---
Today was going to be a long day.
I didn’t move for a few seconds.
Watched her breathing pattern.
Still heavy.
But stable.
No coughing.
No strange noises from her throat.
Just heat.
A fever.
---
I stood up.
Picked up my phone from the small table.
Opened the browser.
Typed.
"child fever 38.7 what to do"
Several results came up.
I tapped the top one.
Scrolled.
Read.
The gist was simple.
Rest.
Fluids.
Monitor temperature.
Cold compresses.
Medication if necessary.
I looked back toward the futon.
Yuna wasn’t moving.
I walked back over.
Sat down in the same spot.
I touched the cloth on her forehead.
Still cool.
Not dry yet.
Good.
---
"...Papa..."
Her voice was even fainter than before.
Her eyes didn’t open.
"Hm."
"...I’m sorry..."
I took the cloth.
Rewet it in the small basin I had brought over.
Placed it back on her forehead.
"Stop that."
She fell silent.
No response.
But her shoulders slumped a little.
As if letting go of something.
I stood up again.
Headed to the kitchen.
Opened the fridge.
The usual contents.
Eggs.
Water.
A few vegetables.
No suitable ready-to-eat meals.
I thought for a few seconds.
Then grabbed a small pot.
Turned on the stove.
Filled it with water.
Added some leftover rice from last night.
A simple porridge.
The most efficient option.
---
While waiting, I checked my phone again.
Scrolled some more.
"child fever danger signs"
A list popped up.
seizures
unconsciousness
refusing to drink at all
rapid breathing
I looked toward the futon.
None of the above.
Safe.
For now.
---
The water began to boil.
I stirred slowly.
Breaking down the rice.
Added a pinch of salt.
That was enough.
No need for flavor.
Primary function: easy to swallow.
I turned off the stove.
Poured it into a small bowl.
Let it cool for a moment.
Then carried it over to the futon.
I sat back down.
"...Yuna."
Her eyes opened a little.
Slowly.
Unfocused.
"Time for breakfast."
She didn’t respond immediately.
As if she needed time to process the words.
"...not hungry..."
"You have to."
I picked up the spoon.
Brought it closer.
She stared at the spoon for a few seconds.
Then tried to sit up again.
Her body wobbled.
I steadied her shoulder.
---
"Stay still."
"...I can do it..."
I lifted her back slightly.
Let her lean against my arm.
It wasn’t the most stable position.
But it was enough.
I brought the spoon up again.
She slowly opened her mouth.
And swallowed.
Her movements were sluggish.
It took time.
I was in no rush.
Another spoonful.
She stopped halfway.
Closed her mouth.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"...I’m..."
"Just a little more."
She shook her head weakly.
I stopped.
Looked at her for a few seconds.
It made sense.
I lowered the spoon.
"Drink this."
She didn’t answer.
Just took a few sips.
---
Her eyes were already fluttering shut.
Her body went limp against my arm.
I supported her weight for a few seconds.
Then slowly laid her back down.
Pulled the blanket up to her neck.
Her hand slipped out.
Resting outside the blanket.
I stared at it.
For a few seconds.
Then tucked her hand back inside.
Wrapped the blanket tightly around her.
Heat efficiency.
---
I sat back down beside her.
Phone in hand.
Opened another tab.
"how long does normal child fever last"
Answer: 1–3 days.
I checked the clock again.
06:48.
Still early.
Very early.
I set the phone down beside me.
Stared at the ceiling for a moment.
Then looked back at Yuna.
The cloth on her forehead was getting warm.
I took it off.
Rewet it.
Placed it back.
She didn’t react this time.
Only the sound of her breathing could be heard.
A little more regular now.
I sat there.
Not moving.
Waiting.
---