Embracing Uncertainty

CHAPTER 3 - Knowing Him

Upon arrival back to the hospital, I quickly approached the nurse that just exited the room wherein the chinky guy was checked.

"Hi! I'm the one who brought the patient inside this room. I'd just like to ask the results of the tests"

"Hello, Ma'am. We found out that he has bruises on his ribs which explains the blood stains on his shirt. Internally, there's no damages incurred but the doctor suggested that he stays here for 2 days so we can check up on him from time to time. Other than that, he's good," the nurse replied.

"Thank you for letting me know. Can I speak to the doctor, please?"

"Sorry, Ma'am. But the doctor is currently taking rounds to the other patients. If you're not in a hurry, I'll inform him to go back here after he's done."

"No problem, thank you!"

"You're welcome, Ma'am. If there's anything else that you need, please press the read button on the side of the hospital bed. I'll take my leave now," with a bow, the nurse turned around and took her leave.

I made my way to the chinky guy's room and saw that he's deep into slumber. He looks like an innocent child with his long lashes and lips slightly parted.

As I checked the time, I instantly panicked as it's already 2:30pm and I still have work to do!

Shit. I'm so dead. I'm about to have a conference call in 15 minutes and I'm still here at the hospital.

With that in mind, I quickly sent a message to my Creative Director and asked if he could take over. Thank God he instantly replied!

Me being this helpful has made me forget about my job for a moment and I don't know what to feel right now. 

To be honest, I'm glad that this guy is already fine but I still have other responsibilities to take care of. I didn't bring my laptop with me and working on my phone would be hard for me especially if I have to check some insight reports.

I don't know how long it would take me to get out of here though I just wish that I can go home soon.

"Miss... Miss... Miss..."

I've been hearing a soothing voice calling out someone for a moment and I jolted up on my sit when I realized that I fell asleep while waiting.

"Hey, you're awake. How are you feeling?" I asked without making eye contact and checking if I have saliva stains on the corners of my mouth.

"I'm feeling okay. Thank you for bringing me here. It's unusual for me to experience kindness for someone and I'm really grateful for you," he muttered while flashing those pearly whites.

I was mesmerized by his smile for a moment and I wondered, how did this guy end up roaming on the streets? He looks a fine man to me and he has a flawless skin that looks natural unlike me who only looks that I have great skin thanks to derma.

"Don't mention it. I saw you and I know help is needed so who am I to turn a blind eye, right? Anyway, I bought food while I was away. You must be hungry."

I unpacked the food that I got from the resto and prepared them so we can eat.

"Oh, and the nurse told me that you have to stay here for 2 days so they can check on your bruises. It will be easier since we don't have to go back and forth here."

"Thank you for taking care of me, but I think I can take my leave now. I don't want to burden you anymore and I don't have even a single cent to pay you for the hospital bills," he replied while trying to take of the IV that's attached to his right hand.

"Hey! Don't remove it! Don't worry about the money, I can pay for it. If you don't want to burden me then at least recuperate well, okay? Here, I brought chinese food since you sounded like chinese to me."

"Thank you very much and yes, I'm Chinese. I appreciate that you considered buying Chinese food, I missed these."

"You're welcome. Well, it might not taste as authentic as your food back home but it's still Chinese cuisine," I replied while digging on my own food. Gosh, I'm starving! I'll never get used to running errands first before eating my meal but at least it's worth it. I love Chinese food.

"The taste is close to home, thank you."

I just gave him a small smile and continued eating.

While savoring the food, I just realized that I haven't asked for his name yet. How rude of me.

"Hey, mister. I'm sorry to interrupt you from eating but may I know your name?" it's weird that I've asked it just now and not checked the hospital record but then, the nurse from earlier might find me weird since I was the one who brought this guy here yet I don't know his basic information.

"I'm Chen. Zhao Chen. I'm from China and I took a trip here in your country to meet some businessmen but I was robbed even before I met them. I travelled alone and I don't know anyone here in your country-- I need to go to the embassy! I need to go back!" he cut off his own words when he thought of his country and the need to ask for his fellowmen's help.

"Hey! I told you to calm down! Get healed first before we go to your country's embassy. You couldn't get help if you don't help yourself first!" this guy is frustrating. I know he's desperate to go back but he should at least chill.

After a few moments of silence, he finally calmed down. I haven't done that much for him yet but I already feel tired dealing with him. Don't get me wrong, I do love extending a hand when help is needed, but I just didn't expect it to happen now. Sure, things at work are running smoothly now but I always want to keep my tabs open.

I just hope things will get better soon. I need my old routine back.