I had totally forgotten about my cold, and had forgotten to take medicine to keep these stupid symptoms at bay. My stress seemed to exacerbate everything. Which was good, because now I had my excuse for staying home. "I can't go," I croaked. "What happened to your voice?" Ella asked. "You sound terrible." "I'm sick. I can't go to the ball. I'm probably contagious." "They're all rich. They can afford doctors. You're going." She had that new determined sound in her voice.
