the threads in her head

Oh, how you illness ravage a fatigued person so. Pouncing, pinning me down, laughing in malicious glee at the thought that I would never never have enough rest to recover. Aye, you were a sly one. Appearing in the morning so that I thought it was just a passing morning cold, but already drugging my brain so that my thoughts were slow, my actions stupid and uncoordinated. A heaviness of head, a little spin in the world. And I thought it was only lack of sleep, while the teacher went, "you seem a bit anemic".

Which pleased you more? The fact that I so unsuspectingly dismiss you as the effects of sleep deprivation, or the teacher who exaggerated you so much? Or did you delight in chuckling more at how much more you were gonna make me suffer, not having enough fun at making me dull-minded for my Chinese test?

So you increased yourself slowly in intensity. Ha. I bet my immune system gave you a long hard fight. They must have I think, for I'm sure such inching gradual increase could not be in your plan. You would want to see me suffer, as soon as possible.

Then you managed to win one more battle, and the sore throat, the dry itchy feeling at my throat came. And I downed herbal tea to soothe in, lots and lots of liquid. But still it persisted. That should have been an indication. It really should have. But still I thought nothing was up, and that I was fine enough. Lunch came and I had sauteed chicken with spaghetti, and you chose that exact time to dry my throat out even more - and I blamed it on the sauce due to that incredibly over salty taste at the back of my throat. Sly, that's what you are you horrid germs. Sly.

You stepped up your intensity, made me look pale, so that the teacher will send me home. And I thanked her for that, and went back home, and took a nap due to the fatigue that was drowning me. And you very wisely took a step back to first to re-evaluate things. Ah, and I thought I was better and went to work on the physics report, even staying up late. How you must have rejoiced then, at seeing me weakened even further by my very own actions!

So you wasted no time, and advanced again. Chuckling and rubbing your hands in malicious glee, or whatever is the equivalent of rubbing hands in your dimension. And I trudged on to school, thinking I was strong and would be fine. I admit I over-estimated myself. But you were also merciless in your own advances, weakening me, leaving me tired and giddy, my throat all too sore and dry, unable to speak for too long - or speak too long and gasp a little for want of air. Attempts to sleep, fits of slumber and wakefulness, crouched up over my chair on the floor, during recess, with voices of classmate fading in and out. Dazedness. You're a lethal combination when paired with sleep deprivation. Ugh, perfect pair, both of you. Reducing people to mere shells.

But I'll beat you yet. Were you expecting me to go see the Doc? Well, I'll tell you, you advanced too fast! Made me actually yearn for a MC. I went to see the Doc, and she gave me medicine too. Now prepare for a good fight. We're better armed now, with better weapons.

Though, the medicine seems to be more potent that I thought it was. It's making me really really drowsy. My brain is numbed, slowed down to a halting turning of gears. Numbed and heavy, almost dull. Seems like to eradicate you I need to suffer some more too.

But I think, being able to sleep early, waking up early but feeling rested, seeing the golden glow of early sunlight stream in through the window, alighting gently on buildings, imbuing it with a rosy golden tinge has been reward for it all.. bathing early morning, allowing warm water refresh me, all the while looking at how a golden stream of light changes the appearances of soap, bottles and containers. Oh this is reward enough for the discomfort and pain I feel.

A small smile plays at my lips.