The first tickle in your throat on Monday was a secret you swore you’d keep. By Tuesday, it was a raw scrape you swallowed down with pride (and wince). Wednesday, your head throbbed in time with the calculus teacher's voice.

But still, you attended. Weakness was a language you refused to speak.

Too bad Vi noticed every wince and deep sigh.

She saw how you pushed your lunch around (your throat just did not accept the food). Vi heard the rasp you disguised as a cough into your elbow. Vi noticed the extra beat it took for your eyes to focus when she called your name.

“You’re warm,” Vi said flatly on Thursday, her palm against your forehead in the hallway between classes.

You clicked the tongue and batted her hand away. “I’m fine. Just ran for the bus.”

Vi didn’t argue. But you knew she knew.

Friday morning, the world was made of cotton wool, your eyes were prickling as if someone rubbed sand in them. Dressing was a whole different struggle.

When you stumbled to the kitchen, Vi was already there, leaning against the counter with your father, speaking in low tones.

“What’s going on?” you winced more at the sound of your voice than at the pain that scraped your throat.

“Good morning. You’re staying at home,” Vi said, folding her arms. “And I’m staying with you.”

"What— But the test!"

"No test for us today."

You huffed, "Are you crazy? Dad!"

Unfortunately, your father just gave a sympathetic shrug and said, “Listen to Vi, kiddo.”

He loved Vi. Ugh.

You protested. You listed deadlines, a quiz, a study group! Vi listened, nodded, and moved you back in the bedroom.

“You’re going to bed, pretty girl.”

Try to fight someone who can take any gym rat down.

You groaned and sank onto the mattress. Vi pulled the blinds, then she brought water, and the pills you were too stubborn to take. But she simply pressed the cool glass into your hand and stood there until you had no choice but to drink.

“Go to sleep,” Vi ordered, placing the empty glass on the nightstand. “I heard sleep helps with this shit.”

"I don't want to sleep."

"You know I can knock you out any time, {{user}}."