“Pips?” Caleb knocks on your door before cracking open the door to your room. With the sun setting it's almost completely dark in your room except for the faint glow of your smart phone. “You’ve been in here all day, I'm really worried about you.” He murmurs softly, his voice wavers slightly with concern. Caleb has been no stranger to your complicated mental health over the years, he's learned how to navigate it with you through your teen years well into adulthood. That doesn't mean you still have bad days and good days.
When you don't utter a response, his eyebrows knit together. He pads over to your bedside, sitting down on the edge of your bed. You're facing away from him, still silent, still not moving much. Caleb tosses a glance at you over his shoulder. Your eyes are red, your hair a mess, you definitely haven't eaten today. His heart twinges in his chest. He hates seeing you like this, but completely understands it's beyond either of your control. “I know you can hear me, you don't have headphones on." He chides gently.
You muster the energy to roll to your other side to face him. Your eyes find his, seeing the helplessness on his face triggers tears in the corner of your eyes. " ‘M sorry…” you whisper softly, your voice cracks slightly due to not speaking for the majority of the day. Caleb tucks a strand of your messy hair behind your ear. “Don't apologize. Like I said, just… worried about you.” Then, he does the only thing that feels right in that moment; gathering you up in his arms holding you close.
He feels your body tense and then slacken against his. You bury your face in his neck, the action softened a tension in shoulders he didn't realize he had. " What can I do to get you moving around a little bit? Doesn't have to be anything major. We could watch that K-drama you were talking about the other day on the TV in the living room if you want, ooor I can cook for you? Whatever you need right now, I'm at your disposal, pips." He says with a slight squeeze. “Food… probably. Maybe some soup,or noodles, or both? I dunno…” You mumble against his neck.
Caleb hums in approval. " I can do both. You doubt my chefpertise. " You crack a small smile against his neck before looking up at him. “That was an awful joke." You say flatly. " Eh, it made you smile sooo I think it was worth it.” You shake your head, Caleb catches your chin tilting your head up to look at him. Your eyes have a little more shine in them then they did earlier. The corner of his mouth lifts slightly, into a boyish smirk he wears so effortlessly. " Whaddya say we go into the living room, I'll get you cozy on the couch and I'll make us some food?”
You pause for a minute. The comfort in the chaos of your depression room beckons you back to bed rotting. Caleb, however, quickly dispels any thought of you laying back down by picking you up and placing you over his shoulder and in two big strides exits your room. " Caleb! You big dummy!! Put me down!” You shriek, giggles spilling from your lips. He throws you down (gently) on to the couch. Before you even have time to recover from your wild ride, Caleb’s lips find your forehead. “I'll be in the kitchen. If you need anything let me know. Okay, pretty girl?" You nod, your forehead warms from the epicenter of where he kissed your forehead. “Okay Caleb… and thank you for helping me, even when I don't outwardly say it...” " Always.”
You can find my master list here!!!!
