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!

wiped the cold sweat from

the same

ruin yourself,” Wynnie

as he hurried after his wife without a care in the world

up when Samuel cut him

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

his brows in

him on that Tyson finally departed from the

his eyes wander over

his ruminations. “Why weren’t you eating on

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

Zimmer claimed that this rooming arrangement was because the hospital was full, though I doubt

churning with a sea

Am I dreaming?

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

happened to you?” asked Samuel instead

had a really

Samuel dipped his head.

like he was

and tapped on the message notifications

plans of incurring

down his phone and collected himself. “Are you

so. But I still have to remain admitted for two

this mean

Samuel’s heart dropped.

of activity at their doorstep turned out to be the appearance

and gave Samuel

mistaken your room for

you doing here,

said Charles in bewilderment as

I swear it’s not what you think. This peculiar situation was entirely coincidental.

Charles eyed

that look. I was unconscious all this while and had just

unconvinced.

was truly left in the dark just like

you to switch

against moving around too often

against Kathleen’s forehead. “That production team be damned. Their entire

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