The Wake up Universe

The Reality, indeed

I opened my eyes and saw a familiar ceiling. Am I in my room? How about Celeste?

“Celeste... Ugh,” I feel like my head is about to c***k open.

“Ease up young man. You were out for like a whole day. I almost called an ambulance.” My eyes followed that voice. It was my mom.

“What happened, Mom?” I asked, still groaning.

“You passed out after drinking. And yeah, drowning yourself in liquor after your break up with Celeste,” she answered nonchalantly.

“I need to go and see her,” I said in a low tone.

“Finally, Alex. Wash and don’t forget all your alcohol and facemasks stuff.” Mom ordered and went out of my room.

I did as I was told. I wanted to look neat and presentable to Celeste.

I went to the hospital where Celeste is working. It seems like she’s not around the emergency room. Hmm.

I was about to head out to the garden when I heard Celeste’s voice at the fire exit.

“Dr. Wyatt, why can’t we accept the patient? He’s negative on the test. He doesn’t have the virus. Maybe it is not the virus but he needs immediate medical attention” Celeste said.

“I know Ms. Amar, but I am expecting another patient, so I can’t just give beds to random patients. You know that we have a shortage of rooms,” the voice said.

“Excuse me? Dr. Wyatt, this is discrimination. Why are you prioritizing a patient that is yet to be examined? Your patients are always those in the higher class that treat themselves as VIPs!” Celeste shouted.

“Ms. Amar, I’m warning you. Do not question my decision and turn down that patient. We don’t have enough room to spare for their likes.” the voice answered.

I dialed my friend’s number, Jules. He’s the director of the hospital. I never mentioned this to Celeste because she might think that she got the job because of me, which is not.

“What’s happening here?” I intervened as I opened the door widely. Celeste looked shocked by my sudden intervention.

“Who are you? This is an off-limits place,” the other doctor said.

“Did you just say you can’t accept a patient because you are expecting another one?” I clarified.

“Whoever you are, this is none of your business. Doctors like me have our reasons,” he said.

“Hello, Jules. I didn’t know that you were handling your hospital like this. Prioritizing fake VIPS? That sucks man.” I said over the phone.

“Get his name Alex. Fck, I’m so tired and stressed with doctors like him,” Jules said while on a loudspeaker.

“Fck, is that Director Samuel?” the doctor cursed.

“Yes, this is him speaking. If you want to live a longer life, get your a*s here in my office.” Jules answered. The doctor hurriedly went out of the fire exit, leaving me and Celeste alone.

A long silence started to take over the awkwardness in this space.

“So Celeste, how about you study and look for an end to this pandemic?” I asked her awkwardly.

Her lips slowly drew into a smile.