Leo bathed her slowly and carefully, washing the sweat from her skin, the exhaustion from her muscles. He massaged her shoulders, her arms, her legs. He shampooed her hair, working the tangles out with his fingers. She drifted in and out of sleep, murmuring soft sounds of contentment.
When he finished, he wrapped her in a towel and carried her back to the bedroom. He found her favorite night suit in the drawer, soft and fluffy and pale pink, with little bunny ears on the hood. He dressed her gently, pulling the fabric over her head, guiding her arms through the sleeves. She was limp and pliant, like a doll.
He tucked her into bed, pulling the blanket up to her chin.
"Stay," she mumbled, grabbing his hand.
"I'm not going anywhere."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
