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 from

showing your appreciation. You wouldn’t be staying in the same room as your wife right now

to ruin yourself,”

hurried after his wife without a care in the world for

about to speak up

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

brows in question

him on that Tyson

in a breath and let his eyes wander over the stark

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

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

arrangement was because the hospital was

churning with a sea

Am I dreaming?

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

happened to you?” asked Samuel

had a

Samuel dipped his head.

like he was

and tapped on

had no plans of incurring the wrath of Samuel, hence he chose to place the blame

and collected himself. “Are you feeling

to remain admitted for two more days just in

days? Doesn’t this mean

Samuel’s heart dropped.

activity at their doorstep turned

in and gave Samuel a dirty

mistaken your room for another,

are you doing here,

said Charles in bewilderment as his eyes darted between

think. This peculiar situation was entirely coincidental. The hospital was out of available rooms, so we had to compromise,” Kathleen

Charles eyed

unconscious all this while and had just woken

unconvinced.

was truly left in

for you to switch rooms right this instant. If there still aren’t

around too often

serious.” Charles held his palm against Kathleen’s forehead. “That production team be damned. Their entire team should be dismissed

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