When coworkers at her lunchroom table didn’t react she continued. “Came down with red spots. Something starting with ‘R’.”
Sylvie bit into her sandwich. “Must be Rubella. That explains why I haven’t seen her lately.”
“But I saw her yesterday,” added Josefina. “No red dots. Maybe she had Malaria. Been to the tropics last month.”
Annie frowned. “Can’t be Malaria. She would’ve had to take precautions before going.”
As the women devoured their meals, Suzana appeared.
“Room for me?” she asked, noticing an item on an otherwise empty chair.
Sylvie answered. “How are you feeling? Have you recovered from Rubella?”
Suzana was stunned. “Rubella?”
Annie plunged into the conversation. “Someone heard you talking about red spots. Sounded like you said Rubella.”
Suzana laughed. “Not I. One of my plants, on its leaves. Our rainy July is bringing out all kinds of fungi. My rhubarb has Ramularia.”
With this revelation, Annie removed her sweater from the chair beside her.
“Suzana,” she squeaked. “Do join us for lunch.”