Chapter: The Waiting Room & Cirrhosis Diagnosis
John sighed in defeat, his gaze drifting across the few waiting patients. Though there weren't many, it felt crowded enough to make him restless. All he wanted was a reason to check on Tina, who had been ignoring his calls and messages—her silence gnawed at him, filling him with suspicion.
But Joseph wasn't the type to entertain idle chatter. Minutes wasted weren't an option, especially not after John's bloody nose incident earlier. Though John had insisted it was just from overworking, Joseph had dragged him straight to the examination center without a second thought.
John clicked his tongue, irritated. His plan to sneak a glance at Tina had completely backfired.
"Joseph, I'm fine," he murmured, rubbing his temples as a headache throbbed behind his eyes.
"John, you need a full examination, not just an injection," Joseph replied, his tone flat, though his mind replayed the image of blood streaming down John's face.
John's usually serious and aloof demeanor softened, almost childlike, as Joseph's gaze landed on the tissue still stuck in his nostril. He suppressed a laugh, forcing a tight smile.
"I need to use the men's room," John said awkwardly, noticing Joseph's lips twitch with annoyance.
"I'm not a baby. I can go myself," Joseph replied sharply, already striding toward the corner.
"I also want to use the men's room," John said, standing nearby. Joseph shook his head but didn't argue.
Moments later, John's number was called by the nurse.
"Here," he said subconsciously.
"Please, this way," the middle-aged man gestured, and John followed with a tight-lipped sigh.
Meanwhile, Joseph stepped out of the men's room and accidentally bumped into someone.
"Sorry!" he said quickly, pausing as his eyes landed on Tina.
"Tina!" he blurted.
"It's alright," she replied, not sparing him a glance, walking past.
Joseph frowned. Why is she here? He knew John well enough—Tina wouldn't be involved in anything embarrassing without his consent.
His attention shifted as a small girl, dressed like Mickey Mouse, ran toward Tina, calling, "Mummy!" Tina bent down, brushing the sweat from the girl's forehead. They held hands and disappeared around a corner, leaving Joseph baffled.
Could she be John's child? Impossible… he and Tina started dating three years ago. A niece? No… nieces don't call people 'Mummy' like that. He sighed, rubbing his temples. It wasn't his place to tell John—for now, he would handle it himself.
The moment John stepped out of the examination room, his irritation had vanished, leaving only disbelief and emptiness in his eyes. He stared at the sheet of paper, then at the ceiling, whispering to himself:
"How?"
The doctor's words echoed in his mind:
"You're extremely lucky to have come for a checkup. Cirrhosis is a deadly disease, but it can be controlled with the right treatment. I'll prescribe medication, and it's best if you return in two days to discuss further treatment."
John tried to comfort himself. At least it's not HLV or ALDS. But the thought felt hollow. Even imagining Tina cheating seemed easier to bear than the reality of a deadly liver disease.
"I'm so tired… I just want to sleep," he murmured, noticing Joseph asleep in the waiting room, being gently poked by a child no older than six.
Glancing at his phone, he frowned. 12:56… I've been in there that long? He walked over to Joseph, who kicked his legs in irritation.
"Wake up, it's time to leave," John said, tugging at Joseph's ear.
"Ouch!" Joseph yelped, startling the child, who ran into Tina's arms nearby.
"What's your problem?" John snapped, but Joseph ignored him, eyes glued to the examination sheet.
John muttered under his breath, "Isn't that a bit rude?" and sat down quietly. Joseph scrolled through medical details on his phone, then snapped sharply:
"No need to worry about me… Alcohol? Do you want to kill yourself? I've warned you countless times, yet you kept drinking—almost to your deathbed!"
John clenched his teeth, burning with embarrassment and anger. He wanted to lash out, but Joseph's sheer boldness left him unable to act. Silently, he plotted revenge as Joseph continued, indifferent to the glances from other patients.
"Sir, please! This is a hospital!" a nurse finally shouted.
Joseph blinked, sheepish. "Sorry! Sorry!" He grabbed John by the collar, dragging him upright, and led him toward the exit.
John wondered again why he had hired Joseph in the first place.
In the car, silence fell like a heavy blanket, even for John, who usually enjoyed quiet moments.
"Let's head to the pharmacy to get your medications," Joseph said. John nodded, too tired to argue.
"You aren't going to die," Joseph continued. "Your grandmother may have succumbed to cirrhosis, but you won't. As long as you follow the treatment, you'll be fine."
John bit his lips, pretending to sleep to avoid the conversation. I'm not as weak as she was… I hope… I really hope.
Joseph sighed, torn. Taking John home alone could cause a scene, but leaving him unsupervised wasn't ideal either.
How unlucky—first Tina, now cirrhosis, Joseph thought, shaking his head. Yet he held onto hope for John's recovery. As for Tina, he decided it was better to handle what he had seen himself rather than burden his friend.
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