AllFreeNovel
Share Us
After I came home from the airport, my condition slowly deteriorated. It started with feeling bone-tired and it devolved into me cradling a box of tissues all through the night while I slept. I went to work yesterday but I ended up having to spend half the day working from home because everyone kept staring at me every time I blew my nose.
Rowan was right after all. I did catch a cold because I was too stubborn to go inside.
I cover my mouth with my elbow as I let out another wet cough. “I have to go. We don’t have much time left before the project deadline.”
“One day off isn’t going to make much of a difference.”
“But I need to—”
She shakes her head. “But nothing. I already made you some chicken soup last night after I heard you hacking up your lung.”
I press a hand against my pounding head. “Thank you.”
“It’s the least I could do. You look like death.”
“I feel like it too.” My laugh turns into a long-winded series of coughs. Each breath makes my lungs burn in protest.
Claire brings me a fresh glass of water before leaving for work.
I grab my phone and send Jenny an apology email. She replies back within a few minutes telling me to get well soon and not to worry too much about them.
I pull up my chat with Rowan. He’s been a bit off since our last night in New York. I’m not sure if it’s the stress of the job getting to him or maybe the fact that he needs some distance after spending so much time together. I really hope it’s not the second option.
Me:I think I’m coming down with something.
Rowan:I told you Central Park wasn’t the best idea.
I cringe. It probably wasn’t the smartest move to stay outside in the cold but the memories were totally worth it.
Me:But it was so much fun.
Rowan:So are drugs. That doesn’t mean people should use them.
Me:How would you know?
Rowan:…
Me:I have a feeling you’re the funny type when high.
Rowan:I will neither confirm nor deny.
Me:Creative type?
Rowan:Zahra. Enough.
Ugh.He’s no fun today.
Rowan:Do you need any medicine?
Me:I think I know the cure.
Rowan:Enough cough medicine to knock out an elephant?
Me:Close but no. Watching the next episode of that true crime documentary we started over the weekend.
Rowan:My house. Tonight. 6 p.m.
Me:You’re leaving work early?
