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Arthur showed up at Gwen’s apartment at 9:00 sharp. When he saw her, he grew concerned. Truly, she looked awful, with her complexion wan, her eyes feverish and glassy, and she was bundled up in sweats and a winter scarf. “I feel so much worse this morning.” With her hoarse voice, she sounded like she was on the verge of death. “Why didn’t you call me last night? I would have called Dr. Monmouth for an emergency evening appointment for you.” He reached for Gwen, but she shied away. “Save yourself and don’t touch me. I’m on fire this morning and probably contagious.” Rolling his eyes, Arthur marched into Gwen’s bedroom and flung open her closet. He collected a blanket and a spare pillow. “We’ll bring these along so you’re more …show more content…

Arthur pulled into the driveway and killed the ignition. Gwen barely roused. “Okay, Gwen, we’re here. Let me help you inside.” With her eyes half closed, Gwen allowed Arthur to half-carry her into the waiting area. The moment they stepped inside, Mrs. Monmouth—Dr. Monmouth’s wife and nurse—gasped. “Dear me!” Dusting her hands off on her scrubs and pressing her lips into a thin line, the elderly but spry Mrs. Monmouth took over, helping Gwen right into the exam room and onto the table. “Go on and lie down, dear. I’ll get extra pillows. Geoffrey…? Mrs. Monmouth left the room as Arthur took a seat next to the exam table. He smoothed a stray curl away from Gwen’s sweaty forehead. She was burning up. “Arthur, Gwen, good to see you.” Dr. Monmouth stepped into the room and washed his hands. He took a seat on his rolling stool and slid right up to Gwen. As he did this, Mrs. Monmouth entered and started taking vitals. “Temperature of 102.4 and BP of 90 over 58,” Mrs. Monmouth said. “Rapid strep test?” “Yes, please,” Dr. Monmouth replied. He turned to Arthur. “Strep has been going around, and most people have presented like this.” “With such a high fever?” Arthur asked. Dr. Monmouth nodded. “Gwen, I’m going to take a look in your throat.” He took his penlight and peered into her mouth intently. Then he pulled down each eyelid, and after that, he palpated her neck. “Mmm. Yes. I see.” Arthur grew impatient. “You

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