Kao
"It's just a sprain. Nothing much to worry about. Cold compress for the next three days every morning with the anti inflammatory tablet and the painkiller only if the discomfort is no longer bearable. No sudden, insignificant and strenuous movements and you'll be fine in no time. Alright?"
I smiled curtly as I nodded at the good doctor before he bid me goodbye.
"Thank you for coming on such a short notice, doctor."
I saw Pete extended his hand for a handshake with the middle aged doctor who attended to me and my sprained ankle.
"You're welcome, Mr. Gregorio, anytime."
He nodded before he looked at me with a warning before he went back and regarded the doctor again.
"Thanks again. Let me escort you out."
I heard him said as I had my head bowed.
I didn't know why I felt embarrassed with myself just then.
"How are you feeling?"
Kaleb asked as he sat across me from my bed.
"Like my foot was ran over by a bulldozer."
I heard him snickered before he shook his head.
"You'll live. Don't worry."
I snickered in return only to stop when I felt my sprained right ankle stung.
"You shouldn't have done that. You made us all worried. Pete specially. He had to cancel a very important business meeting in the city when he heard what happened."
Kaleb said after a while and I was speechless.
For a quick while that is.
"I didn't ask him that."
I said under my breath as I looked around but Kaleb.
"You didn't have to. That's how much he cares for you."
I heaved a sighed and turned towards him.
"Kaleb-."
He nodded and raised his hands at me.
"Look, Kao, I know how you feel."
He looked at me in the eyes when I was about to protest.
"Okay, maybe I don't. But here's the thing, Pete really cares for you. And he just wants to help. And we both know you needed it. Don't get me wrong. I'm very much willing to help you. The thing is, I know that Pete can do it better. Way better than I can."
I looked at Kaleb and his genuine concern towards me.
How did we end up in my room again with him chiding me and my right ankle stinging suffering from a sprain?
Well, that's thanks to my spring escapade earlier.
"I hope you don't mind using the hi-lux. Kaleb used the van while young master has the Volvo."
I nodded awkwardly at manang Sel who was walking with me towards the waiting car.
I had been commuting all these past years and she asked me if I mind having a personal ride!?!
Some real turn of events really!
But that was not why I was smiling from ear to ear as I opens the door to the car.
The fact that I was on my way to the spring outside the gates with Pete away to the city just made me want to thank the universe for aligning making my plan of running away as smooth as possible.
