Dear Yulia,

I am so sorry that you are feeling ill. I did miss your letter very much yesterday, but I knew that you had a very busy day and I knew that you must be tired. Last night I had trouble falling asleep and was thinking about you a lot. I wish I had written you yesterday as well. I did not realize that you had such a tiring day, and ended up going to the hospital. I am so sorry to hear that. That does not sound very pleasant. I dislike having to go to the doctor very much. Luckily, I’m in good health, like you and rarely get sick, so I don’t have to go to the doctor very often. But, it is never fun. If I lived closer, I would have gone to the hospital with you, to keep you company while you waited (if you wanted it). I wish I was closer. I would visit, and make you chicken noodle soup or something that is good to eat when you are sick, and I would make sure that any chores and shopping are done for you so that you could rest :)

Last week, I was feeling a bit ill as well. I felt much better after a couple of days. It wasn’t a terrible illness - just a headache the first day and then a slight fever. However, a strange thing was that I lost my sense of smell and taste for a few days. It was very odd. I couldn’t taste anything. I have read that this is one of the signs of COVID. But, I felt much better a few days later and my sense of smell and taste returned. The strange thing about COVID from what I have read is that it affects people very differently. Some people have only very mild symptoms. To be honest, I wasn’t seriously ill. I’ve had colds before that were much more unpleasant. But, I guess many people - especially older people - can get very ill and require hospitalization. Also, I have read that some people can get it, but not show any symptoms at all. It is a very strange illness. I think even if the test is positive, you will be OK. You are a strong, young woman, with a strong immune system like you said. I think you will feel better after a few days. I hope that you get feeling better very soon!

I was thinking about you all day yesterday and now I think about you today and wish you a quick recovery. I think that everything will be alright. Beautiful Yulia, get some rest and get feeling better soon.

You are in my thoughts!

Ryli