Sabrina McKinney became concerned when Brianna hadn't emerged from her room by 7 a.m. She knocked on her daughter's bedroom door.
"Bri, it's time for school," Sabrina called. A few seconds later, she peeked inside. Brianna was sound asleep. Coming closer, Sabrina noticed that her daughter's skin was ashen and her breathing labored.
"Bri," Sabrina said. Brianna's eyes opened just a sliver. Her mouth moved, but no words came out.
"Oh baby, you're sick. Go back to sleep. I'm going to work. Call me if you need anything." She leaned over to kiss her daughter's forehead and her lips were burned by the light touch. "You have a fever. I'll bring you some acetaminophen." Brianna had returned to her deep slumber when her mother placed two pills and a glass of water on the night table.
****
A few hours later, Brianna's eyelids fluttered as the Red Rapture song emanated from her cell phone, disturbing her sleep. The entire room seemed to spin and tilt like she was trapped on a plane gone out of control. Waves of severe nausea swept over her. Puddles of sweat soaked the sheets beneath her. Brianna drifted back into sleep.