Seraphina
I never expected to fall ill.
Perhaps it was because of the rain, or maybe it was the incident that got posted online. The emotional toll had taken a heavy hit on me, and that’s probably why I got sick. I’m such a weak person, to be so affected by something so trivial.
When I woke up this morning, I still felt a bit weak. Last night, in my dazed state, it seemed like someone had come to take care of me. I glanced at the glass of water and the pack of ibuprofen on the nightstand and could not help but think of something. Wait-maybe it wasn’t a dream. Someone really did take care of me!
Was it Evelyn?
“Seraph, why aren’t you up yet? You’re going to be late for class!” Evelyn’s voice came from the doorway.
I dragged my heavy body over and opened the door. When I did, I noticed the lock was still in place, and I froze. Yes, the fever had made me a bit foggy, but I knew I always locked my door before sleeping. So, Evelyn couldn’t have come in!
My heart raced. If it wasn’t Evelyn, could it have been Kael? He definitely had the ability to barge into my room.
“Good morning, Evelyn.”
When I opened the door and greeted her, Evelyn looked startled.
“Goodness, Seraph, you look terrible. Are you sick?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “I think I have a fever, so I’m not going to school today.”
From her reaction, it seemed Evelyn had no idea I was sick. She reached out and touched my forehead, feeling the warmth. She sighed in relief. “Not too hot. Do you need me to stay and take care of you?”
“No, you should go to class,” I quickly replied.
“Then take care of yourself.”
I nodded.
So, it wasn’t Evelyn who took care of me last night. That left Kael.
Kael must have seen the photos of me and Magnus. Would he be angry? The thought made me feel inexplicably guilty. I’d promised Kael I’d seriously consider our relationship, yet here I was, caught in a scandal with Magnus on social media. And deep down, I still cared about Magnus.
Kael might know-or he might not. But he still came to take care of me!
Guilt crept into my heart like a thief, tormenting me. I’d already decided to cut ties with Kael, yet here he was, quietly caring for me and then leaving without a word. How could I not be moved? Women are easily swayed by small gestures, and I was no exception.
I couldn’t help but be touched by Kael. He’d come to me when I was sick, even after seeing those photos with Magnus. He wasn’t angry-he took care of me.
I couldn’t resist calling him. As the phone rang, I felt a wave of anxiety.
After a moment, Kael picked up.
“Last night, did you come over?”
“Yes, Seraphina. How are you feeling now? Better?”
“Much better. The fever’s gone,” I replied.
“Remember to take your medicine. Have you had breakfast? Should I bring you something?”
“No, I’ll cook something myself.”
Breakfast was easy-even just boiling an egg.
“I’ll bring it. What do you like?”
“It’s fine-” I instinctively tried to refuse.
“I’ve already bought it, Seraphina. I’m not comfortable leaving you like this.”
Before I could respond, there was a commotion on the other end of the line.
Then, suddenly, Kael appeared in front of me, a gust of wind accompanying his arrival. In his hand was a bag of food.
“Here, Seraphina. I brought you some things. Eat up.”
He unpacked the bag-bread, and sandwiches… Was he trying to fatten me up like a pig?
“I don’t have much of an appetite,” I said, nibbling on the bread.
Even though I wanted to eat more, the thought of greasy food made me queasy.
Kael stepped closer and felt my forehead. “Good, your temperature’s down.”
“Thank you,” I said. No matter what, I had to thank him. If he hadn’t noticed something was wrong last night and given me medicine and water, I’d probably still be feverish today.
“It’s nothing, Seraphina. You don’t need to thank me.” Kael waved it off.
I went to the kitchen to pour water, bringing a glass for Kael as well.
Then, I thought of something. “Why did you come last night?”
I figured he had a reason.
Kael’s expression darkened at my question.
“I saw the photos of you and that Magnus. I wanted to ask what was going on.”
I could see he was trying to control his emotions, but his eyes were clouded with sadness.
“I thought when you said you needed time, it meant we’d still be together…”
“Magnus and I aren’t together. We just happened to be studying together.”
“Then, Seraphina, can I study with you too?” Kael seemed to relax a little at my explanation.
I shook my head. “No. You’re too popular. Everyone’s eyes are on you.”
I didn’t want to be in the spotlight again.
As soon as I finished, I saw the pain in Kael’s eyes. My heart ached in that moment. I knew I’d hurt him. He’d come to care for me when I was sick, yet I couldn’t even stand beside him in public.
But I was tired. All these ups and downs were wearing me down.
Though visibly sad, Kael forced a smile. “It’s fine. I’ll wait for you. But I hope you can give me an answer today, okay? Seraphina.”
I was taken aback. He wanted an answer today?
“I…”
How could I tell him I didn’t want to be with him?