Chapter 5

The fever made it feel like every bone in my body was burning with pain.

Every time I moved, I couldn't help but gasp from the agony.

"Arianna! You're finally awake?" Mom said, her voice full of relief.

She held my hand, and I was stunned for a moment.

It was the first time she'd ever shown me this kind of kindness.

But I just awkwardly pulled my hand away.

I was way past the age where I needed her kindness.

Maybe she realized why I got sick this time, because she said with a hint of embarrassment, "You should've…