Mark was burning up.

I noticed it the moment I woke up. His body, usually warm, was now too warm. His skin felt like fire against my fingertips, his face pale despite the heat radiating off him. His breathing was heavier than before, like his body was struggling to keep up.

My stomach twisted.

I sat up quickly, pressing my palm against his forehead. A fever. A bad one.

“Mark?” I whispered, shaking him gently. “Hey, wake up.”

He didn’t stir.

My heart jumped into my throat.

I shook him ...