UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE : Caught between a rock and a hard place.

-Adam-

I find myself standing in the middle of my spacious living room, the morning light streaming through the windows. As I stretch and let out a big yawn, I can't help but feel grateful for the deep, restful sleep I had last night - a rare occurrence ever since I arrived in this country. With a sense of contentment, I make my way over to the sleek, modern phone on the coffee table to listen to the messages left on my answering machine.

A message from my father on the answering machine stopped me in my tracks. Furrowing my brow, I listened to the message, but without waiting to hear the entire thing, I pressed the delete button. Then I made my way to the kitchen and reached into the fridge to grab a drink.

As I start my morning routine, I pour myself a refreshing glass of orange juice and set the bread to toast. While the toast is cooking, I head over to the coffee table to grab my phone. After picking it up, I dial a number and patiently wait for the person to pick up on the other end.

"Hello Shelley. I learned you reported to work today. How are you feeling now?"

"Yes, I did. I am much better compared to the last time we met."

"Ow yeah! I believe a lot of it has to do with the ginger chicken soup I prepared for you. I guess it was a good thing I came over when I did."

-Shelley POV-

Listening to him on the phone, I couldn't help but cringe at the sly tone of his remark. "Alright, I'll admit that it did help a lot," I said, laughing.

Hearing him laugh on the phone, I couldn't help but grin. He certainly enjoys receiving affirmation when he is right.

"I am really glad you are feeling better," he says. "If you ever need me, I am always available for you. Never think of it as a hassle."

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm perfectly capable of handling my own needs. There is no need to be concerned."

Chuckling he says, "I still stand by my offer, even though I know you can handle yourself. In any case, are you occupied at the moment?"

"'Nope.' Is there an issue?"

"No, I just want to hear your thoughts on a matter that has been weighing on me."

"Sure! You have my attention."

He began telling me about an incident that occurred between him and Miriam's dad on the day he left my apartment. "Do you think I made the right call, and do you think I should inform Miriam about our meet-up?"

"I plan on throwing her a welcome home party at my flat this weekend since she is being discharged from the hospital, and if that is to come on, I don't think I can avoid keeping her in the dark about this," he says.

I took a long pause as I contemplated what I had heard from him. "I believe it was a prudent choice for you to remain impartial in a decision between a father and daughter," I stated. "You were right in leaving it to both of them to figure it out among themselves and also letting him know where you stand when it comes to Miriam, which in this case is behind his daughter's decision. This will let him know that, in the near future, you will always be supportive of Miriam."

"As for whether to inform Miriam about her father's request for you to persuade her to work for him, given your close relationship, you can tell her. However, please refrain from mentioning her father's illness as I think he should be the one to share that information."

"He has to tell her about his illness, not you."

"Do you believe so, Shelley?" he asked. "I mean, if it were you, wouldn't you have preferred your friend telling you about your father's condition if he knew of it?" I could hear the concern in his voice.