Team8s and Counting

185. Not Today, Mister!

Pin, Coiny, and Needle were woken up by the morning alarm. Pin and Needle jump out of bed, both of them setting up breakfast for the kids before they got up. Coiny embraced the warmth of the bed as he usually did for just a little bit longer, before eventually realizing that he needed to help out with the kids in the morning as well.

However, as soon as his feet hit the ground, instead of the normal energy he felt when he made it out of bed, it felt like a truck had just hit him. It felt like he could hardly stand up, and all he wanted to do was go right back into bed.

He shuffled over to the bathroom, and reached for the thermometer. He put it in his ear, and once it beeped, he read the temperature: 100.9.

Fuck he thought to himself. Immediately, he shook his head, and placed the thermometer back onto the shelf. Nope, we're not doing this today, he insisted. He washed up as best he could, and made his way downstairs with a smile on his face, just like he always did. By then, the kids had made their way downstairs, and greeted him one by one.

"Morning, Uncle Coiny!" Sprinkle chirped as he skipped into the kitchen, his usual energetic self.

"Morning," Coiny replied with as much enthusiasm as he could muster, his voice sounding strained to his own ears. He quickly turned toward the coffee machine, pretending to busy himself while Pin and Needle moved around him, finishing up breakfast preparations.

"You're looking a little pale this morning," Needle commented, handing him a cup of coffee.

"Didn't sleep great," Coiny lied smoothly, taking a sip. The warmth of the coffee helped, but it wasn't enough to chase away the chills crawling up his spine.

"Maybe you should take it easy today," Pin suggested, her tone light but concerned.

"Nah, I'm fine," Coiny said with a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes. He gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder and turned toward the table where the kids were already diving into their plates.

By the time breakfast was over, Coiny felt like he'd run a marathon. His head was pounding, his muscles aching with every movement, but he soldiered on, determined not to let anyone notice.

As the morning dragged on, and after Pin, Needle, Saw, and Gaty had all made their way to work, he felt worse. His body was sluggish, and even the simplest tasks felt monumental. When it was time to walk the kids to the bus stop, Coiny grabbed his jacket and stepped outside, the brisk air making his feverish body shudder.

The kids chattered happily as they made their way to the corner, but Coiny found it harder and harder to keep up. Every step felt like a struggle, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

"Uncle Coiny, are you okay?" Sprinkle asked, noticing him lagging behind.

"Just... tired," he managed, forcing a smile.

The kids exchanged uncertain glances, but they didn't push further. As the bus pulled up and the children climbed aboard, Coiny leaned against the stop sign, trying not to fall asleep. He watched as the bus pulled away, and made his was back to the house. By this point, he just couldn't hide the fact that he felt like dogshit. The minute he walked into the front door, he ran to the couch, flopping onto it face first.

Donut and Barf Bag, who were just about to head out the door themselves to head to the hospital, could tell that something wasn't right with Coiny.

Donut walked over to him slowly. "Coiny, you good-"

"Mmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnh" Coiny groaned, causing Donut to back away, growing his earlier concern.

Barf Bag sighed, Dr. Gutterson mode already kicking in before she could even leave the house.. "I'll go get the thermometer."