Marseille

• Why did you come? You'll get infected.

Marcel didn't answer. He went into the kitchen and started banging pots and pans. Ten minutes later, he brought tea with honey, lemon, and ginger.

• Drink.

You've had a drink. He adjusted the blanket, sat on the edge of the bed, and placed his palm on his forehead.

• Hot as an iron.

• I know.

He sighed, went to get a wet towel, placed it on her forehead, and remained sitting next to her.

• Marcel, go home.

— I don't care.

• You have to go to work.

— I'll ask for leave. I'm not going anywhere. Shut up and go to sleep.

You passed out. You woke up to someone stroking your arm. Outside, it was the dead of night. Marcel was sitting in the chair he'd dragged next to the bed, looking at you. He hadn't slept. At all.

• Why aren’t you sleeping?

• I'm afraid your temperature will rise and I won't notice.