Page 54 of The Wiener Across the Way

Declan Kingman remained at the hospital with Best, further fueling rumors about their relationship’s seriousness. Fans have taken to social media to express their concern and support for the singer, with hashtags like #GetWellSoonKelsey and #KelsandKing trending.

This incident raises important questions about the grueling schedules and demands placed on performers, calling for a re-evaluation of how the industry cares for its artists’ health and well-being versus profits.

Aspen Daily Newsreached out to Kelsey Best’s management for further comments and wishes her a speedy recovery.

Bestie4Ever:Sending all my love and prayers to Kelsey! Get well soon, our queen! #GetWellSoonKelsey

MusicLover1998:Shocked to hear about Kelsey collapsing. It’s a wakeup call about the pressure these artists are under. Wishing her a speedy recovery.

KingmanFan:Declan Kingman is a real-life hero! Stepping up like that shows his true character. #KelsandKing

TheChadMan52:She should eat more slads and get some exersice

BestiesBestie: re: TheChadMan52:Eat a bag of dicks, Chad. And learned to spell.

SongbirdSoul:Rest up, Kelsey. Your health comes first! Looking forward to hearing your beautiful voice again soon.

SurprisedBestie:Wait, did I read that right? Fiancé??? When did this happen? #KelsandKing

AspenNative:It’s always sad to see something like this happen. Hope she gets the rest she deserves. Much love to Kelsey from Aspen!

HeartStruck:Declan Kingman as Kelsey’s fiancé is the plot twist I didn’t know I needed! Wishing Kelsey a quick recovery and lots of happiness!

BotGuy1984:Fake news. Wake up Sheeple!

Sheeple: re: BotGuy1984:Why everybody always trying to wake me up? I’m woke already.

RealityCheck:Fiancé or not, let’s focus on what’s important – Kelsey’s health. Celebrity life isn’t as glamorous as it seems. Get well soon, Kelsey!

TuneInFan:Just shows how much we don’t know about celebrities’ private lives. Hoping Kelsey makes a full recovery and takes the time she needs.

KingmanPrincess: WE LOVE YOU, KELSEY

MUSTANG, TAKE ME AWAY

DECLAN

Iawoke to the soft beeps of hospital equipment and the murmur of voices. My eyelids felt heavy, my body drained, but a sense of urgency nudged me awake. As my vision cleared, the first thing I noticed was the heat of Declan’s body holding mine. He had his arms wrapped around me, but with my own arms crossed underneath his so that he was holding my hands in his.

The absolute feeling of being protected, secure, and taken care of by this man stirred something deep inside of me. I’d been holding him at arm’s length this whole time and had missed out on this for far too long. How could I have denied myself this?

Because I was scared to let any of my feelings be real. I’d been running on fear for a while and somehow hadn’t noticed. All of these thoughts were quickly overshadowed by the memory of collapsing on stage. It was like a cold splash of reality. Fear and fumes were all that had kept me upright for... well, if I was just admitting it to myself, for this entire tour.

I was so damn tired, and I couldn’t ignore it any longer. It wasn’t just physical exhaustion either. I didn’t want to believe it, but I knew full well that I couldn’t write songs like I used to. Except for the one that had popped into my head fully formed yesterday. That had been a miracle. But also an anomaly.

The music used to just be there for me. Like I could reach up into the ether and pluck down the next song. But they weren’t there. Little blips of lyrics or a note or two floated around, but I had to work to hear them, and even when I did, they crumbled in the light of day like a wilted, unwatered plant.

I didn’t know what to do about it. So I just kept pushing. If I could just push through, I was sure I could get to the other side of this.

But pushing had landed me in the hospital. Pushing had let down all my fans. Pushing through was all I knew how to do, and now I was scared to even try again.

What was I going to do?

Declan’s hands gently squeezed mine, and he nuzzled my neck, rubbing his beard along the sensitive skin in a way that made me want to lean into him even more. He whispered in a hoarse, sleepy voice. “Hey, hey, hey, you’re safe, you’re okay. I’m here.”

I swallowed hard, keeping a sob I didn’t expect to pop up down where it belonged. “Okay.”

That was all I could manage at the moment.

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