“When things are bad, we take comfort in the thought that they could always
be worse, and when they are, we find hope in the thought that things are so bad
they have to get better.” – Malcolm S. Forbes

Have you ever had “one of those days” or as, described on “Office Space,”
“a case of the Mondays?” I have; it was Monday.

I awoke to a runny nose and scratchy throat; nothing to worry about, I thought, as I like to believe I’m a strong, uncomplaining teenager. Joke. While my developing cold seemed to be a minor roadblock to an otherwise typical start of the week, I could never have been prepared for the catastrophic events to follow.

Moments after clearing my nose of the night’s cold, I came to realize I had to worry about more than just drippy nostrils. I was not well and my stomach was telling me so in Morse code, tapping away at the interior wall. They weren’t labor pains, but they felt close… I think. They caused me to lose concentration in class, as well as stretch in the positions better suited to a contortionist. This “uncomplaining” teenager was truly reaching her limit.

I walked into fourth period feeling awful, as if the pain would never cease. I was sent to the health room. I, being semi-afraid of nurses, reluctantly decided that my condition had worsened enough to leave class.

I began my walk to the nurse’s office feeling relieved, which soon transformed into an overproduction of saliva and led to feelings of nausea, and ended with ridding myself of a wrap from lunch – in the bathroom, of course; I was able to demonstrate self-control in my moment of weakness. This made me feel a bit better and I finally arrived in the health room.
I was too late. Unfortunately, the nurse had gone for her lunch break. I began to cry and had to return to class until she got back.

And if you happen to ask me how I am, I’ll simply smile and inquire, “Have you ever had one of those days?” I have. It was Monday.