An Illness in Six Parts

Part 1: Feel guilty for being so homebody-ish, take adorable child to Galleria play area. Watch him climb zebras and gently play with wall-mounted activity cards.

Part 2: Strike up conversation with mom whose child walked up and very cutely tickled your child's feet.

Part 3: Awkwardly try to get your child's sippy cup (which was empty and sticking out of your diaper bag) away from other mom's child, who is now sucking on it.

Part 4: Notice that other child has a runny nose.

Part 5: Respond reassuringly and nonchalantly when other mom assures you that her son is healthy. Wipe down sippy cup when she's not looking.

Part 6: Wake up three days later to a miserable, sneezing, congested child.