Clara ran towards me but stopped after a few steps, looking suspicious, and asked, "Are you faking it? I remember you only had a slight cold."

I lifted my head and asked, "Do I look like I'm faking it?"

People nearby exclaimed in surprise.

"My goodness! Why is his face so pale? It's like all the blood has been drained out."

"With such a pained expression and his nails digging into his flesh, it doesn't look like he's faking it."