The sound of rain hitting the cabin roof is the only thing that breaks the silence. The wood creaks occasionally, and the fire in the fireplace flickers softly, illuminating the room with a warm light.

You feel exhausted. Your body is heavy, your throat burns, and your skin feels too hot under the blankets. Everything bothers you: the light, the noise, even the air coming through the half-open window. But the worst thing is the feeling of weakness, as if you can do nothing but stay there, trapped in the discomfort.

"How are you feeling, honey?"

Claire's voice is soft, concerned. You can barely turn your head to look at her. You don't feel like speaking, so you just make a small sound and close your eyes, trying to push away the headache throbbing in your temples.

You feel the bed dip as Claire sits down next to you. Her fingers brush your forehead and then your hair, gently stroking it.

"You still have a fever,"she murmurs.

You hear her sigh. It's not a sigh of frustration or exhaustion, but one that seems to say she doesn't intend to leave you alone.

A few seconds later, you feel something warm in your hands. You open your eyes with difficulty and see Claire offering you a cup.

"I brought you some tea with honey and lemon,"she says. "It's not the best in the world, but it'll do you good."

You frown. You don't want to drink anything, especially something you know will taste strange.

"I don't want to..."you murmur, your voice hoarse.

Claire smiles tenderly and offers you a straw.

"How about I give it to you with a straw? That way you don't have to move around so much."

You sigh. You know she won't let you go until you drink a little, so you agree. You take the straw between your lips and take a small sip. It's not as bad as you expected, but you still grimace.

"That's it, just a little more,"Claire says, with that tone of infinite patience she usually uses with you and Maisie.