**Chapter 2: No Rest for the Weary**

As Elizabeth prepared to meet with Minister Chen from China, her exhaustion and growing symptoms started to take their toll. Despite her best efforts to shake off the fatigue, she found herself struggling to focus and feeling utterly miserable. The tickle in her throat had grown into a full-blown sore throat, and her sinuses were congested. Her eyes felt gritty, and her head was pounding. She tried to attribute her misery to the stress of travel and the pressure of the job, but deep down, she knew she was coming down with something. She had always prided herself on her ability to push through adversity, but this was different. This was a physical toll, one that she couldn't simply will herself out of. As she made her way to the meeting room, Elizabeth's assistant, Mike, handed her a cup of hot tea and a box of tissues. "Just in case, Madam Secretary," he said, with a sympathetic smile. Elizabeth smiled weakly, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her loyal assistant. She took a sip of the tea, hoping it would help soothe her sore throat, and made her way into the meeting room. Minister Chen was already seated, with a stern expression on his face. Elizabeth took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and began the meeting. But as she started to speak, she felt her throat constrict, and she had to pause to clear her throat. She tried to apologize, but Minister Chen simply nodded, his expression unreadable. As the meeting progressed, Elizabeth found herself struggling to keep her symptoms under control. She sneezed, and then again, each time excusing herself to blow her nose. Minister Chen remained stoic, but Elizabeth could sense his concern. Despite her embarrassment, Elizabeth tried to power through, determined to get the meeting back on track. She focused on the issues at hand, trying to push aside her growing discomfort. But it was clear that her condition was affecting her performance, and she knew she had to find a way to manage it. As the meeting drew to a close, Elizabeth felt a sense of relief wash over her. She had made it through, albeit with a few embarrassing moments. But as she stood up to leave, she felt a wave of fatigue wash over her. She knew she had to get some rest, and fast. The drive back to her office was a blur, as Elizabeth struggled to keep her eyes open. She knew she had a long day ahead of her, with more meetings and briefings. And she was starting to feel like she was running on empty. As she walked into her office, Elizabeth's phone was ringing. She picked it up, trying to sound more alert than she felt. "Yes?" "Madam Secretary, the President wants to see you," her assistant said. Elizabeth's heart sank. She was in no shape to meet with the President, but she knew she had no choice. She took a deep breath, trying to steel herself for the challenge ahead. She was in for a long day, and she was already feeling like she was in way over her head.