A Walk on the Sick Side

Monday started out beautifully. I woke up bright and early, had myself a delicious cinnamon-raisin bagel with peanut butter, and headed out for a nice walk (I was trying to find the Student Recreational Sports Center but instead ended up at the Health, Physical, Education, and Recreation Building ... don't ask me how!). I know it sounds cheesy, but I'm going to say it anyway—the campus was so gorgeous on that brisk fall morning! The leaves were just starting to change color, and it was all so wonderfully romantic, walking along a secluded path, admiring the trees and the leaves and the sun and the sky.

It was only when I got back to my room that I realized my constant sneezes and coughs were probably not allergies, and that it would have been smarter to wear more than just a pair of shorts and a T-shirt on my walk. In other words, I got sick. Not just maybe-I-should-buy-another-box-of-Kleenex-sick, but I-need-bed-rest-sick.

It was especially bad, because I am used to having my mom make me herbal tea and my dad make me potato soup. I'm used to lying in bed all day while other people take care of me. When you're in college, it's different. Your parents aren't around anymore. Luckily, my wonderful friends came to the rescue! Karen, my roommate, stayed up and talked to me when I couldn't sleep.
She brought me soy milk. Reza, another floormate, offered me many medications and also made me chicken noodle soup. Everyone was so kind, so generous, that I couldn't help but recover. Three days later, I am back to normal, thanks to all of them!