The Last Thing That I Need

Dearest Rachel –

I suppose it could be worse; at least this way, I’ve got just enough time to let it run its course before I head out.

This morning saw me waking up at about three-thirty to a very unpleasant sensation; not so much for the sensation itself, as what it represented. Lying there, trying to go back to sleep, I tried unsuccessfully to ignore the scratchy feeling in the back of my throat. Were it not for the lack of a metallic taste, I could swear that my mouth had been scoured with steel wool during the night. There was also the realization that my nose was running as well, although at the very least, I could still breathe through it, so there was that. However, the dripping from the latter may have contributed to the former symptom.

And that word – “symptom” – says it all. I know what’s happening, even if I don’t want to admit it necessarily. I’m coming down with something, and these symptoms are the proof. The only question is what, specifically, I’m dealing with here – is it just a regular common cold, or is it actually Covid? And, at this point, does it even matter? Either way, why does this happen right before I’ve planned a big trip? This could upset everything; it’s the last thing that I need to deal with.

I’m not sure what to make of my energy level at the moment; I want to go back to sleep, but I think that has more to do with the absurdity of the hour than whatever this is that I’m dealing with. I’ll let you know more once daylight (such as it is at this time of year) arrives.

***

I had hoped to begin the actual day with a long hot shower, in order to possibly steam my sinuses open. However, I guess I didn’t wait long enough after Logan took his own shower upstairs, and the best I could do was lukewarm. I still can’t believe you used to wash your (dyed) hair in this temperature, honey – you always were braver than I. I will say that it prevents you from lingering too long and using up too much water – and there isn’t nearly the shock of changing temperatures once you’re out in the air.

***

Ironically, for the first time in what seems like weeks, it’s actually bright and sunny outside. Will wonders never cease? It makes it a little easier for me to get started and assess my situation – although, if I’m not awake from that cold bath, there’s probably no hope for me.

One thing that I absolutely have to do, though, is to let the folks know about this. It’s a combination of a cold and Covid that put Dad in the hospital nearly two months ago; the last thing that he needs is for me to bring a dose of one or the other – or both! – back to him to deal with. It’s something he can ill (pardon the pun) afford, and I wouldn’t want that on my head, either. So I’ve informed them that I’ll be keeping my distance until I find out more about what it is I’m dealing with. And since Mom was a nurse in her past life, she can get a rough handle on things just from the descriptions I give to her. She holds out the likelihood that it’s more a cold than Covid – so there’s that, anyway – but agrees that I ought to stay away for at least today, and get some additional rest and recovery.

All well and good – and, as with the trip itself, I’m glad to have their blessing to do as I choose here – but in the bright light of day, there doesn’t seem to be that compelling urge for me to stay in bed and do nothing the whole day because of this apparent ailment. Sure, my throat is still scratchy and sore, and my nose itches from time to time, but neither symptom feels all that debilitating at the moment. I’m not necessarily feeling like I want to go out and conquer the world or anything, but I might just head out and pick up a few more things that I need to take with me (or deal with before heading out) – and I definitely should take the opportunity to do at least one load of laundry (and maybe even show Daniel how it’s done, just in case he’s forgotten) at some point during the course of the day.

For now, though, I think I’ll settle for getting something on the order of breakfast together; maybe even some eggs and sausage, as we’ve run out of milk. Wonder if I can interest Daniel in any of that.

Anyway, honey, keep an eye on me, and wish me luck; I’m going to need it.