I woke up this morning feeling really heavy and disgusting. After taking a bath, I felt a little better, but there was still a dragging feeling around my legs. Mom and dad have already left for work, so it's up to me to force myself down the stairs and get some breakfast.

My head feels like glue. I know that sounds weird, but that's just how it feels. All the pieces are held together by big chunks of sticky glob and functioning is difficult, as though my brain nerves control my limbs like puppet strings. I feel out of my body, looking down, looking within.

The whole morning was blanketed with melancholy detachment.

I phone in the school to tell them I'm sick.

Now what?

More than anything, I hate feeling useless. I'm very active at school. I participate in every school function, and at all the football games, I'll be the girl who storms down the bleachers and upstages the cheerleaders. Yeah, I'm kind of infamous for that.

So, I stood up and started cleaning. It's a very slow, methodical procedure, as I'm moving at a snail's pace, but at least it's something. There's a lot of dust under the couch. Haven't sweeped the floor in months. I try to push the couch over to the side. No, not enough energy. I straighten myself, and make myself busy around the house again however I can. Straighten whatever needs straightening. Anything too physically strenuous to mess with is filed away securely in my brain for later pulling out when I am at healthy condition again.

Half an hour later, I give up. Too tired. Think I'll make some chicken noodle soup, and then lie on the couch, under a warm blanket, and watch some T.V. Doesn't that sound good?

Everything's ready in ten minutes.

I tried to watch some T.V. for a little while, but there's only kid's shows on this early in the morning. Too many flashing, artificial lights. I can feel my brain ache, signaling an incoming migraine. I turn the television off, leaving the remote close by my side in case I get bored again.

The phone rings.

Ugh. Don't want to get up.

I let it ring, let the voice mail catch the interloper of my peace. Once the incessant ringing ceases, I turn on my side and snuggle into my blankets. Warmth and comfort embraces me like a estranged lover. I sleep for the next eight hours.