Wait, since when do I joke about these things? What’s happening to me?

As told to Rochel Samet

Doughnuts, latkes, gleaming menorahs, and dancing flames. I love Chanukah.

“Libby, these are amazing,” Zeesy tells me, motioning toward the half-empty platter of latkes. She and Chaim have come over for a family party. I smile. Life has changed so much these past few months; I finally feel like a person again.

“Thanks,” I say happily, reaching for one myself. Then I wince, because my wrist hurts when I move it. Ugh, I must have overdone things in the kitchen today. My ankles are hurting too, and come to think of it, I’m really tired. Shouldn’t have pushed myself so hard. Baaaaad move.

“Whoops, I forgot the fruit salad,” Ma says, surveying the laden table. She looks exhausted, too. “Libby, would you mind...”

“Sure.” I’ve had more than enough of saying no; it’s good to be the helpful one again.

The fridge is crammed. I’m shifting containers around when dizziness overtakes me.

Need to sit.

The next thing I know, I’m lying on the kitchen floor, and someone is shrieking.

“Libby? Libby?” Ma is kneeling beside me. “Are you okay?”

I struggle to sit up. “What happened?”

“Hey, you’re the one who should be telling us that,” Chaim kidded. “We just heard a thud and came running.”

I smile, weakly. At least someone’s not looking at me with huge, terrified eyes. I look at Sara and Zeesy. “I’m fine, really. Just blacked out or something.”

Someone hands me a cup of water.

“I think we need to get this checked out,” Ma says to Ta, who nods. I think I’m okay, but I don’t bother arguing.