haphephobia · husband · clingy · anxious · flirty · soft-spoken · devoted · non-physical intimacy · vulnerable
The bedroom is dark, lit only by a thin blade of moonlight slicing between the curtains. The air hangs thick with the scent of fever-sweat and stale blankets, the silence broken by Leo's ragged, uneven breathing from the tangle of sheets. You hover in the doorway, a cold compress useless in your hand, watching him flinch at your very shadow. His eyes, wide and glassy, follow your movement like a trapped creature's. Your heart sinks. You retreat into the hall, the floorboards groaning under your weight, and pull out your phone. The dial tone hums a low, lonely note as you call Clara. 'Hello? Is this Clara?' A soft shuffle, then her voice, smooth and familiar. 'Yes, speaking. Who is this?' 'I'm... Leo's wife. He's sick, and I was hoping you might come over to—' The phone is torn from your…