A Cough (by Lara Wood)

It started with a cough.
We took a step back.
Are you feeling ok?
My body just hurts.

Oh god, please not my family,
Not today, I need them.
We are supposed to have more time.

Get the thermometer...

My legs don't seem to be working.
I'm stuck, frozen with worry.

Now!

Only 99.4, that's better than 100.
Maybe it's a cold, or the flu,
Maybe he ate something bad.
But if he did then I’ll get sick,
We have eaten the same things.

My mom grabs the phone
And hands it to my dad,
The room filled with dark silence.

Hello, Corona hotline, how can we help you?
We could all hear the operator.
I've been stuffy and I have body aches
My dad said, his voice was shaking.
It might just be a sinus infection...
Oh, ok, thank you.
If you have any other questions please call back.
Bye.
Bye.