Sizi was delirious due to the fever (most probably because of the change in water), but doesn't have enough strength to even turn on her side. Her throat was also feeling stuffed.
She'd already texted the principal about being sick. At that time, he remembered only when her name was called for attendance (so busy in monitoring his son, after all).
She didn't know what was happening outside, because of the constant migraine and buzzing in her ears. The tent flaps opened then closed, and she wasn't bothered. Because-
Must be my tentmate to bring her things back.
And that's why she ignored it completely.
Anning didn't saw any movements from the bed. She thought Sizi was still sleeping because of the fever. She first placed the food on the other bed since no one was there, and walked towards Sizi's.
Her hesitation was evident in her footsteps, after all she had only ever woke her younger brother up and with a harsh tug, or spray of cold water or blasting loud music in his ears. She had never ever tried to wake someone gently and definitely didn't know how to.
Sizi couldn't sense anything for now, she was still thinking it was her tentmate who was now gone since there are no other movements.
Here Anning came close to the bed and bent over to see if the other person was sleeping. The tent was not bright and even a bit darker in this cornered bed.
But what she saw was only a chunk of light brown hairs, the face underneath was covered by it.
Isn't it difficult to breath like this ?
Instinctively, she extended her hand to remove the hairs from her face. But what she saw made her regret that.
Sizi's face was pale but her cheeks and nose were so red that it could be dripping blood at any moment. Due to short of breathe, her lips were slightly open and her pearl white teeth were showing. And the hairs were completely dishevelled, but to Anning's touch they were so soft and silky that she literally recalled an advertisement of shampoo.
She gulped and stroked those strands again, while touching her cheeks in the process. That single touch made her pupils shrink.
The skin was so hot she could fry an egg over it.
She needs medicine urgently, the fever is too high. She hastily cleared her mind and tried to wake her up, not that she was sleeping by the way.
Sizi clearly felt Anning's touch on her cheek but didn't said anything, didn't know what to and its not like her throat would let her.
On the other hand, Anning took the tray of food and placed it on the side bag instead, besides Sizi's bed. She turned back and found Sizi staring at her, and she stilled for a moment staring back blankly. The corners of Sizi's eyes were red.
Anning cleared her throat and said, "The lady staff told me to bring your breakfast here."
Sizi didn't said anything, still lying listlessly.
Anning again cleared her throat and tried to persuade, "Eat it while its hot otherwise her effort will be wasted."
This time Sizi showed some reaction, she turned her eyes from Anning's face to the food. She tried to sit but the body pain made her wince.
Seeing this, Anning felt her heart quivering in her ribcage, thus quickly went to help her. She placed one of her palms on her feverish back and from the other hand took hold of Sizi's.
She knew this method because, when her grandma falls ill, she is the one who brings her meals to her, makes her sit by support of the headboard and makes sure she finishes everything before leaving.
But this wasn't normal for Sizi. No one has ever helped her like this. However much she was ill she has to force herself to sit on her own, because no one was there to care for her. So to say, she has many friends but no ones ever her actual friend. Because she won't make one. She can't blame others for this, somethings better if remains in a corner.
Not everything's made for the centre.
The only times she really felt like smiling was with Anning, but she can't stay with her even if she wants to.
No. Never.
She can only take glances from far away, she didn't have the courage to stay beside her forever.
Sizi stiffened for a moment and Anning clearly felt this. In her haste she disregarded the closeness they were sharing. But still she first made her sit comfortably on the bed, then only stepped back to bring her food.
Since there wasn't any table, she placed the tray on the blanket she was wrapped in.
Once done she sat there and again said-
"Eat it, otherwise it will get cold."
In the whole process Sizi wasn't looking at her and even now she just looked at the tray, not meeting Anning's eyes. Anning didn't think much of it and stayed silent, waiting for her to finish.
After fifteen minutes.....
How long is she going to take. When she gobbled the snack on the journey before, it wasn't this slow, right ?
Anning frustratedly looked towards Sizi's direction only to find her still nibbling on the bread. Her pale face has now gotten some colours, thanks to the hot soup. Anning suddenly remembered the previous topic and asked-
"Do you have any fever medicine? Your fever is too high."
Sizi still looking down shook her head in no. Anning sighed and felt a pang of hurt to see her like this. She knew Sizi isn't the quite type, but the recent incidents and their fight before, left her with nothing but emptiness.
"Ok. I will get it from my bag. Till then finish this quickly."
After saying this, she exited from the tent, from that awkward atmosphere, not knowing that once she turned, the other person's eyes traced her back till she exited.
Anning was quick on her feet and soon reached her tent. Once she acquired the medicine and turned to leave, she bumped into someone who was entering. She looked up from the medicine in her hand and saw Baizhi standing at the entrance.
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