Dominic was anxious. "Please leave! Can't you see someone is sick here?"

"May I check on your wife?" I carefully asked for his permission. "I believe her condition is quite serious."

He looked at me with panic, beads of sweat on his forehead.

"I have some experience," I added quickly. "I might be able to help."

After all, I've dealt with situations like this while caring for Ava these past few years.

Dominic glanced at me briefly, perhaps sensing my sincerity. He stepped aside and sighed. "She seems to have a fever."

I quickly felt the woman's forehead and neck. She was burning hot, beyond a regular fever. "How long has this been going on?"

"She's been running a fever since last night. She was still lucid this morning, but I..."

"Dominic, I'm afraid we need to get her to the hospital. This won't do. Do you have a thermometer?" I asked.

"I-I don't know where it is!" He was usually absorbed in his studies, leaving household matters to his wife.

I promptly told Carol, "Quick, ca