Working

Kyle makes it through the restless night, waking up periodically coughing, and finally a small fever sets in.

At five, as Misty comes to him, he barely opens his eyes, feeling too exhausted to move. And when he did move, all he did was cough. So he just lies still, feeling the prick of the needle and wincing but not drawing away.

Feeling Misty’s soft kiss, then her hand in his, a faint grin appears on his face, even though his eyes are closed, and he tightens his fingers just a little around hers. He knew he’d worsened in the night, but his spirit was just as strong as ever.

It’s half an hour when suddenly he’s struck with the most violent attack yet. Coughing hard, he rolls over in the opposite direction to double over and try to stop the coughing and the pain it evoked. The taste of blood enters his mouth and he knows damage has been done from the harsh convulsions.

Coughing so much that his sides hurt, he starts to vomit as his body begins to work with the antidote at fighting the poison, ridding itself of all that might cause harm.

Wincing and unable to stop, Kyle curls up tighter. And for the first time, he feels a small amount of fear. “Misty…”