It was my fifth day in the hospital and my condition was gradually improving. I could walk to the bathroom on my own without Joshua’s help, and I was starting to fuss about leaving the hospital. This place was damn scary when I wasn’t sick anymore. Five full days of rest was more than enough for me. And I had excess energy that I needed to expend right now.

“I’m bored. I want to travel and enjoy the beauty of Italy. Can we go to Venice or Florence before returning to Chicago?”

“What ...