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

be staying in the same room as your wife right now if not for my

to ruin yourself,” Wynnie

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

about to speak up when Samuel cut him

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

his brows in question at

waved him on that Tyson finally departed from

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

ruminations. “Why weren’t you

dressed in a hospital gown, sitting at the edge of

rooming arrangement was because the hospital was

was churning with a sea of roiling thoughts.

Am I dreaming?

wouldn’t have agreed to this if I’d known.” It was Kathleen’s turn to stare at the ceiling. “Your parents were worried sick. Couldn’t you at least try to allay their

happened to you?” asked Samuel

had a

Samuel dipped his head.

still felt like

for his phone and tapped on the message notifications that

wrote: No need to thank me, Samuel. This was all Tyson’s idea. Richard had no plans of incurring the wrath of Samuel, hence he chose

put down his phone and collected

so. But I still have to remain admitted for two more days

days? Doesn’t this mean we’d

Samuel’s heart dropped.

turned out to be

and gave Samuel a dirty

must have mistaken your room for

you

said Charles in bewilderment

think. This peculiar situation was entirely coincidental. The hospital

eyed Samuel

that look. I was unconscious all this while

unconvinced. “Is that

was truly left in the dark just

“I’ll arrange for you to switch rooms right this instant. If there still aren’t

moving around too often

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

said soothingly, “Forget it. There’s nothing we can do