Ray closed his eyes as he tried to fight back another wave of nausea. He'd been throwing up all night. He was exhausted. His stomach was killing him as if something was stabbing him from under his skin. He was shivering even though his body felt as if it was on fire. All he wanted to do was sleep. He leaned up against the cool tiles. It felt good on the back of his neck. He then closed his eyes and fell into sleep.
Neela woke up it was 9:30. She wasn't working today so she'd allowed herself a sleep in. She got up and walked towards the bathroom. She opened the door and was shocked to see a pale, sweaty looking Ray asleep in what looked like an uncomfortable position. She leant down to his level and felt his forehead it was burning up. She shook him gently.
"Ray wake up" she said softly, he began to rouse.
"Errhmm.." he opened his eyes, he was so pale he looked terrible.
"Hey there, how are you feeling, you don't look so great" she stroked his forehead "Have you been throwing up?"
"Hmm" He nodded "I feel like shit"
"Aww, sweetie lets go get you into bed" She helped him up and walked him to his bed.
She noticed him swaying a lot and he was struggling to stay awake.
"Okay, I'm going to go get the thermometer. I'll be right back"
Neela stepped out and made her way to the medicine cabinet and rummaged for the thermometer. She also got something to settle his stomach and a glass of water. She then returned to his room.
"Okay, Ray slide this under your tongue" she handed him the thermometer.
Ray took the thermometer and did as she instructed after a few moments it beeped,
"103.2" Neela read aloud "That's quite a fever; here take this it should settle your stomach. I'll grab you a fresh shirt as well, then I want you to sleep."
"No, I got to work soon" He sat up and tried to stand but almost doubled over in dizziness.
"Ray, you're not going anywhere, I'll call county and explain that your sick. Just worry about getting yourself better" Neela gave him a hug as he rested his head on his shoulder.
"Thanks Neela" he then grabbed his side in pain "Aaah" he clenched his teeth,
"What's wrong?"
"Stabbing pain, its turned into a dull ache now" He held his stomach
"Maybe you should get checked out at County?" suggested Neela
"Nah, it's cool. Just a stomach ache" He lay back and closed his eyes.
Neela was still worried but decided to push the matter later on. Maybe a sleep would do him well.
