"What are you doing over there, Amelia?"

I washed my face one last time, and glanced tiredly at the mirror to know who would walk into an occupied toilet.

"Oh hey, Jade.", I replied and quickly rinsed out the remnants of my waste.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, "Move over. What's this?", When did she get so close?

"Umm, it's nothing. I got too drunk at the celebratory night yesterday and that's the result.", I defended, pointing at the dark yellow stains that recently coloured the white sink.

She shook her head, "That's not alcohol induced, Amelia. You don't look well, do you feel alright?"

I immediately nodded, even as she felt my temperature and drew back her hand, "Ouch! You're burning. Come on, we're going to get an excuse and you're going home."

I tried to reason with her, "No, I need to work. I'm strong enough and besides if you tell them, they'll immediately check me for the virus."

She ceased dragging me out, stroking her fingers over her chin, "True, but the more reason we have to acknowledge your health."

The small relief I felt drowned when she started tugging again. I didn't want to be cooped up at home, the loneliness and quiet would kill me. In a final attempt of refusal, I pulled back and ended up falling on my front side.

Jade chuckled, "So much for strength. If it helps, I'll stay with you and keep you company. I need some days off work anyway."

I groaned and accepted defeat, "Fine, let's go see the manager."

Two hours later, I was tucked up in bed, feeling worse than I did earlier. Jade had been pacing back and forth in my room, trying to get a nurse to come check up on me.

"Yes, my friend is sick and I need you to help run a test to see what's wrong with her. Corona or not.", She repeated for the second time.

"No, we can't come there. They'll admit her without knowing what's wrong."

"Please, I'll get you something in return."

"Okay, thank you. We'll be expecting you."

I had an appreciation comment ready the moment she dropped the phone, "Thank you so much Jade for getting me back here, and taking care of me. I know it was a hard thing to do, and I really appreciate it."

"Ugh, stop doing that. I just want to make sure you don't have anything serious or life threatening, after all I already touched you."

I sighed, and lay down back to wait for the nurse, while Jade busied herself with playing 'Candy Crush' on her phone. While we waited, Jade replaced the cold towels she had placed on my head and arms.

*******

I came back to consciousness, feeling a weight in my mouth being removed and hearing two voices.

"Well, she doesn't have the corona virus. All she has is a mild cold accompanied by fatigue and weakness.", The unknown person confirmed, as I tried opening my eyes without success.

Jade replied, "And you used that thing you put in her mouth to know this? How?", So that was the weight in my mouth and I couldn't move my limbs either.

I heard an exasperated sigh, "I already checked her signs and this instrument is advanced technology to make our lives easier. See? It shows us if the patient is corona positive or negative. Hers showed negative."

A murmur of "Ohh", was all I heard from Jade. Why couldn't I open my eyes, or move any part of my body?

The medical practitioner seemed to hear my unspoken question, "I gave her some drugs to clear her sinuses and give her some strength, but she won't be able to move for about twenty minutes after she wakes."

A surprised gasp flew out of Jade's mouth, "Why, what drug is that?" I was also surprised, but glad it wasn't a lasting effect.

"Relax girl. She'll be fine, just take care of her." There was a slight pause before the lady continued in a slight whisper, "I never knew you had it in you."

"Thanks for your help, sis. You can leave now.", I heard Jade say and after a scuffle of feet, the door opened and closed.

I felt Jade by my side as he touched my head, "Oh, you're not longer on fire. Sis knows what she's doing."

I wanted to ask, but again I couldn't move. I didn't even get to see who treated me, or is that what she wanted? I decided to silently review my chores until I could say them out loud.

Do the laundry, dishes, fold last laundry, call Dad, Daisy, "Leo, Jason.", I heard my voice and Jade looked over at me to confirm it.

"Amelia, have you been awake?", When I nodded she continued, "That sister of mine can give odd drugs, thank God nothing is wrong."

To be sure, I sat up and moved all my limbs. Satisfied, I turned to Jade, "Was that your sister?"

"Yes, My younger sister is a nurse. A really good one at that.", She beamed.

I felt the tension in the room, when her sister was present but I didn't comment on that. Instead I replied, "Although I was quite scared with the drugs she gave me. I've not seen a drug with those effects for just common cold."

She shrugged, "The hospital she works in is also involved on production, so maybe it's one of their new drugs. Besides, don't you feel better now?"

I wasn't convinced, "Umm, yes I do but I'll still ask her anyway, just to be sure."

"Sure, I'll give you her number. Anyway, Josh came to check up on you an hour ago."

"You know Josh?", I only realized how absurd the question was after it came out.

Jade looked surprised, "He's my neighbour...in a way. Of course I know him, and you should get to know people in this complex. After all, you'll be staying for a while."

She was right. Apart from her, Josh and the elderly woman who owned the complex, I didn't know anyone else. But this wasn't the time to play house with people, so I kept quiet and left it at that.

"Amelia, these are the drugs you're supposed to take. She already wrote down the doses on this paper.", Jade said some minutes later, handing me a bag containing some drugs and a small paper.

I looked at the sky outside, and it was nearly dark. How fast did time fly? "Are you going now?"

"Yes, I've got things to do at my apartment.", She slyly glanced at me, "Or do you want me to stay?"

I went red and shook my head, "No, don't worry. I can take care of myself now. I just want to thank you for everything. Again."

This time Jade smiled and nodded, "No problem, Amelia. Take care of yourself and don't drink too much. You might become sick again." She winked and stepped out the door.

I laughed and I'm pretty sure she heard it. Another friend earned, I thought.

*****

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