All Too Late

Kathleen nodded in acknowledgement.

It wasn’t long before Richard arrived in the hospital room.

“You’re awake, Ms. Johnson. You barely avoided a lung infection caused by dehydration. I’d suggest you stay put for two more days for observation, just to be safe.”

“Is it mandatory?” Kathleen questioned with a grimace.

“But of course. You wouldn’t want to deal with complications from the flu,” Richard answered sternly in a tone that warranted no objection. “Rest well.”

He then turned to address Wynnie and Calvin who were at the corner. “Were either one of you aware of his eating habits? My diagnosis shows that his gastroenteritis was caused by irregular eating schedules.”

Wynnie wrung her hands in concern. “You know how stubborn he can be.”

“That boy is digging his own grave if he continues neglecting his health,” Richard announced baldly while Wynnie continued studying her son’s sickly pale features.

It was at that moment that Tyson strode into the room.

“Tyson, has Samuel been eating at all recently?” Wynnie questioned hurriedly.

“But of course. However, the food prepared was not up to his standard, insomuch that he barely consumed several morsels out of each meal. I tried convincing him but to no avail.”

“How is he such a picky eater?” Wynnie exclaimed in exasperation.

“I remember Mr. Macari enjoying the meal prepared by Ms. Johnson last time. He finished eating it.” Tyson darted a meaningful glance toward Samuel.

Wynnie crossed her arms. “Kathleen won’t always be around at his beck and call. He can jolly well learn to care for himself.”

Kathleen flushed at the sudden turn of events.

She recalled the time he completely devoured the plain oatmeal she prepared and felt an inexplicable surge of sympathy for Samuel.

Just then, Samuel began to stir, his eyes opening groggily.

Wynnie rushed toward her son. “Are you feeling any better? With the way you’re treating your body right now, you might as well be planning for an early death!”

“I’m fine, all right?”

“You’re as stubborn as a mule. Is eating such a harrowing ordeal? I wouldn’t have given birth to you if I’d known you’d turn out this way!” Wynnie’s anger was irrepressible.

Samuel chose to remain silent but discreetly directed a knife-sharp glare at Tyson.

God knows why you contacted Mom!

cold sweat

wouldn’t be staying in the same room as your wife right now if not for my quick

care less if you were to ruin yourself,” Wynnie huffed as she stalked out of the

his wife without a care in

up when Samuel

my head,” Samuel uttered while shutting his eyes, signaling the

brows in question

on that Tyson finally departed

breath and let his eyes wander over

voice disrupted his ruminations. “Why weren’t you

the petite woman, who was also dressed in a hospital gown, sitting at the edge of

this rooming arrangement was because the hospital was full, though I doubt the veracity of it,”

with a sea of roiling thoughts. “I’ve

Am I dreaming?

have agreed to this if I’d known.” It was Kathleen’s turn to stare at the ceiling. “Your parents were worried sick. Couldn’t you at

you?” asked Samuel instead of

a

Samuel dipped his head.

felt like he was

reached for his phone and tapped on the

me, Samuel. This was all Tyson’s idea. Richard had no plans of incurring the wrath of Samuel, hence he chose to place

and collected himself. “Are

But I still have to remain

days? Doesn’t this mean we’d

Samuel’s heart dropped.

of activity at their doorstep turned out to be the appearance of

gave Samuel a

your room for another,

you doing here,

that myself,” said Charles in bewilderment as

situation was entirely coincidental. The hospital was out of available

eyed Samuel

look. I was unconscious all this while

unconvinced. “Is that

to that. He was truly left

staying with that abominable man. “I’ll arrange for you to switch rooms right this instant. If there still aren’t any available, we’ll file

doctor advised against moving around too often due

forehead. “That production team be damned. Their entire team should be dismissed for such

and said soothingly, “Forget it. There’s nothing we