"Kelly, go buy the medicine first," her brother said from the living room. "Come back right away."
She paused in the middle of her assignment and stood up to get the money.
"Brother," she asked softly, "how's Melissa?"
He sighed. "She's stable, but the fever keeps coming back. Dad will be home tonight."
Kelly nodded. "I won't take long."
"Be careful," he reminded her.
The pharmacy was nearby, so she walked.
After buying Melissa's medicine, Kelly noticed someone standing alone across the street—looking lost.
Crisha.
At first, Kelly hesitated. Then she remembered the night Crisha had helped her.
She walked closer. "Are you… looking for something?"
Crisha startled slightly. "Ah—yes. Is there a pharmacy nearby?"
Kelly nodded. "Just over there. But… why are you buying medicine here?"
Crisha smiled faintly. "We have a gig nearby."
Kelly studied her more carefully. The pallor in her face. The slight sway in her stance.
Without thinking, Kelly placed a hand on her forehead.
"You have a fever," she murmured. "You're burning up. Are you alone?"
"N–No, it's nothing," Crisha replied quickly—then coughed hard.
Kelly frowned. That's not nothing.
"Come on," she said quietly. "I'll help you."
They returned to the pharmacy together. Crisha's coughing worsened, her breathing shallow.
Kelly bought medicine and bottled water, guiding her to take it right away. Slowly, the coughing eased.
"Thank you," Crisha whispered. "I'm sorry…"
"Do you have anyone with you?" Kelly asked, still worried.
"I'll go home soon," Crisha said.
Kelly exhaled softly. She wasn't convinced.
"Can I see your phone?" she asked.
Crisha blinked but handed it over.
Kelly quickly found Jason's contact, sent their location, then erased the message before returning the phone.
Crisha frowned slightly, confused—but said nothing.
Kelly stayed with her until she spotted familiar figures approaching.
"That's them," Kelly said, standing up. "Take care."
"W–Wait—" Crisha called.
But Kelly had already turned away, disappearing down the street.
When Kelly got home, her brother was waiting.
"You took a while," he said gently.
"Sorry," she replied.
He smiled and ruffled her hair.
******
Meanwhile—
"Crisha," Jason called out.
"Jason," she answered weakly.
He noticed the medicine and water in her hands—and how she tried to hide them.
"Let's go home," he said firmly.
"If you're not okay, tell us," Kenneth added gently.
"I'm really fine," she insisted.
"No, you're not," Jason said, guiding her forward. "Good thing you texted me."
Crisha stopped. "I… I didn't."
Jason showed her the message.
Her eyes widened.
"Maybe someone sent it and deleted it," Kean suggested.
Kenneth narrowed his eyes. "Were you with someone earlier?"
"…Kelly," Crisha admitted. "She asked to see my phone."
Jason reread the message. "This doesn't sound like you. It's too straightforward."
"And Jonathan's place is nearby," Kenneth added quietly.
Jason frowned.
A sudden cough cut through the silence.
"Ken," Jason said urgently, "we need to take her to the hospital."
"I'm okay—really," Crisha tried.
"No," Jason said. "Your fever keeps coming back."
Kenneth draped his jacket over her shoulders. "Self-medicating isn't enough. Please."
She finally nodded.
At the hospital, her fever spiked. Jason supported her as they entered the emergency ward.
"We should inform her parents," Kenneth said.
Jason stepped outside to make the call.
Crisha's mother arrived soon after, fear written all over her face.
Later, Kenneth relayed the doctor's words.
"She'll be admitted for observation. Stress-induced illness. She needs rest and further tests."
Jason nodded, unease still lingering.
Kenneth patted his shoulder. "Let's not assume the worst."
"Yeah," Jason replied softly—though worry never left his eyes.