"Mom, I'm fine! I'm fine," Sam pleaded, shaking his head. "I just haven't eaten in a few days and it caught up to me."

"Of course." Miss LaCroix came over and sat down on the edge of the bed, reaching for one of Sam's hands. "Your skin is ice cold, your eyes are bloodshot and you're gaunt. Yes, that's exactly what happens when you don't eat."

"Mom..."

"Stop," she said sharply. "This destruction you're causing yourself? It ends now."