Give it another minute.

You clear your throat. "I guess I should take the thermometer out now?" You say weakly.

Melody doesn't respond verbally, but nods in agreement.

You pause and look into her face, her color high with fever. "Of course Alicia had to give us an old mercury thermometer, they're kinda slow to get a good reading," you say. "Maybe we should give it a minute or two more."

"'kay," Melody says.

You look into her eyes, trying to read them to see if the moment has passed.

"Unless it's uncomfortable," you hedge.

"No, doesn't feel like much," she says. "But I'll want to roll over eventually." She swallows. "Can you get me some water?"

Damn, should have kept your mouth shut. "Sure," you say.

You fill a glass from the bathroom sink and bring it back to Melody.

"Thanks," she rasps. She props herself up on one elbow and drinks, but before she finishes half of it, she puts it down. "Jack, reach me a tissue I'm gonna... AH-CHOO!" she sneezes.

Melody looks startled.

"What is it?" you ask.

"I lost the thermometer," she says.

You raise your eyebrows.

Melody giggles, then squints her eyes. "Ow. Stop making me laugh."

"What?" you ask.

"That funny face," she said.

You frown, then raise your eyebrows.

Melody can't hold back another laugh. "Ow, stop it, it makes my head hurt!" She hides her head under the pillow.

Oh well, time to find the thermometer. It hasn't gone far. You grab it with a tissue and wipe it off.

"I have some news for you, Miss," you say.

"Mmmf?" she says from under the pillow.

"Your rectal temperature is..."