---
The sound of the rain was gone.
All that remained was the cold morning air.
Thin, seeping in through the gaps in the window.
I woke up as usual.
No alarm.
The wall clock read 06:12.
---
I looked toward the kotatsu.
The blanket was still lumped up.
Yuna was still inside.
Not moving.
Normally, she would be awake by now.
Not today.
I stood up.
Walked over.
Pulled back the kotatsu blanket a little.
Yuna's face came into view.
Pale.
Cheeks slightly flushed.
Her eyes were closed.
Her breathing was heavier than usual.
"…Yuna."
No answer.
I touched her forehead.
Hot.
Higher than normal.
I didn't say anything.
---
Stood right up.
Fetched the digital thermometer from the kitchen drawer.
Returned.
I nudged her shoulder slightly.
"…wake up."
Yuna winced slightly.
Her eyebrows twitched.
Her eyes half-opened.
"…Papa…"
Her voice was faint.
Hoarse.
"Open your mouth."
She didn't ask questions.
Just obeyed.
I slipped the thermometer in.
A few seconds.
