I turned back to look at everyone, wading slowly through the little creek. I saw Jinx and Akello, arms linked as Jinx asked if Akello was alright. She wasn't. I could tell by the thin layer of sweat that covered her body, the shallow sound of her breathing, the way she shook slightly, as though she was cold. I walked back and put and hand on her forehead. She was burning up. I kicked a small stone out of the creek and cursed. I hopped around for a second before sitting on the side of the bank. Akello was sick. "Why? Why can't we just catch a break? Just once?" I hissed before looking up at Akello. "You're not okay are you?" I asked, more a statement than a question. If Akello was sick then she needed medicine...medicine that was made out of something besides plants, but plants would have to do.