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

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

yourself! I couldn’t care less if you were to ruin yourself,” Wynnie huffed as

his wife without

was about to speak up when Samuel

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

his brows in question at

waved him on that Tyson finally

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

“Why weren’t you eating

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

rooming arrangement was because the hospital 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 fears by taking good care

to you?” asked Samuel instead

a really

Samuel dipped his head.

still felt like

on the message notifications that were popping

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

put down his phone and collected himself.

to remain admitted for two more days

Doesn’t this mean we’d

Samuel’s heart dropped.

doorstep turned out to be the

gave

mistaken your room

you doing

you that myself,” said Charles in bewilderment as

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

eyed Samuel

look. I was unconscious all this while

unconvinced. “Is

truly left in

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

against moving around too often

sounds serious.” Charles held his palm against Kathleen’s forehead. “That production team be damned.

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