Trials of the Test Subjects

Fun chapter: sick

First part

The next morning, I woke to a feeling of discomfort that didn’t quite match the usual grogginess of waking up. A strange heaviness settled over me, making it hard to even open my eyes. The blanket felt unusually warm, and my head throbbed with a dull ache.

I groggily shifted, only to feel an uncomfortable tug on my arm. Blinking through the fog in my mind, I realized an IV had been hooked up to me, running a line from my arm to a small bag suspended by a stand beside the bed.

"You're awake," came a soft, familiar voice, and I turned my head toward it, squinting against the light that filtered in from the window.

Standing at the foot of my bed was a nurse, but not one I recognized from the previous day. She was wearing an old-fashioned, almost retro nurse uniform—white with a crisp collar and a cap perched atop her short blonde hair. It looked like something from another era, but somehow it suited her.

"How are you feeling, dear?" she asked with a kind smile, though her eyes held a trace of concern.

I blinked again, trying to clear my head. "I… I’m not sure. I feel hot. My head hurts."

She nodded, adjusting the IV bag slightly. "It seems you’ve come down with a fever. A rather high one, at that." Her tone was soft but firm, the kind of voice that made you feel safe and cared for despite any discomfort. "You need to rest for the day. We’ll keep you hydrated and monitor you closely."

I tried to sit up, but the dizziness quickly put an end to that idea. I slumped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling for a moment before letting my eyes wander around the room. The soft beeping of machines filled the silence, a gentle reminder that I wasn’t alone.

The nurse’s movements were calm, methodical, as she adjusted my IV and checked the machines beside my bed. "You’ve been through a lot recently," she said softly, almost to herself, as she worked. "But you’re strong. You’ll get through this."

I wasn’t sure how to respond. My brain felt fuzzy, and the weight of my fever made it hard to concentrate on anything for too long. I closed my eyes again, focusing on my breath.

"Don’t worry," the nurse continued, her voice reassuring. "Your friends will be checked on as well. They’re all just fine for now."

I managed a weak nod. I hoped they were doing okay. They’d all been so supportive during the baby duty exercise, and I felt bad about not being able to keep up.

"You’re not the only one," she said, almost as though she’d read my thoughts. "Sometimes our bodies just need a little extra rest. Everyone’s been working hard."

Her words were kind, but I couldn’t help but feel guilty for holding the team back. I didn’t want to be a burden.

"Now, just relax," she added with a gentle smile. "I’ll be back to check on you in a little while."

As the nurse walked away, I let my eyelids droop once more. The fever made everything feel distant and surreal, but there was a comforting calmness in the room. Despite the discomfort, despite the weakness, I knew I wasn’t alone. The team would be there when I woke up again, ready to face whatever challenge came next.

For now, though, I gave in to the warmth and the quiet, allowing myself to drift back into sleep.