Val tried to sit up, raising his hand to take the bowl from the doctor.
"Doc. Let me eat by myself. After this, I'll take my medicine and go home. I guess you're busy today, too, right?" he asked.
Rio didn't move his hand, watching Val's trembling hand reach out. How could he hold a spoon and bowl in this condition? He smiled.
"It's no trouble at all. Just lie back and open your mouth. Don't get out of bed. Stay here until your fever breaks. I won't let you go home like this, and if you insist, I'll take you to the hospital. So, what's it going to be?"
Val was silent, finally lowering his weak hand. He had to admit, walking was out of the question. Even lifting his arm was exhausting. He'd probably collapse a couple of steps from the door. Val looked at the spoon of porridge, and reluctantly opened his mouth, letting the young doctor feed him.
"Eat as much as you can. I know your stomach's probably still upset. This new medication is strong, but it's proven effective in helping build new cells. At least until you get a donor, your body will be supported. Hang in there, Val, we'll find a donor," Rio said, noticing Val's lack of energy.
Rio lowered his hand. Val, determined to get better, finished the porridge, fighting back the urge to vomit. He placed the bowl on the bedside table and helped Val lie back down.
"Okay, now close your eyes. You can go home after your IV is finished. I promise I won't keep you here longer than necessary."
Val stared at the ceiling, silent and vacant. Rio pulled the blanket up to Val's chest. He was about to stand and leave Val to rest, but Val's expression suggested a lot was on his mind. Rio sat back down.
"Hey, what's bothering you? You were delirious all night, and, like I said, your condition isn't minor. It would be better if you had family or friends to support you. You can't keep hiding this any longer."
Val didn't answer, then slowly turned to Dr. Rio. He smiled.
"It's okay, Doc. Besides, I'm all alone, no family, no close friends. Hey, isn't this perfect? No one will be sad when I'm gone."
Rio's lips tightened, looking at Val for a moment.
"What do you mean, 'when you're gone'? Are you just giving up without putting a fight? Are you really going to just surrender like that? Besides, you have me. Consider me as one of your friend. And oh yeah, your phone has tons of messages and calls. I charged it, but I can't unlock the screen. It's definitely a lot of messages. Those are all from your friends, right? Who says you don't have friends?"
Val's eyes widened at Rio's words. He'd forgotten to update his boss; he must have been waiting up all night.
"Oh yeah, pardon me, Doc, but where's my phone now?" he asked.
Rio stood and headed for the door.
"One sec, I'll get it."
.....
Jason stood on his balcony, enjoying the fresh morning air with a cup of coffee, the steam still rising from its warmth flew in the air blended with the air. He was just about to lift the cup when his phone in his pocket, vibrated. Call from Val. He's been waiting for this and didn't wait to answer it.
"Val,"
"Boss,"
Jason took a deep breath and went inside.
"Hey, where have you been? Why didn't you answer my messages? Are you alright?" Jason asked anxiously.
Val was sitting on his bed. Rio finally opened the bedroom window, letting in the sunlight in. The sky was bright outside, it such a beautiful day. Rio widened the window. The fresh air blow in with the warm but a still cold wind inside. It felt so good, Val really wanted to go out for a morning workout with his boss, like they used to do before he got too sick.
"Forgive me, boss, my phone was off last night. I forgot to tell you I was staying at a friend's place. Um, I'll probably be back this evening."
"Oh, where is it? I can pick you up. I need to do some grocery shopping anyway."
"No need, boss, I can get home myself. My friend is not feeling well, so I'm helping him out for a bit. I'll be home alone this evening, boss. Thanks for the offer."
Jason took a deep breath. Val's voice sounded a little suspicious, but at least he'd heard from him. Jason nodded.
"Okay, then. Let me know if you need anything."
Rio moved closer and sat back down beside the bed as Val put his phone back on the table.
"Are you not going to tell him anything? If you don't want him to know anything about your condition, you can't stay at his place for much longer. Val, if your condition keeps worsening, you'll have to start the treatment, and when that happens, everyone will know you're not well. You don't have much choice left"
Rio's words left Val silent, staring out the window for a long time. He imagined himself standing under the beautiful sun, with the bright sky and fluffy white clouds. But, can he do that again? Can he still embrace the sun like he always did?
"At first, I thought I deserved it, have someone to like me, to have that kind of affection and attention to me. But Doc, do I? I'd be so selfish dragging someone else into my life story. This is, not something, that you can share with people around you"
Rio pulled his lips into a thin line, watching Val stare out the window.
"Why do you think like that? Is expecting to be loved by someone else selfish? Don't you think about what others think, who might feel the same way about you? Have you ever asked? How do you know?," Rio took a deep breath.
Rio take a deep breath, and patted Val's hand.
"For the person I love, I'd do anything, even if it means suffering with them, it would be so much more valuable than nothing at all. So, your life isn't just your own, Val, you have to remember that."
Val didn't respond, just stayed silent.
Rio patted Val's shoulder.
"Okay then, do whatever you want to do. I'll go out for a bit to get some food and drinks from the mini-market downstairs. Just lie down, close your eyes, and try to sleep, okay?" Rio helped Val lay his head back down.
Val turned his head, slightly nod.
"Yeah, thank you, Doc. Forgive me for taking your time. I shouldn't have to drag you in my problem"
Rio pulled his lips into a thin line.
"I told you not to keep saying that,"
Val smiled as Rio ruffled his hair.
"He, yes Doc, sorry."
"This kid,"