Author's Note: This is part six of my Professor Layton series. It's short, but I hope it's enjoyable.

Flabbergasting

Sniffling loudly, Luke Triton stared up at the ceiling, a frown painting his facial features. Yup. He was terribly sick. Flora had given him something for his illness, but now all he had to do was rest; and he was currently having trouble doing that. How in the world was he supposed to get some sleep when his nose kept bothering him and his eyes kept tearing up? His face felt very puffy and swollen and he had to constantly breathe through his mouth because his nose was all stuffy. In addition to that, his head was throbbing in mild pain, which was tolerable but irritating.

It was a nightmare.

Suddenly, the door to his room swung open and Flora stepped in, holding a tray of cookies and tea. Luke eyed the cookies on the tray and saw that they were an unusual black color. It made his stomach do flips.

Flora gently shut the door behind her and gazed at the boy in the bed with her large eyes. She put on a very sweet smile and sauntered over. The girl sat down at the edge of the bed, the tray in her lap. "How are you feeling, Luke?" she questioned him, concern coloring her voice.

"Still sick," mumbled Luke in reply. His voice sounded silly, as if he could not voice his words properly. That was highly agitating too. "It doesn't feel like I'm ever going to get better. I can't even sleep."

Flora kept her eyes on him, her expression sympathetic and filled with worry. "Well, I am really sorry, Luke," she informed him apologetically. "I wish there was more I could do. I brought tea…and cookies."

"I don't think my tummy needs food right now, Flora…" Luke stated seriously, but then quickly added when he saw the hurt expression on the girl's face, "I mean, you can save them for later! I'll eat them when I feel better!"

Flora's features brightened at this and she giggled jovially. "Okay," she said, putting the tray down beside her and picking up a cup of tea from it. She scooted closer to Luke and offered him the cup.

Luke sat up and took the cup in his small hands. "Thank you, Flora."

"You're welcome!"

Luke took a few sips of his tea, watching Flora. For some reason, Flora was just staring at him intently a thoughtful expression dancing along her facial features. "Is…there something on my face?" he questioned her worriedly.

"Oh, no!" responded Flora immediately, shaking her head from side to side. "There's nothing on your face, Luke!"

Luke relaxed and took another sip of his tea. "That's a relief."

Flora gave him a kind smile. "No worries."

"Where's Clive, the professor, and Emmy?" Luke wanted to know, curiosity touching his face. He didn't see them at all today and was constantly wondering where they were.

"I think Clive is working," Flora replied, shrugging. "The professor and Emmy are out shopping."

Luke nodded. "Okay."

"Um…do you know what's flabbergasting me though?" Flora queried.

Luke raised his eyebrows. "What?"

"How did you even get sick in the first place?" Flora asked, a frown decorating her features.

"That is flabbergasting!" said Luke.

Flora suddenly snapped her fingers, grinning from ear to ear. "It's a puzzle!"

Luke couldn't help but smile. "A puzzle that must be solved!" he remarked.

"I've got it!" Flora blurted out suddenly, causing the boy to flinch. "Maybe you forgot to wash your hands before eating? That is always a possibility."

"Probably…" trailed Luke.

"Next time," started Flora in a serious voice. "Make sure you always wash your hands before eating!"

Luke sighed. "Thank you, Flora."

Flora smiled sweetly at him.