Chapter 5

Hansel endured the lecture for a few seconds before abruptly hanging up. He then switched his phone to flight mode, finally enjoying some peace and quiet.

Once home, he felt less agitated and exhaled deeply. He started toward the stairs, then changed his mind and headed for the kitchen.

The kitchen utensils were spotless, neatly arranged in rows. Memories of Miranda bustling about resurfaced. Making her cream of vegetable soup was time-consuming. She prepared, cleaned, and soaked the ingredients the night before; they’d soften overnight, then she’d cook them.

Hansel had initially thought it too much trouble, telling her not to bother. Yet, a steaming bowl of the soothing soup always awaited him upon returning from work.

Eventually, he stopped protesting, taking it for granted and enjoying the delicious food and her care.

Lost in thought, he heard the front door open. "Mr. Johnson?"

Evelyn had sent Martha. Worried he might have an accident after leaving the hospital, and at a loss about her stubborn son, she'd instructed Martha to check on him.

Before heading upstairs, Hansel instructed Martha, "Martha, make me some pumpkin soup."

Martha was speechless. Pumpkin soup again? When would Miranda return? Making her cream of vegetable soup—which Hansel persistently called pumpkin soup—was exhausting.

Despite her complaints, she put on an apron and began making the soup. Once ready, she took it upstairs, only to find Hansel fast asleep.

His face was pale, his brow furrowed even in sleep. Martha gently set down the soup, tidied the kitchen, and left quietly.

Half-asleep, Hansel felt a burning sensation in his stomach in the middle of the night. He felt as if his whole body were on fire.

Suddenly, an icy needle pierced his veins. The burning pain gradually subsided as cold fluids entered, but he still felt very hot.

Evelyn stood by his bed, feeling both sorry for and angry at the delirious Hansel. She’d called him at 10:00 p.m., but he hadn’t answered. Worried, she'd rushed to the mansion.

She found him burning with a severe fever, leaving him delirious. In a daze, he murmured Miranda's name, remaining unconscious despite Evelyn's attempts to wake him.

She quickly contacted their family doctor, Peter Lance.

"Dr. Lance, how is Hansel's condition?"

#25 BONUS

"I just took Mr. Johnson's temperature. His fever is slowly subsiding. This is due to his chronic stomach issues. I'll prescribe some medication; someone will deliver it shortly. Please follow the instructions."

Hansel's fingers twitched. Evelyn followed Peter into the hallway, concerned about disturbing Hansel.

A nurse was changing the empty IV drip. Hansel suddenly opened his eyes. Seeing movement, he shielded his eyes and said in a hoarse voice, "Can I borrow your phone to make a call?"

He dialed a familiar number. After two rings, the call connected. His Adam's apple bobbed; his rough voice choked, the words seemingly stuck in his throat.

Miranda, soundly asleep, heard her phone ring. She blindly answered. Silence followed her greeting. She struggled to open her eyes, suspecting a wrong number, and was about to hang up.