I don’t feel so good, can I please go to the nurses office? My teacher nodded and handed me a beat up popsicle stick that served as a giant banner signaling I had permission to be out of the classroom.

I gave myself an imaginary high five. Part 1 of my plan was complete.

…

As I walked down through florescent lit hallway I had to think quickly what my next move would be. What was ailing me. Nurse Nancy would want to know. Headache? Sore throat? Fever? Stomach ache? All of the above?

I have a headache and I think I might have a fever. I said in a voice slightly slower and lower than my normal tone.

I was ushered over to glorified padded Bench and lay down. Through the corner of my eye I could see nurse Nancy’s legs dart around the small room. I heard the familiar sound of the freezer open and then close.

I was handed an ice pack. If you could call it that. It was a folded up piece of brown stiff paper towel that had been soaked in water and then frozen in a plastic snack bag. They never lasted very long and I’d end up sucking on it once it started melting and leaking out the corners of the generic sandwich bag. But for now I dutifully placed it on my aching forehead.

Here place this under your tongue. I have to step out I’ll be right back to check on you. Don’t take it out of your mouth.

As soon as she was out of the office I took it out of my mouth and rubbed it as fast as I could against my jeans to generate heat.

Beeeeeeep. I looked at the digital Gage. it had worked! 102. I was going home.

Mr. Scheiner, Carly has a fever could you come get her?

I smiled as I imagined my future self curled up on the couch under my blankie, curtains drawn, remote in hand, Campbell’s chicken noodle soup in front of me cooling off while saltiness expanded in its hot broth. It was going to be a good day.