Chapter 10: An Unexpected Meet
Fortunately, his device was within an arm's length and although he wasn't audible nor coherent, a quick dial brought the hotel management and emergency services to his suite.
He was administered first aid by means of an Automated External Defibrillator and then he was rushed to the hospital.
However, the hospital couldn't treat him efficiently either as his medical records were not available. All they could do was provide immediate stabilization and collaborate with air ambulances, in order to make arrangements for specialized transportation, equipped with necessary medical equipment and staff and fly him back to Australia.
Kingsley was operated on and it was successful. He joined his family company after full recovery and started making waves as a businessman and later as a CEO.
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PRESENT DAY
At Kings County Hospital Centre, Kingsley has an appointment with the esteemed Professor Wesley for a full body check up. He has to know what is going on with his heart and why it keeps palpitating recently.
"Mr Kingsley Wills, I am happy to inform you that you're perfectly well and nothing is wrong with your heart." Professor Wesley stated after his thorough examination of Kingsley, while making reference to the medical imaging device, MRI/CT scan viewer in front of him.
"Here," the professor continued, pointing at the image of Kingsley's transplanted heart on the monitor. "Your echocardiogram shows normal left ventricular function, no signs of hypertrophy or dilation, normal valve function, optimal cardiac output and no evidence of ischemia or infarction."
"In summary, your heart is doing alright, it is pumping as it should and your heart rate is normal as well." Professor Wesley concluded.
Kingsley, who had leaned forward to peer at the image of his heart and also listen attentively to Professor wesysley, sat back in his chair and narrowed his eyes in contemplation.
"If nothing is wrong with my transplanted heart, why then am I having palpitations and trouble sleeping?" Kingsley asked, looking confused.
"Well, sometimes, emotional health can impact physical health."
"What are you trying to say?"
Professor Wesley cleared his throat as if to indicate the sensitivity of the questions he is about to ask.
"Can you tell me about your stress levels, anxiety or feeling of sadness? Have you experienced any significant life changes or losses?"
What does that have to do with anything?" Kingsley shrugged, unwilling to answer the questions.
"I suspect your condition might be related to emotional factors. And if it is, then you need to consult a therapist..."
"I do not need a shrink." Kingsley cuts in impatiently, getting ready to end the consultation and leave the doctor's office.
"Do not be ignorant Mr Wills, seeking help from a therapist is a sign of strength, not weakness. Think of it as taking care of your mental well being just like you take care of your physical health." Professor Wesley lectured a bit to persuade Kingsley but the latter rose to his feet and left the office after an abbreviated thank you and goodbye to Professor Wesley.
"Here's a cup of coffee sir." Hardy offered, handing a steaming cup of brewed coffee to Kingsley as soon as he got to the reception, where Hardy had been waiting for him.
Kingsley collected the coffee and took a sip. "I'll be right back, wait here." He excused himself, returning the coffee to Hardy and made his way to the rest room.
Entering the male rest room and approaching the sink,he noticed a little boy standing on a step stool, washing his hands and humming a tune.
Standing beside the boy and washing his hands too, the boy looked up and locked eyes with him. A bright smile spread across his face.
"Hi mister, would you like a wiping towel?" The little boy asked, holding out a small, clean, white towel to Kingsley.
"Yes, thank you," Kingsley replied, taking the towel from him and wiping his wet hands with it. "And you are?"
"My name is Liam Emerson. I have four years but I have been living here since I was a year old. I can tell you are a visitor here because I haven't seen you before."
"Wow" Kingsley breathed surprised by Liam's lengthy introduction. "My name is Kingsley Wills, I came here for a physical examination. Why have you been here that long Liam?"
"I have a heart problem," Liam answered, unbuttoning the top part of his flower shirt to reveal a Holter monitor battery placed there. "But I am going to be cured now. My mom said so."
Kingsley stared at the battery glued to the little boy's chest and images of his little self flooded his mind. The loneliness, alienation, inability to make friends but Martha...….
After a while, he blinks and recollects himself, he bends toward the little boy and offers some words of encouragement.
"Liam, you're a superhero with a special heart. You're strong and brave and you are not alone. Trust me, I know it can be overwhelming and scary sometimes but I am sure you have amazing doctors and family taking care of you," Kingsley spoke with utmost sincerity in his eyes, gazing affectionately at the young boy, knowing well what he must be going through, feeling different from the other kids.
Liam stares blankly at Kingsley, confused and wondering why the weird guy is taking a stranger's heart problem personally and being overly compassionate towards him.
"And you must know that although your heart might need extra care, that does not stop you from playing, laughing and having fun. Do you understand little boy?" Kingsley concluded wanting to be sure Liam understood his words.
"Yes" Liam replied, still looking lost.
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Louisa had been keeping Liam's company since she returned from work. But she had to excuse herself from the room for a few minutes to attend to an official call.
When she returned, she found the room empty and reckoned Liam probably took a stroll down the hall.
She went in search of him. After all, he had been told not to over exert his heart prior to his surgery.
Walking down the hall and looking frantically around, Louisa got the shock of her life when she saw her son, Liam walking hand in hand beside Kingsley.