Nine-year-old Mikasa woke up exhausted. Her head felt heavy and her body felt unmovable. Mikasa looked over at Eren, whom she shared a bed with.
Mikasa began coughing violently. Eren's eyes opened.
"Mikasa?"
Mikasa tried to speak, but kept coughing and coughing so she was unable to. Eren sat up quickly, beginning to gently rub her back.
"Get it all out Mikasa…"
When Mikasa finally stopped coughing, she whimpered.
"E…Eren…my head feels so heavy…" she said weakly. Eren placed his hand on her forehead.
"…You're burning up. Oh Mikasa…I think you're sick. Stay here, I'll go get mom," Eren said, attempting to get up but Mikasa grabbed his hand.
"…Please…I don't want to be alone…" Mikasa said quietly. Eren gently pulled his hand out of her grip.
"How many times do I have to tell you? You will never be alone…ever again. Now wait here. I'll be right back."
Mikasa let him go get her as she slowly curled on bed. Eren came up with Carla.
"Oh sweetie…" Carla was holding a container of water. She had Mikasa sit up.
"Drink this."
Mikasa sipped it slowly.
"Are you cold?" Carla asked. Mikasa nodded.
"I'll go get you an extra blanket."
Mikasa watched her go. She coughed roughly again.
"Eren…I'm so tired…" Mikasa whimpered. Eren sat next to her and looked her in the eye.
"I know…you should get some sleep, kay? It'll probably help."
Mikasa nodded, drowsing off.
Eren smiled slightly at the peaceful look on her face. But he noticed how much she was sweating.
He headed downstairs. He came back with a bucket of water and a rag. He got the rag wet and gently placed it on her forehead.
Eren couldn't help but think about how nice it was to take care of her for a change…she looked so weak and fragile.
He didn't like seeing her so weak.
So he looked at her, sighed, and made a quiet promise.
"I promise to never leave you…ever. No matter what you do, I'll always be by your side."