Madison wrapped her blanket tighter around her as a light wind blew through her window. Her teeth chattered as she pulled the blanket over her and slowly got to her feet. She winced in pain from the ache in her joints as she quickly shut her window to stop some of the air from coming in. When she was done with that, she wobbled into the kitchen to find something to eat, as it was already quite late, and almost time to take the third dose of her medicine. Thankfully she had some leftover pasta from the day before, and this would be sufficient for her to take her drugs. Madison felt so terrible. She rarely fell sick, but whenever she did it was always bad, and now she had a feeling she had come down with the regular flu. Her temperature had skyrocketed, and her joints were aching so much that she had to take a sick leave for a few days. She had been scared to do so at first because she didn't want anything that would put her job at risk, but her colleagues had advised her to go ahead and she had obliged. Surprisingly when she had told her supervisor, he had been so understanding about it and let her be, even telling her to take good care of herself. Now she had been on a sick leave for two days, staying at home all through. She was making sure to eat, drinkplenty of water and take the drugs she’d bought. She was a little bit better than she was before, but the fever had not abated yet. When the pasta was hot enough, Madison dished out a small portion for herself and quickly took her drugs before eating. It helped kill the taste of the bitter medicine, currently laying in her tongue. Madison hated rushing her food but currently she had no appetite, and she really wanted to just get back to bed. When she was finished she managed to clear up the dishes before going back, and as she gently lay down on the bed again after putting on the thickest sweater she owned, she then used the blanket for her legs. Shivering violently, she wrapped her arms around herself, and just when her eyes began to droop slightly wanting to fall into a painful slumber the sound of her doorbell filled the room. Madison groaned in frustration, hating the interruption already. She had just gotten comfortable, so who the hell was this? Hissing under her breath, she managed to get up, and with the doorbell ringing out a second time, Madison paused in her steps.Who could possibly be at her door by this time? She wondered. Last she had checked, she wasn't really expecting anyone, and she knew it could not be any of her neighbors as they never rang the doorbell. They would just yell out her name from the back, or knock frantically, so who was this person. Madison started to think that maybe she should just ignore it and go back to bed. More so she was starting to realize that anytime she unlocked her door after getting a strange knock, it always seemed like a bad idea. First it was Mason, and then the postman with the threat letter and now who could it be? Anyway, it was always a mistake on her part, and the thought of that threat letter sent a chill down her spine. Also the fact that she was being stalked really did not put her at ease, so the wheels in head were turning as to who this could be. It was late in the evening, and anything could happen. Trying to get a hold of herself, Madison walked into the kitchen, grabbing a knife from her shed already arming herself. So even if anything did happen, she would be capable of protecting herself, and fighting back. If she was to die, then she wouldn’t die a coward. It didn't make her any less scared but she willed her legs to move on, summoning a little bit of courage and her breath quickening when she got to the door, she grippedthe knife tightly in her hand, and spoke up, "Who's there?" She managed to keep her voice steady so she wouldn't give away the fact that she was scared. "Madison, Madison it's me." "Gina?" She started at the familiar sound of her friend's voice, and sighing in relief, she rubbed her forehead and set the knife down on a nearby table. Quickly she unlocked the door. "What's up?" Gina smiled as she walked in, "We just closed from work at the bakery, so I decided to come check up on you. I thought you weren't home as I’ve been ringing the doorbell since and I was actually about to leave." Madison sighed, “I'm sorry, I was asleep. I'm not feeling too well.” She apologized, locking the door and coming back to join her friend on the bed. Gina looked worried, "I didn't see you at the bakery yesterday and today. I got pretty worried too and I had to speak to some of your colleagues and they said you took a sick leave.” As she spoke, she placed the back of her hand on Madison's forehead, and then snatched it off in surprise, “Oh my goodness, Madison. You're burning up."Madison sighed, "Yeah, sorry I didn’t tell you about it, butI have my medication to take. I'm feeling better than yesterday. I think I’m down with the flu or something." Gina frowned, "Just take your medicine and get better, okay? Work can wait for now please." Madison snickered despite the headache she was having, “Yeah, I know right but my bills can't." At that, the two of them began to laugh lightly. Remembering her manners, Madison straightened ushering Gina further into the small room, “Refreshments? What should I get you?” She asked Ginawho only rolled her eyes. "No thanks, I'm okay. Don't treat me like a guest please." "But you are my dear friend. Now, would you like some tea?" Madison asked and Gina just laughed and shrugged. As she made her way into the kitchen, her chest began to hurt and the ache in her joints were becoming worse, but she tried to be strong and she prepared the tea and added some small sandwiches she prepared quickly. Ginathanked her and then they began to have the tea in silence. "God, Madison. You really don't look so great.” Ginasuddenly said, dropping her tea. She must have been observing her, "And you say you are taking care of yourself?“ She asked. For some reason, that question made Madison look down at her feet, but she nodded, gripped her cup tighter andtook another sip of her tea. "Madison… I don't think you're strong enough to take care of yourself in this condition. I mean in times like this it's helpful to have someone around, but then you stay alone." Madison didn't know what to say so she shrugged. "No one? A sibling who lives around? A boyfriend? Nothing…" Family. Sibling. Boyfriend. Those three words were enough to bring tears to her eyes. In the past, whenever she fell sick her mother would give her sponge baths, and make this chicken soup that she always enjoyed but now those memories were bygones. Tears spilled from Madison's eyes as she remembered it all, and heart clenched in pain. Everything had been so perfect. And her boyfriend, she had been so in love and… She sobbed harder, clutching at her chest as she let her emotions wash over her. Damien was always so sweet about it. First he would go into panic, wanting to do anything in his power to make sure he was okay, then he would get her chocolate, give her foot rubs and massages, brush her hair, and all but be with her till he was sure she was okay. She smiled through her tears at the memories, dropping her cup of tea on the table so it wouldn't spill from her shaky hands. "M-Madison, what's wrong?" Gina asked, alarmed as she began to rub Madison's back. "I don't want to talk about it… please…" Madison whimpered, trying her best to stop the tears that continued to spill. Gina looked confused but she nodded. "Okay then, I won’t pester you too much though. I'm sorry for asking." After a few minutes, Madison calmed down and wipingaway every trace of tears on her face she excused herself to the bathroom to wash off. When she was clean and better, she walked back in with a smile. "So, how are things at the bakery?" She asked, lifting her cup to her lips. It was already a bit warm but Madison did not mind. Gina looked a tad bit worried at Madison for a while, and then sighing she began to narrate her day at the bakery.