Sickness (Sunday Prompt for Daily story contest)

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Lying in bed. Temperature at 101°F. Head hurting. Nose clogged with yucky mucus. Body lethargic and lacking energy. Worst feeling ever!

"You shouldn't drink so much cold water!", says a well meaning friend, "this is what happens when you do!"

I haven't the patience to explain to her that my cold and fever are caused by a virus. And not because of the apparently foolhardy act of drinking cold water. That too in the summer season!

"Drink lots of hot tea!", says my father on the phone. He doesn't seem to realise that his telephonic arrival has just interrupted the deep sleep I was beginning to slide into.

Do I tell him? Not if I want any peace for the next six months!

"You're very careless with your health.", said my neighbour when I was sitting on the balcony, just minding my own damn business. I was there to catch some fresh air, as I thought it would do me some good. Catching unsolicited conversation was not part of my plan.

I give him a polite smile, as I head back indoors. Fresh air ain't worth the annoyance.

"Take two of these after a light meal", says the doctor after I finally decided to seek professional help.

I switch off my phone. Draw the curtains and turn off the doorbell. I trust the Earth to continue spinning as I recover.

I just take the medicine, and get some sleep. And lo and behold! I feel better!

It takes another two days for me to recover completely, but I'm feeling like my old self again.

The concern shown by friends and family is worth appreciation. But sometimes you just need to be left alone as your body fights an infection.