All four of the girls continued to feel strange as they went home. Each of their mothers noticed a fever and sent them to bed.
The next day, Bets' mother came in and asked how she felt.
"Fine, Mommy," said Bets. "I guess I just had a little bug or something."
"Let's make sure," said Mrs. Murdock. She had brought a thermometer in with her and put it in Bets' mouth. After a minute, she checked it. "You're normal! And I'm relieved."
She bent over to kiss her daughter, and Bets puckered her lips and received the smooch gladly.
"Get ready for school, then," said Mrs. Murdock.
Bets got out of bed and began to undress. But, before she had her pajama top unbuttoned, she noticed something strange was happening to her mother.