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

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

ruin yourself,” Wynnie huffed as she

after his wife

about to speak up when

space to clear my head,” Samuel uttered while shutting his eyes, signaling the end of

his brows in

when she waved him on that Tyson finally departed from the

his eyes wander

voice disrupted his ruminations. “Why weren’t you eating

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

Zimmer claimed that this rooming arrangement was because the hospital was

mind was churning with a sea of roiling thoughts. “I’ve no

Am I dreaming?

at the ceiling. “Your parents were worried sick. Couldn’t you at least try to allay their fears by taking

to you?” asked Samuel instead of answering

had a really high

Samuel dipped his head.

still felt like he was

on

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

and

remain

days? Doesn’t this mean we’d both

Samuel’s heart dropped.

of activity at their doorstep turned

and gave

must have mistaken your room for another,

are you doing

myself,” said Charles in bewilderment

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

Charles eyed Samuel

I was unconscious all this while and had

unconvinced. “Is that

to that. He was truly left in

his sister staying with that abominable man. “I’ll arrange for you to switch rooms

around too often

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

said soothingly, “Forget