Holly Fever (Mondamin Court #1)

Chapter Four

Sunday night December 22nd

"God, you look terrible," Nicky said as she greeted Holly at the door.

"Thanks," Holly muttered. She felt terrible. It was late Sunday evening. It had started around five that afternoon. She had tried to convince herself it was only exhaustion from working two double shifts in a row, but by six p.m., she was sneezing and her face was flushed. She wasn't sure how she'd even managed to finish her shift or drive herself home.

"I didn't mean anything," Nicky fussed. "Come on, let me you get you out of this winter jacket and snuggled up on the couch. I'll make you some of that herbal tea that woman at the health food store sold us, the stuff for colds."

Why not? Western medicine didn't seem to be helping the others. Holly let Nicky help her out of her jacket and then slumped on the couch. She dragged a fleece blanket over herself, fighting back the shivers. She felt more tired than ever. Sleep wanted to claim her.

It might be just as well. The alternative to sleeping was panic. There could be little doubt that Holly had the new flu. Holly's got the Holly Fever, she giggled to herself at the thought. It was everywhere, it seemed. People were sniffling, sneezing, and coughing all weekend. But they still went out. That was the insane part of it to Holly. The news was filled with this new fever. The death toll had climbed to over twenty as of this afternoon. They kept warning everyone that this was the tip of iceberg. Reported cases ran in the hundreds, possibly even the thousands.

That didn't stop anyone though. It was the last weekend before Christmas, and there were errands to run, last-minute shopping to do, turkeys to buy. Those starting to feel sick? Heck, stop by the coffee shop and get a pick-me-up. That'll get you through.

And now I've got it.

Nicky was back with a steaming cup. Holly accepted it wearily and sniffed at the steam. She could almost smell the aroma through the thick mucus clogging her sinuses. Almost.

Nicky touched her cheeks tenderly. "You're burning up," she said. "I'm gonna get you some Tylenol."

Holly nodded dully. Nicky was back moments later with the Tylenol and a glass of water. After Holly had taken them, Nicky sat next to her. Holly laid her head on Nicky's shoulder and drifted off to sleep.

######

Ruth Hillcrest woke sneezing. She rubbed her eyes and blew her nose. One more day of school before Christmas break. School today and then Christmas Eve tomorrow.

She looked at her clock. It was seven forty-five. She sat up quickly, her head spinning. We're late! Her sister Esther was still asleep. She heard her brother, Ethan, coughing in his room.

She went into the main room. Dad was up, in his army fatigues. Mom was there in her pajamas, a pile of tissue on the end table. She looked at them both.

"No school today, honey," her mom said.

"Why?"

"Too many people sick," her dad answered. He sneezed. "I've gotta go too. Called up."

"Will you be back for Christmas?" Ruth asked.

"If I can," he said. "They aren't sending me off this time. The emergency is right here. Maybe I can get some time off to visit."

Emergency? Ruth remembered lots of kids being sick, coughing and sneezing at school, but how was that an emergency?

"Oh, honey, you look warm. Do you feel okay?" Mom asked, coming over and placing a hand on Ruth's forehead. "Get back to bed. I'll find some Tylenol."