February 20th 2018

"Harry I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but, have you considered taking Louis to a home or something?" Zayn asked quietly as he and Harry sat sipping tea at the kitchen table.

It was just after 8 pm, and Louis was fast asleep in bed, but that hadn't stopped Harry from locking all the rooms and bathrooms in case he were to wake up and wander.

Harry sighed, "Yes, I've considered it. But it feels unethical Z. I don't want to just send him off somewhere. He deserves his dignity."

"I know, but as much as it hurts to say, he's only going to keep getting worse." Zayn said quietly, "Are you sure you're able to continue caring for him? Be what he needs?"

"For as long as I can, I'm going to be his sole caregiver." Harry stated firmly, "And when the time comes that he needs more than what I can provide, I'm getting him a hospice nurse."

Zayn nodded. "Sorry for bringing it up. I'm just worried about you Harry. You're worn down. You look tired, stressed."

"I'm fine Zayn really." Harry assured him. It was true, he was tired. Exhausted. Stressed. Worried. But there was only so much time left, and he wanted nothing more than to spend it all with his sweet husband.

Zayn put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You're so strong mate. You really are."

***

February 21st 2018

Louis' favorite color was green. It always had been. He used to say it reminded him of Harry's eyes. He hadn't said that in a long time.

Louis however, didn't cease to get excited every time he saw the color green. It made Harry smile.

Today was Wednesday. Errands day. Harry loved and hated running errands with Louis. He loved it because Louis enjoyed being out and seeing people, and animals, and the world. He hated it because, it was difficult. He had to keep him close, make sure he didn't wander away or get lost. And even more, he hated the judgmental people. On the outside, Louis didn't appear to have anything wrong, but the way he spoke and behaved, made his disability apparent, and people were quick to laugh or turn away. It was heartbreaking.

As they walked, or rather shuffled, through the supermarket, Harry kept a protective arm around Louis, making sure he stayed safe. With the next holiday being Saint Patrick's day, the market was adorned with all sorts of green decorations and goodies, and Louis couldn't have been more excited. Every few steps he stopped to touch or try and take one of the decorations.

Harry chuckled as Louis reached out to touch a green leprechaun hat that was for sale. "It's green. Your favorite." Harry said slowly so he would hopefully understand.

"Grrrrrnnn" Louis tried to repeat, with a wide smile.

"Yeah, green." Harry kissed his head and they continued through the shop.

And so it went for the rest of their outing, continuously stopping every few moments to look at something green. And Harry found it so endearing, and being ever patient and kind, respected him and let him stop whenever he wanted to. Even if it meant their grocery trip took 2 hours.

When they finally reached the checkstand, Harry couldn't help but buy Louis the big green lollipop he'd been eyeing.

"Here love." Harry handed Louis the goodie, making him grin.

"grrrrnnn" Louis said slowly and happily.

"That's right Lou. Green." Harry always repeated what Louis said, to validate it and hopefully help him hold onto the word.

Harry unwrapped the lollipop and handed it over to Louis before paying for their items as the cashier watched awkwardly. Louis was holding the sweet upside down, and trying to eat the stick.

The cashier bit his lip. "Umm" he tried not to giggle, "I think maybe you should hold it the other way sir."

Harry glared at him before turning his focus to Louis. He sighed. "Here baby, this way." He gently flipped the lollie and helped Louis put it in his mouth. His sense of taste was deteriorating, along with the rest of his mind and body, but the flavor was still nice so Louis made a soft hum of pleasure.

The lollipop kept Louis occupied the whole drive home. He kept taking it out of his mouth and looking at it, announcing it was green, touching it with his fingers (harry hoped he didn't get sick from that), and putting it back in his mouth.

"Well that was a nice outing." Harry said smiling. They had three major outings a week. Monday nights were date night, Wednesdays they ran errands, and Fridays they did something with one of their friends.

Louis just stared at him in response, before moving to get out of the car.

"Hey! You're supposed to let me be a gentleman and open the door!" Harry joked, even though louis likely didn't understand.

Louis 'helped' put away the groceries, but was a little more hindering than he was helpful. He kept trying to put everything in the oven. From ice cream, to paper towels, to the bagged salad Harry had bought.

Harry had tears in his eyes as he had to show Louis where everything went. You'd think he'd be used to it by now, but he didn't think he'd ever get used to the fact that his husband was confused and slipping away. That was just something he couldn't accept.

Once all the groceries were put away, Harry checked Louis' nappy, which he'd recently started using, and finding it clean and dry, he led him to the couch. Then, sitting down, with Louis beside him, he told him about their past. Memories that he'd cherish forever as Louis absently listened, picking up a few words here and there, until he eventually fell asleep.

Sorry my chapters are so short. I like the simplicity. Anyway I'd love feedback! Thanks for reading xx

-sunnie