anxiety bubbling in her chest. Slowly, her muscles began to relax, the tension in her shoulders easing.
Caitlyn emerged from the closet, holding a fluffy, down-filled pillow. “Here you go,” she said, her voice soft. “This one's extra cozy.” She placed the pillow beside Ellie, then paused, studying her with a gentle concern. “Are you comfortable? We can adjust the pillows, the blankets… anything you want.”
Ellie managed a weak smile. “I'm okay, really. Thanks.” She nestled her head against the new pillow, feeling its softness mold around her. “It's… nice,” she added, her voice barely a whisper.
Caitlyn's eyes softened. “I'm glad. Just try to relax. Don't worry about anything.” She busied herself tidying up a few stray items on the dresser, giving Ellie the space she needed to settle in.
After a moment, Caitlyn turned back to Ellie, a slight blush rising on her cheeks. “I'm going to change into something more comfortable. I'll be right back.” With that, she disappeared back into the closet.
Ellie’s breathing slowed as she lay there, the soft scent of Caitlyn’s room wrapping around her. She didn’t even hear the closet door open again—sleep pulled her under before she could think another thought.
As Caitlyn returned, now dressed in an old, soft shirt and a pair of gray sweatpants, she paused in the doorway. Seeing Ellie sound asleep in her bed sent a warm ache through her chest. The girl looked peaceful now, her features relaxed in a way that had been rare since the moment Caitlyn met her.
Caitlyn moved silently towards the bed, her movements careful and deliberate, as if not wanting to disturb the sleeping figure. She sat on the edge of the mattress, her eyes tracing the delicate curve of Ellie's cheek, the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
A wave of protectiveness washed over her. She had always been fiercely protective of Ellie, ever since the moment she first held her in her arms, though long time ago now. And even though Ellie grew up capable and independent mostly without her in her life, Caitlyn's maternal instincts remained as strong as ever.
She carefully pulled back the covers, her hand hovering for a moment before gently smoothing a stray strand of hair from Ellie's forehead. The gesture was small, almost imperceptible, but it spoke volumes about the depth of her love.
With a soft sigh, Caitlyn slipped into the bed beside her daughter. The mattress dipped slightly as she settled in, the movement so subtle that Ellie remained undisturbed. She adjusted the pillows behind her head, her gaze never leaving Ellie's face.
For a moment, she simply lay there, listening to the quiet rhythm of Ellie's breathing, feeling the warmth of her body radiating through the sheets. The silence of the room was broken only by the soft ticking of a clock on the nightstand, a comforting reminder of the passage of time.
Then, slowly and deliberately, Caitlyn reached out and placed her hand around Ellie's waist. The contact was light, tentative, as if testing the waters. But as Ellie didn't stir, she tightened her grip slightly, pulling her daughter closer.
Ellie instinctively snuggled closer to the warmth, her body seeking comfort and security in the familiar presence. A soft murmur escaped her lips, a sound that Caitlyn interpreted as contentment.
Caitlyn's heart ached with love. She knew that Ellie wasn't always comfortable with displays of affection, that she sometimes struggled to accept help and support. But in this moment, as she lay sleeping peacefully beside her, Caitlyn couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. Hope that their relationship was growing stronger, that Ellie was finally starting to let down her guard and allow herself to be cared for.
She closed her eyes, her own body beginning to relax. The weight of the day, the worry and anxiety that had been plaguing her seemed to lift with each breath. She was here, beside her daughter, and that was all that mattered.
“I’ve got you,” Caitlyn whispered into the quiet night, her voice barely audible. Her arm tightened just a little, as if to ward off the world.
As she drifted off to sleep, Caitlyn made a silent promise to herself. She would always be there for Ellie, no matter what. She would be her rock, her confidante, her unwavering source of love and support. And she would cherish these moments, these precious moments of closeness, for as long as they lasted.