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

of showing your appreciation. You wouldn’t be staying in the same room as your

ruin yourself,” Wynnie

after his wife without

up when

to clear my head,” Samuel uttered

brows in question

when she waved him on that

in a breath and let his eyes wander over the stark ceiling,

ruminations. “Why weren’t

looked askance at the petite woman, who was also dressed in a hospital gown, sitting at the

the hospital was full, though I doubt the veracity of it,” said

churning with a sea of roiling

Am I dreaming?

known.” It was Kathleen’s turn to stare at the ceiling. “Your parents were worried sick. Couldn’t you at least try to allay their

to you?” asked Samuel instead of answering her

a really high

Samuel dipped his head.

felt like he

reached for his phone and tapped on the message notifications

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

his phone and collected himself. “Are you

suppose so. But I still have to remain admitted

days? Doesn’t this mean we’d

Samuel’s heart dropped.

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

gave Samuel

mistaken your room

you doing

that myself,” said Charles in bewilderment as his eyes darted between Samuel

you think. This peculiar situation was entirely coincidental. The hospital was out of available rooms, so

eyed

give me that look. I was unconscious all this

unconvinced. “Is that

truly

sister 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 for a transfer

against moving around too often due to my pneumonia,”

palm against Kathleen’s forehead. “That production

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