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Ms. Mowz was sick.
Not just a small cold, but the kind of sick where she was completely bedridden, unable to do anything but cough up mucus, or squeak in pain as another headache unwelcomely announced its presence.
Goombella waited impatiently in the kitchen, tapping her foot on the ground as Mario and Vivian were busily preparing a hearty tomato soup for their ill friend, adding each ingredient to the pot with love and care. Goombella, being a fungus, and thus having much different biology than the rest of the team, was unable to be infected by Ms. Mowz, and so she would be the one to bring the soup to her.
Mario looked down at Goombella.
“Soup’s done. Can you bring it to Mowz?”
Goombella nodded.
“Sure thing, Mario.”
As much as Ms. Mowz and Goombella butted heads, Goombella couldn't help but pity her. She looked absolutely awful last Goombella checked, and Goombella felt the need to help.
She took the bowl from Mario with her ponytail, placing it on her head. She then exited their room, walking through the inn’s halls and reaching the quarantined room where Ms. Mowz resided.
As Goombella entered, Ms. Mowz's ears tilted towards the door as she heard it open, its rusty hinges easily mistaken for one of Ms. Mowz's own species.
“Heya, Mowz. Vivian and Mario cooked up some soup for you. Hope you're hungry.”
As Goombella set the bowl down onto the nightstand, Ms. Mowz let out a fragile squeak, her eyes tightly shut as she covered them with her hands, her small form buried under the thick blankets.
Goombella knew exactly what the problem was. She recalled reading about how Little Mousers were often nocturnal, and thus had extremely light sensitive eyes. This was obviously causing her headache to flare up.
Goombella rushed out of the inn and into a nearby store. She quickly picked out a sleep mask that was fitted for Little Mousers, then ran back to the hotel, all in roughly five minutes.
“Ms. Mowz? I got you something that might help.”
Ms. Mowz let out another small squeak, eyeing the mask that Goombella held in her ponytail. With sluggish hands, Ms. Mowz took it and put it on.
“So, ya feel any better?”
Finally, Ms. Mowz felt well enough to speak.
“A little. Thank you, dearie.”
Ms. Mowz then took the soup, its loving warmth helping to stave off the unrelenting pain. She savoured each sip, the bowl slowly emptying.
Once she finished the soup, Ms. Mowz let out a sniffle, before breaking down into sobs.
“M-Ms. Mowz?”
Unsure of what to do, Goombella hopped up into the bed next to Ms. Mowz. Tentatively, she leaned her head against Ms. Mowz’s side and gently nuzzled her fur, her voice laced with concern.
“Mowz, are you ok?”
Ms. Mowz let out a teary cough.
“I-I think so. I've just…never had anyone take care of me like this before.”
Goombella hummed in acknowledgement. She didn't know much about Ms. Mowz's past, but from what little info she could gather, she knew it was bad.
Goombella then spoke with tenderness, uncharacteristic of her usual tone when speaking with Ms. Mowz.
“Well listen here. You're stuck with us now, and we always, always, take care of our friends. Now don't forget that.”
“Y-yes…thank you, Bella.”
Goombella smiled.
“Anything else you need?”
“Maybe…just stay here a bit.”
Goombella was surprised, given their history.
“You want me….to stay here with you.”
“Yes please…if you wouldn't mind.”
Goombella hesitated for a moment, before nodding.
“Of course. I'll stay as long as you need me to.”
Goombella leaned into Ms. Mowz, the two little creatures snuggled up together comfortably, Ms. Mowz already beginning to feel the pains of her illness slowly subside.