The Warm Algorithm

Chapter 30: A Different Kind of Warmth

Calixta stirred weakly under the covers, her body heavy with fever. Her throat was raw, her nose blocked, and every small movement felt like wading through water. She wasn't used to this, she was always the strong one, the dependable one.

Lucien entered the room quietly, a tray in hand. 

"Good morning," he said softly, setting it down beside her. The steam from the ginger tea rose gently, carrying its sharp, earthy scent. "Try this. It'll help with the chills."

Her lips parted, surprised. "You... made me tea?"

He sat on the edge of the bed, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead. 

"Of course. You're burning up, Calix. You need to rest, not push yourself."

Something inside her softened. She wrapped her fingers around the mug he handed her, warmth seeping into her palms. 

"Thank you..." she whispered, her voice small. "I can't remember the last time someone... actually took care of me like this."

Lucien's gaze stayed steady on her. "You don't have to do everything alone."

She looked down into the cup, watching the steam blur her vision. Her chest tightened with the weight of unspoken memories. 

"I've always had to be strong," she admitted quietly. "For my family. For my friends. I was the one who... protected everyone else." She hesitated, her voice trembling. "Even when I was the one who needed protecting."

Lucien reached for her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. "Calix..."

She swallowed hard, eyes glistening. "There was a time... when my boss" her voice cracked slightly, but she pressed on, "he crossed a line. I froze. I didn't know what to do. And afterward... I felt like no one would believe me. So, I kept quiet. Acted strong."

The silence hung heavy, broken only by the hum of the city beyond the window.

Lucien's jaw tightened, but his voice stayed gentle. "I'm so sorry you went through that. You didn't deserve it. And you don't have to carry it alone anymore."

Her throat tightened. "You really mean that?"

He nodded, his grip on her hand firm but careful, grounding her. "I'll never let anything hurt you again. Not while I'm here. You're safe with me."

A tear slipped down her cheek, but for once, she didn't hide it. She leaned her head against his chest, letting herself breathe in the steady comfort of his presence.

"Thank you, Lucien," she whispered, her voice raw but sincere. "I didn't realize how much I needed this... to feel cared for. To feel safe."

He kissed the top of her head, lingering there. "Get used to it, Calix. Because I'm not going anywhere."

For the first time in a long time, she allowed herself to rest. Not as the strong one, not as the protector, but as someone who could finally be cared for.