THE STUPENDOUS MAN

WHEN IT'S TOO LATE

❌ Do not copy or share on any platform ❌

WHEN IT’S TOO LATE

Rowan entered the corporal’s office. The office was not large, but it was beautiful. It had a desk, chairs and pictures were hanging on different walls of the office. One of the pictures was a picture of the president of the USA. He was dressed in a black suit, a red tie and a black hat.

Rowan was putting on only a pair of boxer shorts and his ribs were almost seen through his fair-skinned skin, though his skin appeared tried. Rowan was so surprised to see the driver sitting close to the corporal.

“Here is he…”

“Alright. You can return to your post at work.”

“Thank you, corporal!” the officer saluted and left the office.

“Rowan…, am I right?”

“Yes, sir,” Rowan said, gazing at the insignia on the corporal’s uniform.

“Mr. Miles has bailed you from our custody.”

“Mr. Miles?”

“Don’t you know him?”

“Yes, sir.”

“This man…” the corporal said, pointing at the driver.”

“You did? Thank you, sir!” Rowan said with tears.

“You don’t have to cry,” Miles said.

“Leave him alone, Miles. It’s a tear of joy.”

“You are right, sir…,” Miles said with a smile.

“Actually, Mr. Miles came here and told us everything that happened.”

“Mr. Miles, you did?”

“Yes, Mr. Rowan. I am sorry for everything you have passed through because of me. Please, forgive me.”

“I have forgiven you.” Rowan smiled.

“And you should forgive the police too for wrong accusation,” the corporal said and raised his eyelashes.

“Come over that, sir,” Rowan said and everyone laughed.

“Go get your clothes from the police.” These were the corporal’s last words before Rowan left the office.

Rowan left the police station at exactly 6:50 pm. He rode in Miles’ car to the hospital. He thanked Miles and alighted from the car. When he got to doctor Jasper’s office, he met him sipping a mugful of coffee. As soon as Dr. Jasper saw him, he dropped his mug on the table and ordered him to sit down.

“Thank you, sir…” Rowan said with a smile before he sat down on a chair.

“Do you have the money with you now?”

“Yes, sir. It’s right inside my pocket,” Rowan said, pointing to his pocket.

“What kept you so long?”

“I was accused wrongly and taken to the police station. Thank God who delivered me. All through my stay in the police station, my mind was there.”

“I see…” “I am sorry for what you passed through in the police station.”

“Thank you, sir,” Rowan replied sharply. He removed the money from his pocket and put it on the table.

“It’s not necessary again…” the doctor said.

“What do you mean?” “Can my son walk with his natural legs now?”

“You have to be a man.”

“What do you mean?” “Doctor, talk to me,” Rowan said. He was already shivering. He fixed his gaze on the doctor’s mouth and hoped to hear some good news.

“We lost him,” the doctor said slowly. He wished Rowan would have a heart to receive the sad news.

“We lost who?”

“Emmett,” the doctor said, adjusting his eyeglasses.

“My son?” Rowan said, as if he was reminiscing.

“Yeah,” the doctor said with a nod.

“How?” Rowan said. Tears rolled down his face and dropped on the table. Dr. Jasper felt sorry for Rowan. He knew no man would love to bury his son. He was so sorry that there was nothing they could do to save the innocent boy from death.

“A nurse rushed to my office and told me that Emmett was breathing profusely. He had already died before we got to his room. I guess he died of severe pain. The pain must be too much for his age,” the doctor said with pity. He was gazing at Rowan’s face in order to see Rowan’s reaction.

“This can’t be true. Tell me I am dreaming, doctor. I came in when it was already late,” Rowan screamed. He hit his two hands on the table and it made an unpleasant sound. Dr. Rowan wouldn’t have told Rowan everything that happened if Rowan were a woman, because he believed women’s hearts can’t carry bad news.

Doctor Jasper stood up gently from the chair. He picked up the money and moved closer to Rowan. He dropped the money right in front of Rowan. He touched Rowan on the back and said, “Rowan, I know it’s not easy to lose an only child, but there is a reason for everything on earth. God knows why he allows the devil to punish us sometimes. When God intervenes, he turns problems into blessings. Therefore, I want you to see the death of Emmett as a blessing in disguise.”

“A blessing indeed. I could have strangled your daughter too,” Rowan said angrily.

“I am sorry if my words didn’t find a place in your heart.” Doctor Jasper stopped standing with arms akimbo. He walked in the direction of his seat and sat down.

“Why is life unfair to me?”

“Life rotates, man. Tomorrow, it could bring you good news.”

“Are you trying to motivate me?”

“That’s what you need now.”

“That’s if those words can perform the miracle of resurrecting my son,” Rowan said and cried the more.

“Those tears will cause you a headache. What do you expect your wife to do?” “You are a man for crying out loud.”

“A man without a son again. Where are Emmett’s remains?”

“In the mortuary.” “The remains need to be embalmed,” the doctor added.

“I want to see the face of my son,” Rowan pleaded.

“That’s not possible. A parent shouldn’t see the face of his dead child. That’s a long-term tradition.”