Being sick is never fun. Of course, during school when you’re sick, there is the upside of staying home, catching up on sleep and being excused from certain classwork. The list goes on. Being sick in the summertime is different.

1. You're sick.

Being sick is the absolute worst. You can’t tell whether or not you’re living or feeling like you are dying. Also, when you're sick, your immune system is down, so you become more likely to catch something else. The only good thing about being sick is I haven’t had to do my chores and I’ve gotten to binge watch any TV show of my choice (but I already do that, so it’s not much different).

2. Your plans get canceled.

Recently, I was supposed to go to Dallas, but because I was sick, I didn’t get to go. I was really looking forward to going to Dallas and experiencing what the city had to offer me. But I had strep and then went to urgent care and got mistreated, which in turn messed up my ears. So this past week, I’ve been stuck in my house—in my bed, while my sister gets to go swimming and my friends still get to have fun and do the things we do weekly.

3. You miss out on the nice weather.

With the weather being nice, and not too hot, it feels as if the world is saying, “You can do it, you can get up and go for a walk. Or go out exploring (also known as Pokémon hunting).” But you can’t. While being sick you can barely walk up and down the stairs, let alone go anywhere else.

4. You can't eat regular food.

Having to eat the same soup for days because your throat can’t handle anything else. And your sister continually tells you how good the “normal people” food is. Not to mention some of that “normal people” food is some of your favorite home-cooked meals.

5. You're stuck in the house.

The summertime is a time to have fun and be free. However, constantly being in this room, restricted, tired, feeling blah. My only choices are: should I lay on the couch or my bed? Still continue to drink water or some hot tea to soothe my throat.