Chapter 4: A Meeting with the President (and a Few Tissues)

As Elizabeth made her way to the White House, she felt like she was running on empty. Her body ached all over, her throat was sore, and her head was spinning. She knew she had to be sharp for her meeting with the President, 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. What if she coughed or sneezed in front of the President? What if she couldn't get through the briefing without embarrassing herself? Elizabeth took a few deep breaths, trying to compose herself as she arrived at the White House. She knew she had to brief the President on the situation with China, and she couldn't afford to mess it up. She steeled herself for the meeting, trying to push aside her doubts and worries. As she walked into the Oval Office, Elizabeth felt a wave of panic wash over her. The President looked up from his notes, a concerned expression on his face. "Madam Secretary, I'm glad you're here. I understand there's been a development with China." Elizabeth nodded, trying to clear her throat. "Yes, Mr. President. Minister Chen and I had a productive meeting, but... " She paused, feeling her throat constrict. 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. She pulled out a tissue and blew her nose, trying to compose herself. "Excuse me, Mr. President," she said, her voice hoarse. The President nodded, his expression sympathetic. As she continued to brief him, Elizabeth's coughing fits became more frequent. She tried to apologize each time, but the President simply waved his hand, telling her to continue. Elizabeth was mortified, but she knew she had to push through. Despite her best efforts, Elizabeth's condition continued to deteriorate. Her throat was sore, her head was spinning, and her body ached all over. She knew she was in way over her head, but she refused to give up. 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. The President nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Thank you, Madam Secretary. I think we have a good understanding of the situation. Take care of yourself, okay?" Elizabeth nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude towards the President. She made her way out of the Oval Office, feeling like she was going to collapse at any moment. She knew she had to get home, take some more medicine, and rest. But for now, she just wanted to make it to her car without embarrassing herself again. As she walked out of the White House, Elizabeth felt a cold breeze hit her, and she shivered. She knew she was in for a long night, but she was determined to get through it, no matter what. She hailed a taxi and headed home, her body aching and her throat sore. She knew she had to be back at work soon, but for now, she just wanted to rest and recover.