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!

the cold sweat

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

couldn’t care less if you were to ruin yourself,” Wynnie huffed

his wife without a care

speak up when Samuel cut

my head,” Samuel uttered while

brows in question at

when she waved him on that Tyson finally departed from the

eyes

“Why weren’t you

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

the hospital was

sea of

Am I dreaming?

to this if I’d known.” It was Kathleen’s turn to stare at the ceiling. “Your parents were worried sick.

you?” asked Samuel instead

a really

Samuel dipped his head.

still felt like

reached for his phone and tapped on

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

put down his phone and collected

I still have to remain admitted for two more days just in

this mean we’d both

Samuel’s heart dropped.

turned out

in and gave Samuel a

must have mistaken your room for another,

you

could ask you that myself,” said Charles in bewilderment as his eyes darted

what you think. This peculiar situation was

eyed Samuel

look. I was unconscious all this while and had just

unconvinced.

can testify to that. He was truly left in the dark just like

for you to switch rooms right this instant. If there still aren’t any available, we’ll file for a transfer to another

advised against moving around too often due

forehead. “That production team

to her brother’s hand and said soothingly, “Forget it.