It's going downhill

Her eyes are still shut and are moving even faster than before. The washcloth on her forehead is already hot and you take it to the bathroom to run cold water over it. You're starting to worry, even though you have no way of taking her temperature precisely, you are certain her temperature is even higher than before. As you return to Melody's bed, she starts tomove from one side to the other as if she has a bad dream.She kicks away her blanket and her breathing gets more and more irregular. After readjusting her blanket and putting the washcloth on her forehead you stand over her and try to decide what to do.

It is much more difficult to care for someone, than being sick yourself. No matter how high your fever or how bad the cough, you never go to the doctor volunteraly. That is something you have inhereted from your dad. The last time Melody had to kick your butt to get you to go so a doctor and it had not been too early. The price of the antibiotics told you how bad the infection must have been, that was the heavy artillery.

Now it is your turn to decide for her. You gently shake her as you try to wake her up, but she has no reaction. After you weigh your options you walk out of your room and close the door behind you. Making your way down the hall you knock on the Alicia's door. For once you hope she is home. A stumbling sound comes from her room and a few seconds later the door opens.

"Oh Jack. I hope you at least cleaned my thermometer.“ she immediately blurts out. At least today she is dressed in sweats and you don't have to avoid looking at her.

You need a moment to understand what she was saying. "I have....... but that's not why I'm here.“ you reply and try to stay calm. For you, talking to Alicia always is a test of willpower. "Melody has a high fever and it's getting worse. Can you take a look at her?“ you ask her, while you try to sound as submissive as possible.

"What have you done to her? Melody is never sick.“ she grunts and walks past you towards your room. "I thought you wanted to "take care of her.““ she mentioned sarcasticly.

You press your fingers together to a fist and your fingers are digging in your palms. "Stay calm“ you say to yourself. Alicia shoots you a curious look over her shoulder and enters your room. Turning on the lights Melody looks even worse than before. Alicia steps next to the bed and feels Melody' forehead.

"Melody?“ she says to wake Melody up, but she stays asleep. After examining her further she walks over to you.