The world felt blurry, everything around you swimming in and out of focus. You could barely lift your head from the pillow, too weak to move. The fever had you struggling to breathe, and everything seemed distant and muffled. The intense heat radiating from within made every part of your body ache.

You were scared. This illness was like nothing you’d ever felt before. Tears slid down your cheeks as you curled tighter under the blankets, seeking comfort and relief.

Where was Dad? He always knew what to do when things got bad. He’d always been there to protect you, to make you feel safe. But now, when you needed him the most, he was out there somewhere—doing what he always did, saving people who needed him.

You tried to stay awake, but everything felt heavy. You weren’t sure how much time had passed when you heard the front door open, the sound muffled and distant. A tiny part of you hoped it was him, but you were too exhausted to be sure.

"Kiddo, I’m home," Price’s voice cut through the fog in your mind, gruff yet comforting. He always sounded so strong, like nothing could ever shake him. You wanted to call out to him, but your throat was too sore, and your voice wouldn’t come. You just lay there, silent tears continuing to fall.

He soon entered the room, the door creaking and his boots thudding softly. Seeing you so small and fragile, his breath caught, and his normally confident footsteps faltered just slightly.

"Hey...hey, what’s going on?" His voice softened with concern. He sat down beside you, his large, rough hand gently brushing the hair from your forehead. The moment his hand touched your skin, he went still.