My mother-in-law threw cold water on me while I was sleeping with a 39.5°C fever, and I obeyed her instruction to get up and greet guests… 
My fever was 39.5°C, I was in continual pain, my head was splitting, my throat felt like it had been scraped with sandpaper, and my ears were ringing. To temporarily ignore this excruciating discomfort, I made the decision to cover myself with a blanket and take a quick nap. My only way out seemed to be to sleep.
I initially experienced weird, heavy nightmares that made me feel as though I were trekking through thick mud and someone was always drawing me deeper. But all of a sudden, my face was splashed with cold water. A figure was standing above me as I jumped, gasped, and fought to open my eyes.
The gruff, piercing voice rang in my ears, “You’re still sleeping?”
My mother-in-law was the one. Her hands were curled into fists, her face was as rigid as stone, and her lips were squeezed into a narrow, nearly white line. As though she had seen me doing something embarrassing, she stood over me.
“Get up!” she nearly yelled. — In an hour, guests will come! Everything needs to be shining! Clear away and arrange the table! Don’t be a lazy girl and sit here!
I had no strength, yet I wanted to say something. Instead, with my entire body quivering, I gently got up and attempted to wipe the icy water off my face.
— Mom My fever is 39.5°C. My voice was feeble, and I can’t even raise my head.
She simply waved it away, though.
Stop it, please! Everyone becomes ill. Even though I was ill, I still completed everything! You dare not make me look foolish in front of the guests!
Something broke inside of me at that very instant. Her remarks were as cold and uncaring as the water she had just poured on me, in addition to being harsh.
I didn’t care anymore, yet I did something that caused my mother-in-law to worry and plead for forgiveness 
I got out of bed gently. The world was whirling in front of my eyes, and my legs were trembling. But I didn’t say anything as I passed her. I picked up the phone from the nightstand and dialed 911 directly in front of her.
— Hi, ambulance? I feel awful. fever of about 40°C, severe lethargy, headache, and sore throat… The address is, indeed,
In response, my mother-in-law became irate and said, “What are you doing?” An hour from now, the visitors will arrive!
— You have visitors. I have a fever and an infection. I also live in this apartment. — I uttered it aloud for the first time, without my customary tone of regret, and with composure and clarity.
She walked the kitchen, murmuring about a “crazy daughter-in-law,” while I packed my luggage. However, I was prepared when the ambulance showed up twenty minutes later. After taking my temperature and examining my throat, the doctor announced that we would be visiting the hospital. This is a severe matter.
Before I left, I put on my jacket and said to her, “You and your guests will be gone when I return.” And you will never again enter this place without my consent.
She started to say something, but I shut the door after me.
