A Close Call Part 4

Seeing her husband, despite the night before was a welcome relief. She didn't have the energy for a confrontation. He brought the latest cough syrup for her, hoping it would ease her discomfort. Josh was still sitting next to her watching some programme on the television.
"How was your day?" Alex asked. Clearly knowing what the answer would be, judging from the state of darkness in the room.
Her voice was weak "I've managed to sleep a bit, but I just feel do tired."
He could see wasn't her usual self, but he thought with a bit more test and some food down her she'd pick up. But that bloody irritating cough was still there. "Do you think you'll manage some dinner?" he asked.
"Yes mummy, please come down." Josh implored.
" Ok I'll try".

Josh and his dad went downstairs, while she laid back down on her pillows. As soon as she lay down the coughing got worse. She tried to rearrange them so that she was upright but still comfortable. Beginning to get irritated by herself and her hopelessness she began to cry again. It was a vicious cycle that she hoped some more sleep would sort out.

About an hour later, Alex called up that dinner was ready. She pulled herself out of bed and headed downstairs catching sight of herself in the mirror. She looked awful. Her face looked puffy from crying and lack of sleep.
Josh beamed when he saw his mummy, and got her chair all ready for her at the table.
"Sausage and mash for tea, mummy!"
"Oh, that looks good did you help make it?" she asked.
Eve didn't even feel hungry, but she cut into the sausage and put it in her mouth. She couldn't taste a thing. She began to chew. Still nothing, it was the strangest sensation. She tried a bit of the mashed potato, but again nothing. She could see Alex getting irritated as he hates when people pick at their food,especially when he's cooked it. To appease him she kept trying to eat but couldn't bear it any longer. All she wanted to do was close her eyes and put her head on the table. She felt drained.
"I'm sorry, I can't taste a thing." she said.
"It's ok, at least you've tried. Why don't you have some water then go back to bed, sweetheart". She noticed the change in his tone and smiled at him.
All the time, she was aware of Josh watching her. She didn't want to upset him so told him to come up when he'd finished his tea and she'd read him a story.