Fina's POV

I woke up feeling worse than before. My stomach churned violently, and a cold sweat clung to my skin. The comfort I'd felt yesterday with Aiden had all but evaporated, replaced by a queasiness that left me feeling weak and shaky.

The house was quiet as I sat up in bed, clutching my stomach. The cramps were still there, sharper than before, but now they were accompanied by a wave of nausea that I couldn't ignore.

"Aiden?" I called softly, my voice barely audible.

He stirred from where he'd been sitting in the chair by my bed, his face lighting up with concern the moment he saw me. "What's wrong?"

"I feel... I think I'm gonna be sick," I managed to get out before covering my mouth.

Without a second thought, Aiden was on his feet, helping me up and steadying me as I stumbled toward the bathroom.

By the time we reached the bathroom, I barely made it to the toilet before the nausea overtook me. My body trembled as I leaned over, emptying what little was in my stomach. Tears pricked my eyes, both from the force of it and the sheer embarrassment of having Aiden witness this.

He knelt beside me, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "I'm here, Fina. Just breathe, okay? You'll feel better soon."

The nausea finally subsided, leaving me weak and drained. I leaned back against the cool tile wall, my head spinning.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, not able to meet his eyes.

"Hey, no," Aiden said firmly, crouching in front of me. "Don't apologize. You can't help this. You're not alone, Fina."

His kindness made my chest ache in a way I wasn't prepared for. He reached for a washcloth, wetting it with cool water before gently wiping my face.

"You're burning up," he said, his brow furrowed in concern. "Do you want me to get your mom or dad?"

I shook my head. "No, they'll worry too much. I'll be fine."

Aiden didn't look convinced, but he nodded. "Okay, but I'm staying here until I know you're really okay."

I spent the next hour lying on the bathroom floor, too afraid to move in case the nausea returned. Aiden stayed beside me the entire time, never once complaining or looking uncomfortable.

Eventually, the worst of it seemed to pass, and he helped me back to my bed. The moment I lay down, there was a soft knock at the door.

"Fina?" My mom's voice carried through the door.

"Come in," I called weakly.

The door opened, and both my mom and dad stepped inside, their faces filled with concern. My dad's sharp eyes immediately landed on Aiden sitting by my bed, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he focused on me.

"What's wrong, tesoro?" my mom asked, rushing to my side and pressing a hand to my forehead.

"I just... I felt sick earlier," I admitted.

"She threw up," Aiden added, his voice gentle. "She's been shaky ever since."

My mom's face softened as she brushed my hair away from my face. "Oh, sweetheart, you should've called us. You're pale as a ghost."

"I didn't want to bother you," I murmured.

"Bother us?" my dad said, his voice gruff. "You're our daughter. You're never a bother."

His words made my throat tighten, and I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

As my mom fussed over me, my dad turned his attention to Aiden. "Thank you for staying with her," he said, his voice calmer now.

"Of course," Aiden replied. "I'd never leave her alone like that."

My dad nodded, a hint of approval in his expression.

My mom soon returned with a cup of ginger tea and some crackers, insisting I try to eat a little. "This will help settle your stomach," she said, handing me the cup.

I took a sip, the warmth soothing my throat, though my stomach still felt uneasy.

"Do you think it's just the cramps?" Aiden asked, his worry evident.

"It could be," my mom said, frowning. "But if it doesn't improve, we'll take her back to the doctor."

"I'm okay," I insisted, though the exhaustion in my voice made it hard to believe.

My dad leaned down, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "Rest, Fina. We'll be right here if you need anything."

The rest of the day passed slowly. Aiden stayed by my side, helping me sip tea and eat small bites of crackers. By evening, the nausea had finally started to fade, though the cramps remained a constant reminder of everything my body was going through.

As I lay in bed that night, Aiden still by my side, I felt a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the tea. Even in the midst of feeling so vulnerable, I had people who cared for me, who stayed by my side when I needed them most.

And for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel so alone.