You asked if I was traveling alone. [Kid coughs, and it's the same cough that he'd had when Stein died, if not worse. It's probably right for Stein to be worried, but Kid should get at least some extra points for effort.]

I met up with Zell, Jim, Kunsel and Zach right after. We split up. [He runs his fingers through his hair nervously and chews on his lip.] The...coughing and fever is no better, and has made it difficult to eat and to sleep. But I have minded your instructions the best that I can.

[That doesn't mean he wouldn't still describe his physical status as "fair" at best, but...he's trying.]