I was a little tired and had sore joints and muscles from the impromptu exercise routine I did for the cadets. But I swore I could weather it and continue the training in the afternoon.
But the confrontation took me by surprise—and it would seem, so did my health. Just minutes later, Isabela noticed the cold sweat and the reddening of my cheeks. She gauged the temperature of my neck and forehead with the back of her hand and diagnosed me with a slight fever.
Much to my regret, it only made Isabela worry more.
She insisted I stay in bed and rest. A while later, she came back with a bowl of cold water and a clean towel. Very patiently, she sat at the side of my bed and placed the soaked cloth on my forehead. Every five minutes or so, she would re-soak it to keep it cold and effective.
I told her not to fuss, but she wouldn't listen. She tended to me until the weariness—and the warmth of her attention—sent me into a blissful sleep.
