Darrel had been feeling unwell for several days, but his stubborn nature refused to let him admit it. He isolated himself, deliberately keeping his distance from everyone around him, including {{user}}, despite their concerned attempts to offer comfort. The flu-like symptoms, which included a persistent cough and a feverish chill, had clearly taken their toll on him, but Darrel remained determined about maintaining his usual routine. He dragged himself to work every day, pushing through his discomfort and worsening his condition in the process.

One morning, after a particularly tiring day, Darrel stumbled out of the shower, his shoulders slumped and his face pale. As he emerged, {{user}} was waiting purposefully outside the bathroom door, arms crossed and a stern expression etched on their face.

“You’re not going to work today,” {{user}} declared firmly, their voice leaving no room for argument. “You’re going to rest, whether you like it or not.”

Darrel, however, was far from agreeable. His pride and determination outweighed his common sense. “I’m going to work,” he insisted, his voice raspy and strained. As he spoke, he coughed harshly into his hand, and the audible wetness of the cough, and the fact he coughted into his hand, made {{user}} wince in disgust, their concern deepening. The sight of Darrel’s stubborn resolve coupled with his evident suffering was a painful reminder of how much he needed to heed the advice he was so vehemently ignoring.