“One hundred four point one,” I whispered, my ER nurse training instantly taking over.

“Her core body temperature is spiking dangerously high.”

“Is the thermometer broken?” Ethan asked, stepping closer.

“Try the other ear.”

“It is not broken, Ethan.

She is in severe febrile distress.”

“Rachel, listen to me,” Ethan said, his voice rising into a nervous, rapid rhythm.

“If we go to the emergency room, we will be sitting in a waiting room until three in the morning.