That itch was starting to feel more like a burn creeping up her arm, but Shiina didn't risk reaching over to scratch it. It was just the rash, she told herself. She had more important things to worry about, like trying to stand up-right. She wrapped one hand around her middle and placed her other hand over her mouth, determined to stifle her convulsions. After a while, the coughing did begin to subside but her throat still felt thick.

Niikura and Mike were both pushing to go back to the room. Honestly, if Shiina assessed her condition she knew they were right. Grudgingly, she pushed against the wall and attempted to stand firmer on her feet. Okay.

Shiina stopped, and tried speaking again.

.... Nothing.

Her heart seemed to freeze in her chest, then it was pounding like a jackhammer. The hand she held over her mouth slowly ran fingers from her nose down to her chin. All she felt was a smooth expanse of skin.

Panic. Stumbling back, Shiina would have screamed if she had been capable. But there wasn't any lips left to part, no mouth to open, for her to release any sounds.