One summer when I was temporarily between jobs, I came down with a cold that slowly turned into bronchitis. I didn't think much of it, and since I didn't have anything to do except look for work, I just took it easy in my dorm room, reading and listening to music. As the days passed, I progressively grew sicker until one morning I woke up and realized I couldn't get out of bed. I also realized that I couldn't remember the last time I'd eaten or even had a drink of water. Although I had no reason to believe that there was anyone else in the dorm, I called for help. No one came. I kept calling and calling until my throat grew raw, but the dorm was deserted.