ARE YOU SICK?

I’d just come in from the backyard and I quickly went over to the tissue box on the counter, pulled two sheets out of the box, and began to blow my nose.

“Are you sick?” My son Alex asked as he came into the kitchen.

“I’m pretty sure it’s allergies.” I said as I tossed the tissues into the trash and went over to wash my hands.

“Are you sure?” Alex asked looking doubtful. “You sound pretty stuffed up.”

“I was fine when I woke up this morning.” I assured him. “But as soon as I went outside I was done for.” I shook the excess water off my hands and grabbed some paper towels.

I could feel my nose begin to fill again. “Oh, great!” I sighed as I grabbed another few tissues. “This is going to be a fun day.”

“What are you allergic to?” Alex asked as he stepped away from me as I blew my nose again.

“Oak trees in the spring.” I said as I finished blowing my nose and once again headed to the sink to wash my hands. “Wait. That’s not completely true.” I added. “I’m also allergic to them when one gets cuts down, so that could be anytime of the year.”

“I don’t remember you being allergic to them before.” Alex said as he leaned against the counter-top. “When did it start?”

“When we moved here.” I sighed. “I had no idea that this neighborhood is filled with oak trees.” I began to cough.

“You really do sound sick.” Alex looked doubtful as he handed me some more tissues.

“I am!” I said as I blew my nose again. “Sick of those oak tassels falling from the trees and landing in big clumps around the yard!” Tossing the tissues away I was once again standing at the sink.

“Are you ready for some breakfast?” I asked drying my hands after I’d washed them.

Alex hesitated. “What are you thinking of making?”

“How about some eggs?” I went to the refrigerator. As I pulled out the carton I began to sniffle again.

“You know what?” Alex took the eggs away from me and put them on the counter. “Why don’t you take the box of tissues and go rest on the couch while I make the eggs.”

“Really?” My eyes lit up.

“Yes, really.” He went over, got the box of tissues, handed them to me and pointed me in the direction of the living room.

“That sounds wonderful!” I said as I sniffled again. I settled into the couch, throwing a blanket over my legs and grabbing my book.

“How do you want your eggs?” Alex called.

“However you’re making them is fine with me.” I called back as I settled into the cushions and breathed a little sigh of contentment.

“Toast?” Alex called back.

“Yes, please!” I reached over and pulled a tissue out of the box, dabbing my nose.

My husband Steven came out of our bedroom. “Good morning!” He said as he saw me on the couch. “How’d you sleep?”

“Pretty good.” I looked up and smiled. “Alex thinks I’m sick so he’s making breakfast for me.”

Steven looked confused. “He thinks you’re sick?”

“It’s my oak allergies but he’s not taking any chances.” I reached over and grabbed another tissue. “You know I’m not nearly as upset with the oak trees as I was twenty minutes ago.” I snuggled back into the pillows. “Especially when I’m being waited on like this.”