Intimacy

Betty stood transfixed, her gaze lost in the cityscape outside her window, her mind still reeling from the emotional toll of her father's condition. Her eyes, red and puffy from hours of crying, felt dry and exhausted, as if they had no tears left to shed. Bryan entered the room, his footsteps soft on the carpet, and approached her with a gentle smile.

"Hey, beautiful," he said, his voice low and soothing, as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, pulling her close. "You've been crying for hours, Betty. It's time to rest." His warm breath caressed her ear, a comforting sensation that made her feel safe and loved.

Betty turned around, her eyes welling up again, and her voice cracked with emotion. "He used to be so strong, so invincible. It's unbearable to see him like this, dependent on machines to survive. It's tearing me apart, Bryan. I feel like I'm losing my mind." She buried her face in her hands, her body shaking with sobs. Bryan's expression softened, and he pulled her clo