66

ALAYNA

I feel miraculously light the next morning. I don’t have a fever anymore. But I’m late for work—it’s already nine, according to the clock on my wall—though Casey’s no longer next to me, so I think she probably made breakfast. But even then, I get ready for work and take the last medicine capsule. Cassius’s note makes me smile.

Don’t forget to take this. I’ll see you later - Cassius

I briefly spoke to him last night because I was too lazy to get up. But when he checked my fever I was only pretending to be asleep, and then he left.

There’s no one around the dining area when I slip in, so I go to my kitchen to continue my daily routine when Ms. Lennie enters.

“Good morning, Ms. Lennie,” I greet, almost singing while I’m putting on my apron.

“Good morning.” She looks at me curiously. “Are you sure you can work now, dear?”

“I slept the whole day yesterday. I’m bored.” I glance at the schedule. Brandon wants a salmon en papillote. A French dish.

“Are you sure?”

I nod. “Absolutely sur