However, when I came to think of it, the milk tasted a bit strange tonight. There was a faint, chalky flavor that lingered.

Perhaps I was just tired from running around all day. I didn't even bother going back to my own room, and I just lay down beside Jessica and fell asleep.

The night passed without dreams.

When I woke up, it was already nine in the morning, and the house was eerily quiet.

Feeling a bit dizzy, I gently shook Jessica, who was still nestled in my arms.

"Jessica, wake up. We're going to the hospital."

Once we arrived at the city hospital, I called Ava. Clark.

She was my childhood friend who worked as a head nurse there.

Ava hurried out to meet us shortly after.

"Laura, you finally made it! Dr. Harris' appointment slot is almost over."

After a series of tests that took us all morning, I sat outside the examination room, listening to Ava's chatter.

"Don't worry, Dr. Harris is a top neurologist. He'll definitely figure out what's wrong with Jessica."

"That's good to know."

I mumbled absentmindedly.

"I did some research online. Excessive sleepiness could be caused by things like meningitis, stroke, or even a brain hemorrhage..."