**Chapter 3: Fitful Night, Feverish Morning**

Elizabeth collapsed onto her bed, exhausted and miserable. She had managed to make it through the meeting with Minister Chen, but at what cost? Her body ached all over, her throat was sore, and her sinuses were congested. She had taken some cold medicine before bed, hoping it would help her get some rest, but as she lay there, she couldn't shake off the feeling of being utterly defeated. As she drifted off to sleep, Elizabeth's rest was fitful and unrefreshing. She tossed and turned, her body wracked with aches and pains. She woke up multiple times during the night, her throat parched and her mouth dry. Each time, she reached for the glass of water on her bedside table, taking a few sips to try and soothe her throat. When she finally woke up for good, Elizabeth felt worse than she had the night before. Her sinuses were throbbing, and her head was pounding. She reached for her phone to check the time and saw that she had only gotten a few hours of sleep. She groaned, feeling like she was in way over her head. As she slowly got out of bed, Elizabeth's body felt like lead. Her legs ached, and her joints creaked. She stumbled to the bathroom, her eyes gritty from lack of sleep. She looked in the mirror and barely recognized the person staring back at her. Her eyes were sunken, her skin pale, and her hair was disheveled. Elizabeth took a few deep breaths, trying to steel herself for the day ahead. She knew she had a meeting with the President, and she couldn't afford to blow it. She quickly got dressed, trying to shake off the lingering fatigue. As she made her way to the kitchen, she poured herself a cup of coffee, hoping the caffeine would help perk her up. As she waited for her coffee to brew, Elizabeth took a few minutes to collect herself. She splashed some water on her face, trying to wake herself up. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. But as she looked in the mirror, she knew she wasn't fooling anyone. She looked and felt like a mess. The coffee helped a little, but Elizabeth knew she needed something stronger. She rummaged through her medicine cabinet, looking for something to help alleviate her symptoms. She found a packet of cold medicine and took a few pills, hoping they would kick in quickly. As she made her way to the White House, Elizabeth felt like she was running on empty. Her body ached, her throat was sore, and her head was spinning. She knew she had to be sharp, but she was struggling to stay focused. The drive to the White House was a blur, as Elizabeth's mind wandered to all the things that could go wrong. As she arrived at the White House, Elizabeth took a few deep breaths, trying to compose herself. She knew she had to brief the President on the situation with China, and she couldn't afford to mess it up. But as she walked into the Oval Office, she felt a wave of panic wash over her. What if she coughed or sneezed in front of the President? What if she couldn't get through the briefing without embarrassing herself? Elizabeth pushed aside her doubts and took a seat in front of the President's desk. She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves. But as she began to speak, she felt her throat constrict, and she had to pause to clear her throat. She tried to apologize, but the President simply nodded, his expression concerned. As she started to brief him on the situation with China, Elizabeth felt her condition getting the better of her. She started to cough, trying to stifle it, but it was too late. A hacking cough broke loose, and she felt her face grow hot with embarrassment. The President looked up, concerned, and Elizabeth knew she had to power through, no matter what.