Early the next morning, I received two calls for interviews. I was overjoyed at the prospect of being able to hopefully start working soon. I would be able to pay my cousin back all he invested in me. But I would also be able to show him his time and money weren’t a waste.

Not wanting to sit still, I called Anucha and scheduled to meet for lunch. I couldn’t wait to share the good news with her.It was just me and her now. Her cousin went back to England, and our other two friends moved away. Over the last two weeks, we had grown closer.

It was nice, as I now had someone to share with. We had a set lunch date for twice a week. But I couldn’t wait until tomorrow to tell her. I had to do it today. After rinsing the handful of dishes and throwing my clothes into the dryer, I headed out.

She was interning at a law firm. After she started there three weeks back, she found this cute little coffee shop about halfway between my house and her work. It became our spot. Their coffee was excellent, but the pie they served was to die for.

“This would have to be a quick lunch,” Anucha said as we sat down. “I have a heap of paperwork to get through.”

The waiter brought us our usual pie and coffee. “No problem,” I replied, nodding at the waiter. “I just had to see you, I have two interviews,” I blurted out excitedly.

Anucha’s smile spread across her face as she squeezed my hand. “That is fantastic news, I am so happy for you,” she said. “I really hope you get one.”

I was practically jumping up and down in my chair from excitement as I responded. “So do I, but I’m feeling very positive. Especially about the second one. It’s for a big computer company.”

Anucha smiled and nodded as she waved at the waiter. “Please wrap up the last of my pie to go,” she said as he came closer. “I’m sorry,” she added looking at me. “But I really have to go.”

I nodded at her as she rose and stood up. “I understand,” I said hugging her. Her schedule had become tighter and tighteras the caseloads she worked with increased. I was just glad we got to have a chat.

Waving to her as she left, I turned and headed home. On my way, I felt a slight nausea pushing up. I wondered if the pie had upset my stomach. It was strange as I had been having pie there for the last couple of weeks. I never had any issues.

Arriving home, I felt tired and suddenly out of breath. I hoped I wasn’t getting a cold or something. After taking a long hot bath, I decided to rest. I was positive a good long rest would clear up the issue.

I woke up early the next morning feeling worse. The nausea hadn’t subdued but had increased. I had to run to the bathroom as I couldn’t keep anything in. My back was aching, and I still felt lethargic. I slummed through the day, barely able to eat or drink.

By the next morning, I had to cancel my interviews as I wasn’t feeling any better. I called Anucha’s doctor and made an appointment for the afternoon. After taking another long bath, I dressed and headed out.

I met Anucha for lunch before going to the doctor but couldn’t get myself to eat. The look on her face was worrisome. “What’s the matter? Why are you looking at me in such a way?” I asked as I sipped some orange juice. It was the only thing that seemingly didn’t make me vomit. But it took its toll on my stomach.

“I’m worried. Could you be pregnant?” she whispered.

Laughing at her, I shook my head as I replied between breaths. “Oh, no. I’m sure it’s only the flu or something. Once I’ve seen the doctor, I’ll let you know.”

“Okay, please do,” she replied, still looking as if she feared the worst.

As she left for work, I headed to the doctor’s office. I had to take a cab as it was on the other side of town. I exited the cab and looked up at the large five-story building. The doctor’s office was on the third floor.

At first, I wanted to take the stairs. But as I got to them, I decided against it as I felt a little out of breath. Instead, I took the elevator. Stepping out on the third floor, I looked at the three offices before me.

One was for a financial advisor. The other one had a sign that read ‘Simon and Son’ but had no description of the business. The last door led to the doctor’s office. Entering the office, the smell of cleaning materials mixed with medicine antagonized my nausea.

The receptionist looked up as I walked to her desk. “Yes, miss?” she said in a quiet tone.

“Fitzer, Dahlia Fitzer for Doctor Pappanhau.”

She paged through a large book before her, scrolled with a finger down one page, and nodded as she replied. “Very well, miss. Take a seat there on the right. The doctor will be with you shortly.”

Looking in the direction she was pointing, I noticed three chairs to one side of a closed door. I smiled at her and went to take a seat. The reception area was tranquil. There were only two other people seated at another door on the left.

My stomach turned as I leaned back in the chair. Placing my head back against the wall, I closed my eyes. I was feeling drained, which I couldn’t understand. I slept well the last two days. But I was still exhausted.

The door next to me opened with a loud creaking sound, making me jump. Looking up, I saw the doctor. She smiled and waved for me to enter. Standing quickly, I walked past her into the office.

It was a normal doctor’s office as I am sure most are similar in appearance. The walls were painted white. The floor was covered in a cream-colored rug. To one side was a table covered in books, a computer, and some papers. There were chairs on both sides.

On the other side was a thin, long bed, and next to it were two machines. The one looked like a heat monitoring device, and the other a scanner of sorts.

“Have a seat,” Doctor Pappanhau said, waving at the one chair as she sat down behind the desk. I pulled the chair further from the table and sat down. “Now, then, Miss Fitzer, how can I help you today?” she asked in a friendly tone.