Day one decides day seven.

I got my first cold sore at nineteen and handled every single one wrong for the next fifteen years. This is the quiz I wish someone had handed me: seven questions, sixty seconds, and a straight answer on what to do next.

Just the tingle (the "oh no")Nothing to see yetA bump (denial phase)Raised but closedFull blister (main character energy)Fluid-filled, still intactIt's open (we don't talk about it)Broken and weepingScabbing (so close)Dry and crusted

60 seconds. No account. Nobody will know you took this.