Things

My body is betraying me, and I am taking it as a personal affront. I’ve eaten only sanctioned foods. I doubt I have swallowed a single mouthful of tap water. I take my pills like a good little girl. Despite that, I’ve been plagued by headaches, exhaustion, completely random bouts of burning up and freezing. Gigantic bruises blossom on my arms and legs whenever I tap a solid surface. I am currently on the dénouement of my second semi-crippling fever in as many weeks, huddled under blankets after dragging myself to an internet café in the rain only to have the power cut out halfway through an email about ad estimates.

Ritu, one of the program administrators, told me at the hospital that she thinks being sick is partially a state of mind. As if you can will yourself to be better and constant maladies are signs of some kind of psychological weakness.

Screw her.