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

appreciation. You wouldn’t be staying in the same

ruin yourself,” Wynnie huffed as she stalked out of the

wait up!” trailed Calvin as he hurried after his wife without a

about to speak up when Samuel cut

too. I need some space to clear my head,” Samuel uttered while shutting his eyes, signaling the

brows in question at

was only when she waved him on that Tyson finally departed from the

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

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

dressed in a hospital gown, sitting at the

arrangement was because the hospital was full, though I doubt the

was churning with a sea of roiling thoughts. “I’ve

Am I dreaming?

at the ceiling. “Your parents were worried sick. Couldn’t you

you?” asked Samuel

a really

Samuel dipped his head.

still felt like he

for his phone and tapped on the message notifications that

This was all Tyson’s idea. Richard had no plans of incurring the wrath of Samuel, hence

phone and collected himself. “Are you feeling

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

days? Doesn’t this mean

Samuel’s heart dropped.

buzz of activity at their doorstep turned

strode in and gave Samuel

have mistaken your room for another, my

are you

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

looks like, but I swear it’s not what you think. This peculiar situation was entirely coincidental. The hospital was out of available rooms, so

eyed

all this while and

unconvinced. “Is that

can testify to that. He was truly left in

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

too

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

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