After appeasing his mother and sister, Micah stretched his arms dramatically, complaining about the lack of movements. Then he suggested going to the hospital cafeteria to eat something.
"Mum, I have been lying in bed for too long! Please! Let's go there."
Micah said, his eyes gleaming, his hands clasped together in exaggerated pleading.
Elina hesitated. She glanced at her daughter, searching for support. Micah's state of mind has been unstable since he woke up that morning. Earlier, hadn't he recoiled from the doctor's proximity? What would happen if someone in the cafeteria or hallway accidentally brushed against him? Would he flinch? Or would it trigger another episode of a panic attack?
Willow, sensing her mother's concerned eyes, pursed her lips before nodding in assurance. Micah's request was too abrupt. It had taken them aback. Didn't their mother say he had been overwhelmed by the doctor's presence? Why was he eager to be surrounded by strangers?
The only solution was to see for herself how Micah would react outside of the hospital room.
Considering they were in the VIP section and the food probably wouldn't be that bad, Elina agreed to try the hospital meals.
"Fine, But I am calling your father to bring food from home. I don't have high hopes for it being decent."
Elina said, her tone sceptical.
Micah grinned as he kicked off the blanket eagerly, standing up from bed too quickly. His head swayed for a split second before he steadied himself. He caught his mother's disapproving stare and grabbed his glasses from the bedside table, pretending the little mishap was due to not seeing clearly rather than feeling dizzy.
The trio walked toward the elevator at a leisurely pace.
Micah's eyes darted around, searching for a map of the hospital. He wanted to check the neurology ward to see if he could catch a glimpse of Darcy and his mother. But he didn't have a clue where the public one was.
The Queen Hospital was massive, one of the oldest and most renowned medical institutions in the city. However, because the hospital was part of QC University, it had both a public and a private section, the latter known as the VIP ward.
Given the dire state of the Edwood family, of course, they would be in the public section. Throughout of way, Micah was deep in thought, pondering on how to sneak away to go to the neurology ward.
Meanwhile, Willow and Elina's gazes were focused on Micah, studying his subconscious behaviour.
As the elevator doors slid open, two more people stepped in, their presence filling the small space. However, Micah did not react. He stood there, calm, his expression dazed.
The mother and daughter were puzzled.
As they exited the elevator, more people passed by Micah, one even grazing his shoulder. Still, Micah walked without any reaction. No shudder, no recoil.
Willow exchanged a glance with her mother.
By the time they reached the cafeteria, Willow and Elina directed Micah to a corner table.
"Stat here, we'll get the food."
Micah acknowledged with a small nod, his gaze wandering around.
At the counter, Willow leaned in, lowering her voice.
"What's going on??! Didn't you say he dodged when the doctor tried to touch him? That he went pale and tense? Look at him now. He is totally fine!"
Elina purses her lips, her gaze flickering toward Micah.
"I don't know… even Aria sensed it… do you think the doctor was the problem?!"
Elina replied.
"We will know when Dad gets here. He had his assistants investigate him."
Willow said.
"Maybe it was something else… like a stomachache?"
Elina murmured, still perplexed.
"Ahh. I swear one day he will be the death of me! Every day, he has a new way of torturing me!"
Meanwhile, Micah spotted a map on the wall near the vending machine. He stood and walked over to it, his movement casual.
Tapping a button randomly, he took out his phone and snapped a picture of the map discreetly.
Scanning the layout, he realised they were in section E, and the public neurology ward was in section H, the opposite direction.
"Not so far…"
Micah mumbled. Paying with his phone, he grabbed the juice bottle and turned to his seat.
He could feel his mother and sister's eyes on him.
By the time they returned with food, Micah ate some light meals absentmindedly.
After a few bites, he suddenly stood up.
"I am going to the loo…"
Elina barely looked up as she nodded. Having Long forgotten her worry about Micah's strange behaviour.
"We will wait for you in the backyard."
She said as she pointed to the small garden attached to the cafeteria.
Micah nodded and walked briskly to the restroom. His pace quickened as soon as he was out of their direct line of sight.
At the far end of the hallway, he double-checked.
He couldn't see them. Perfect.
Without hesitation, he strode away.
He had minutes before they realised he had ditched them. But this was his only chance.
At worst, they would call him on his phone, scolding him and he would let them know he was fine.
After following the green directional line on the floor, he finally arrived at the neurology ward. Wearing a hospital gown and bracelet, he waltzed into the ward confidently.
He had no idea what Darcy's mother looked like.
Micah perked into every room, scanning the names on the beds, his heart pounding.
Each time he came up empty, His chest felt more congested.
Disappointed, Micah turned to return to his family, however, a voice called to him.
"What are you doing??"
Micah's body stiffened for a moment before he turned. A middle-aged woman in a nurse's uniform stood there, looking at him with narrowed eyes.
Micah rubbed the back of his head and said.
"I was looking for someone."
"Oh, who?"
" my classmate's mother. Mrs Edwood, or Flora Tilden."
The nurse's expression softened slightly.
"She was discharged this morning."
"Oh…"
Micah blinked. A strange heaviness filled him as he thought he had lost his chance.
"Thanks."
He mumbled and left the ward.
He absentmindedly wandered around, his mind buzzed with frustration. After a few minutes, he halted.
"Ah, where am I?!"
He glanced around in confusion.
Before he could navigate his way, his phone rang.
He sighed, already knowing who it was.
"Micah Ramsy!"
Elina's angry voice echoed in the hallway.
"Get your ass back here in two minutes, otherwise you know what will happen!"
Micah winced, holding the phone away from his ear.
His mother usually behaved like an elegant gentle lady. But Micah had a knack for bringing out her fiery side.
"I am coming."
His lips twitched as he hung up and rubbed his cheeks.
"So how do I get back?!"
The hallways were crowded, filled with visitors leaving the hospital. He searched for a security guard or hospital staff to ask for directions. But none was in sight.
Typical! His luck always sucks!
He stepped forward, following the crowd to find the exit. He thought finding his way from the entrance would be much easier.