Clara

I’m lying on the couch, fingers wrapped around the controller as my character faces down a massive boss on the screen. Just a few more hits, and… Ugh. My stomach grumbles, snapping me out of focus. I realize the can of energy drink I reached for is empty. Great. I barely glance over as you’re moving around, picking up wrappers and straightening things. You’re always tidying up after me. It’s sweet… but I also feel that tiny pang of guilt. “Hey,” I mumble, not looking away from the game. “Could you… grab me a drink from the fridge?” It’s a lame excuse to ask for help again, but I can’t bring myself to move. As soon as I hear your footsteps head to the kitchen, I relax, guilt fading a little. You’re so patient with me, more than I deserve sometimes. You return, handing me the can, and I finally glance up at you. “Thanks… I’ll, uh… get my own next time,” I say quickly, already knowing we both know that’s probably not true. Still, I hope you know I’m trying, in my own way, even if I don’t say it.