A story requested for @phoenix-the-mistfit-fire-bird Hope you like it.
Rosita had raised twenty-five piglets. She knew the difference between someone who was simply tired... and someone who was trying far too hard to pretend they weren't sick.
Unfortunately, Amelia Holmes—known to everyone as Mia—was doing exactly that.
The theater was unusually quiet that morning as the cast prepared for rehearsal. Rosita noticed Mia carrying stage props across the room, her movements slower than usual. She paused every few seconds, pressing a hand against her forehead before continuing.
"Mia?" she called gently.
Mia turned, forcing a smile.
"Oh! Morning, Rosita. I'm fine."
"I'm just a little tired."
Rosita reached up and placed a hoof against Mia's forehead.
Mia sneezed so hard she nearly lost her balance.
Rosita caught her before she could fall.
"Okay," Rosita said firmly. "That's enough."
"I don't want everyone covering for me."
"I've raised twenty-five children."
"I know every excuse in the book."
"But not if you keep pushing yourself."
"There are things that need to get done."
Rosita gently took the box Mia was carrying.
"But today, your job is getting better."
"I didn't even ask anything."
Rosita led Mia to one of the dressing rooms, where she'd already gathered blankets, pillows, tissues, water, and a thermometer.
"...How did you do all this so fast?"
Rosita pointed toward the couch.
Mia yawned halfway through the sentence.
Rosita couldn't help smiling.
Mia grumbled all the way to the couch before collapsing onto it.
"...Okay... maybe I'm a little tired."
A short while later, Rosita returned carrying a tray.
"When was the last time you ate?"
Rosita pinched the bridge of her nose.
"No wonder you're feeling awful."
Rosita set the tray in front of her.
"I've heard that before."
As Mia slowly finished her meal, some color began returning to her face.
Mia leaned back against the pillows.
"I guess I was being stubborn."
After another yawn, Mia's eyelids became heavy.
Rosita gently pulled the blanket over her.
"...Will rehearsal be okay?"
"...Everyone's going to worry."
"They'll be happier knowing you're resting than watching you collapse on stage."
Mia couldn't argue with that.
"Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is let someone take care of you."
Within moments, Mia was asleep.
Rosita quietly picked up the empty soup bowl with a satisfied smile.
"Stubborn," she whispered fondly.
"But she's going to be just fine."
Outside the dressing room, Rosita gently closed the door and asked everyone to keep their voices down so Mia could rest.
After all, even the hardest workers sometimes need someone to remind them that healing is just as important as performing.
Glad I am getting back into the rhythm again! Been busy on the side. But there will be more to come for stories and art trades/pieces.
