Ellis woke up that morning with a heavy feeling on her shoulders. Her throat was sore, her nose was congested, and a fever made her shiver under the blankets. She knew she had caught a cold, but she couldn't understand how it had happened. She usually took good care of her health, but sometimes the stress and hustle of everyday life were enough to weaken her immune system.

John was getting ready for the trip to Seattle with Donna. The initial plan was for them to be a happy family at ...