Chapter 9

• The coldness was spreading through my skin as I wrapped myself in the blanket across the room. I couldn't help but shiver my body from the sensation, yet still managed to let out a few buds of sweat dripping through my forehead. The chill gnawed at my bones, and I felt as if my limbs had become lead. Every breath I took came out shaky, my chest rising and falling in shallow, uneven gasps.
• What is happening to me? Why am I suddenly having chills? The thought repeated in my mind, a relentless echo that made my teeth chatter. I tried to focus on the warmth of the blanket, but it was as if my body had rejected all attempts to find comfort. My fingers twitched, curling into the fabric as though I could anchor myself to something real.
• I heard some rustling around, but I didn't bother to open my eyes. Apart from feeling weak, I would rather choose to rest because of the pain in my whole body. Every muscle felt heavy and uncooperative, my limbs like they were weighted with lead. Even the smallest movement caused a wave of discomfort to ripple through me.