Divorce Anxiety
Chapter 120

Kathleen nodded in acknowledgement.it wasn't long before Richard arrived in the hospitalroom."You're awake, Ms. Johnson. You barely avoided a lung infection caused by dehydration. I'dsuggest you stay put for two more days for observation, just to be safe.”Is it mandatory?” Kathleenquestioned with a grimace.”But of course. You wouldn't want to deal with complications from theflu,” Richard answered sternly in a tone that warranted no objection. “Rest well."He then turned toaddress Wynnie and Calvin who were at the corner. “Were either one of you aware of his eatinghabits? My diagnosis shows that his gastroenteritis was caused by irregular eatingschedules."Wynnie wrung her hands in concern. “You know how stubborn he can be.”That boy isdigging his own grave if he continues neglecting his health,” Richard announced baldly whileWynnie continued studying her son's sickly pale features.It was at that moment that Tyson strodeinto the room."Tyson, has Samuel been eating at all recently?” Wynnie questioned hurriedly.”But ofcourse. However, the food prepared was not up to his standard, insomuch that he barely consumedseveral morsels out of each meal. I tried convincing him but to no avail.”"How is he such a pickyeater?” Wynnie exclaimed in exasperation.”l remember Mr. Macari enjoying the meal prepared byMs. Johnson last time. He finished eating it.” Tyson darted a meaningful glance towardSamuel.Wynnie crossed her arms. “Kathleen won't always be around at his beck and call. He canjolly well learn to care for himself."Kathleen flushed at the sudden turn of events.She recalled thetime he completely devoured the plain oatmeal she prepared and felt an inexplicable surge ofsympathy for Samuel. Just then, Samuel began to stir, his eyes opening groggily.Wynnie rushedtoward her son. “Are you feeling any better? With the way you're treating your body right now, youmight as well be planning for an early death!"”I'm fine, all right?"“You're as stubborn as a mule. Iseating such a harrowing ordeal? I wouldn't have given birth to you if I'd known you'd turn out thisway!” 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! Tyson wiped the cold sweat from hisbrow.What a way of showing your appreciation. You wouldn't be staying in the same room as yourwife right now if not for my quick thinking.”Suit yourself! I couldn't care less if you were to ruinyourself,” Wynnie huffed as she stalked out of the room."Darling, wait up!” trailed Calvin as hehurried after his wife without a care in the world for Samuel.Tyson was about to speak up whenSamuel cut him off.“You should leave too. I need some space to clear my head,” Samuel utteredwhile shutting his eyes, signaling the end of their conversation.Tyson cocked his brows in questionat Kathleen.It was only when she waved him on that Tyson finally departed from the room.Samuelsucked in a breath and let his eyes wander over the stark ceiling, deep in thought.Kathleen's voicedisrupted his ruminations. “Why weren't you eating on time?"Samuel looked askance at the petitewoman, who was also dressed in a hospital gown, sitting at the edge of her bed.”Dr. Zimmerclaimed that this rooming arrangement was because the hospital was full, though I doubt theveracity of it,” said Kathleen.Samuel's mind was churning with a sea of roiling thoughts. “I've noidea.” Am I dreaming?“l wouldn't have agreed to this if I'd known.” It was Kathleen's turn to stare atthe ceiling. “Your parents were worried sick. Couldn't you at least try to allay their fears by takinggood care of yourself?"“What happened to you?” asked Samuel instead of answering her question.”had a really high fever.”Samuel dipped his head.It still felt like he was dreaming.He reached for hisphone and tapped on the message notifications that were popping up.Richard wrote: No need tothank me, Samuel. This was all Tyson's idea. Richard had no plans of incurring the wrath of Samuel,hence he chose to place the blame on Tyson the scapegoat.Samuel put down his phone andcollected himself. “Are you feeling better?””I suppose so. But I still have to remain admitted for twomore days just in case.”Two days? Doesn't this mean we'd both be...Samuel’'s heart dropped.Thebuzz of activity at their doorstep turned out to be the appearance of Charles.He strode in and gaveSamuel a dirty look.”l must have mistaken your room for another, my apologies.”*What are youdoing here, Charles?"“I could ask you that myself,” said Charles in bewilderment as his eyes dartedbetween Samuel and Kathleen.”l know what this looks like, but I swear it's not what you think. Thispeculiar situation was entirely coincidental. The hospital was out of available rooms, so we had tocompromise,” Kathleen elaborated.”Really?” Charles eyed Samuel dubiously."Don’t give me thatlook. I was unconscious all this while and had just woken shortly before your arrival.”Charles wasunconvinced. “Is that so?"”I can testify to that. He was truly left in the dark just like myself."Charlescouldn't stand the thought of his sister staying with that abominable man. “I'll arrange for you toswitch rooms right this instant. If there still aren't any available, we'll file for a transfer to anotherhospital.”“The doctor advised against moving around too often due to my pneumonia,” Kathleenexplained.”That sounds serious.” Charles held his palm against Kathleen's forehead. “Thatproduction team be damned. Their entire team should be dismissed for such negligence!"Kathleenheld on to her brother's hand and said soothingly, “Forget it. There's nothing we can do aboutit."Charles was drowning in guilt. “I'm so sorry, dear sister. It's my fault for not having taken care ofyou well enough. That's it. We'll be withdrawing from the show. I'll cover the penalty for breakingthe contract, so don't you worry.”“Get ahold of yourself. With the state I'm in, I'm not fit for work.You'd have to make arrangements with the production team to search for a replacement.””I've gotthis.” Charles ruffled Kathleen's hair affectionately. “Rest well and recuperate after you're discharged.I'll handle the new script for the production.” Actually... I sort of agreed to star in the show Samuelinvested in,” muttered Kathleen sheepishly.Charles’ jaw dropped. “Please tell me you'rekidding.""Come on, Charles. Samuel invested his time and money in this. All I have to do is film.There's a cut out of the remuneration to boot.”"Our household is far better off than you think.”Charles side-eyed Samuel. “How much was it exactly?”“I don't need the money,” Samuel repliedstonily.”Stop coveting my sister! If it's revealed that you intentionally arranged all this, your days arenumbered,” Charles barked."l honestly have no clue what's going on right now,” Samuel

replied. Hmph!Charles averted his gaze back to Kathleen and handed her a lunchbox. “I've broughtyou my signature oatmeal. Eat it while it's still warm.“ Thank you! I'm absolutely famished.” Kathleennodded.”l knew you'd love it. There's also your favorite Ratatouille for when you're done with that.”Charles smiled tenderly at Kathleen Kathleen felt like a child opening presents on Christmasday.Samuel gazed thoughtfully at Kathleen.Her gentleness was truly the result of her tender andloving upbringing.”Do you happen to have more of this?” Kathleen glanced over at Samuel andwondered out loud while savoring Charles’ cooking."This is all I've got.” Charles stared suspiciouslyat her.”I'm pretty sure there's more in that bag over there,” Kathleen coaxed.”What are youplanning?” Charles’ eyes narrowed in question."Why not make some for Samuel? We're roommatesafter all...”"As if!” Charles folded his arms and refused to look Kathleen in the eye.Over my deadbody!“Only my brother-in-law is worthy of this. Who exactly is he, pray tell?” Charles remarkeddisdainfully.