Forty-Four

VALERIA

"You're still in bed."

With some effort, I raised myself in bed and saw Amelia poking her head around the door.

"Yes. Yes," I said again, hating how weak my voice sounded the first time, not that it was better the second time.

The strength ran out of my arms and I fell back on the bed. I was so tired, bone achingly tried. As soon as I had woken up this morning, I had known that I just would not be able to go to work. I didn't even think I could get myself out of bed. The room spun for a second. I shut my eyes tightly until the feeling passed. I felt the mattress dip and Amelia's cool hand on my brow.

"I don't have a fever," I assured her, opening my eyes.

Her worried expression did not relax."Then what's wrong?"

"I just feel tired and weak... and a bit dizzy if I move suddenly."

Amelia clucked her tongue sympathetically, pulled up the covers around me. "I thought as much when you didn't come down for breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, you have to eat. What do you feel like ea