By this time, the hospital’s curfew had long passed, but since it was New Year’s, the hospital was lively, filled with an atmosphere of finding joy amidst hardship.
Jaquan and Callie arrived at the ward door and saw everyone inside sitting together watching TV, with sunflower seeds and candies on the table.
The three hospital beds made the room feel crowded.
Most of the people lying in the beds were bald and had pale faces.
Jaquan walked straight to the third bed and smiled, “You must be Elisha’s wife.”
Callie followed.
The sudden appearance of such a handsome and polite young man startled Elisha’s wife. She quickly stood up, “Yes, I am. And you are…?”
“I’m Elisha’s boss. The project is finished, so I came to wish him a Happy New Year.” He placed the gifts on the table.
The middle-aged woman, weathered by life, smiled, her wrinkles becoming more evident. “You are very thoughtful to find us here, but unfortunately, Elisha went out. He should be back soon.”
She seemed in good spirits, but Callie felt immense sorrow and nearly cried again.
“Boss, please sit.” The boy lying in bed helped to greet them.
He looked about sixteen or seventeen years old. Due to his illness, he was extremely thin, but his smile was warm, showing no sign of despair.
“My dad will be back soon.”
Elisha’s wife busied herself, “You see, we don’t have decent tea here to entertain you. I’m sorry for the rude welcome.”
“I don’t drink tea.” Jaquan stopped her. “Could you step outside with me for a moment? I have something to ask you to tell Elisha.”
Mindful of the child present, he spoke very tactfully.
The woman’s previously happy expression faltered when she sensed Jaquan’s seriousness. She looked up and exchanged a glance with Callie, noticing something was wrong and showing a hint of panic.
Jaquan led her out. Callie didn’t follow; she didn’t want to witness the cruel scene.
The boy saw her stay and enthusiastically offered her some candy, “Happy New Year, Miss.”
Callie’s heart was full of sorrow. She forced a smile and took one piece, “Thank you.”
She sat down, “How old are you this year?”
“I’ll be eighteen after the New Year.”
It was the prime of youth. Other eighteen-year-olds were at home having a reunion dinner with their families, but he could only spend it in a cramped hospital room.
“It’s a great age. Things will get better.”
The boy looked dejected at her words, “Will it? I don’t want to burden my parents anymore.”
Choking up, the candy slid down her throat, making Callie cough violently.
The boy was startled and quickly poured her some water. When she looked up, her face was covered in tears. “Miss…”
Callie’s eyes were red. She shook her head, “It’s nothing, just a cough.”
She then held the boy’s hand, “It will get better. It definitely will.”
At such a beautiful age, suffering from a severe illness and losing his father-how could he endure it?
Callie couldn’t imagine.
She walked out of the ward and didn’t see Jaquan until she had walked some distance. Suddenly, she heard a woman’s sobbing voice. Turning her head, she saw Elisha’s wife collapsed on the ground in the dim hallway, crying uncontrollably.
Her breakdown clearly indicated she had learned everything.
The man stood nearby with no expression on his face. His fingertips glowed red as he smoked one cigarette after another.
After what seemed like a long time, he finally spoke, “How much money do you want? Scott Group can give it.”