"Eric, it's time to take your medicine," Kelly said calmly as she sat down beside him.
She poured a half glass of water and then retrieved two bottles from the medical box. One contained cough syrup, and the other held capsules needed to alleviate Eric's lung inflammation.
"I'm not taking any medicine," Eric said rudely, pushing Kelly away.
"Eric, mind your manners," Kelly responded firmly. Though she typically allowed leeway for Eric's illness, she wouldn't tolerate his disrespect.
"You take this medicine and leave my room," Eric shouted, but a sudden burst of coughing silenced him.
"Eric, what's wrong, dear? I understand we're all stressed and scared, but that doesn't justify your behavior," Kelly said gently, patting his back to ease his cough.
"I'm asking you to leave... please. Go. Don't disturb me," Eric replied in a low voice, giving her a harsh look.
Kelly couldn't understand why Eric had been in a bad mood since yesterday. He had fought with Anna this morning and then pushed Hugo out of his bedroom, locking the door from inside. Kelly observed everything silently, attributing Eric's behavior to stress.
"Okay, I'm leaving now," Kelly said, standing up from the bed.
"But let Hugo come inside. He's been waiting for you since you pushed him out."
"No, I will not allow that dog to come near me!" Eric's loud voice startled Kelly; Eric had never been ill-mannered before.
"Eric, you need to watch your language," Kelly said firmly, feeling taken aback. She turned and walked away from the door, only to hear it slam shut behind her.
She turned back, staring at the closed door in disbelief.
"What's going on with Eric?" Kelly murmured to herself as she returned to the living room, where Dr. Sebastian and Timothy stood.
"Ms. Kelly, we're heading out," Timothy informed her.
"Okay,"
Kelly replied softly. Dr. Sebastian's earlier words had left her feeling uncertain and tense. She wondered if they would return before sunset, but hesitated to ask. Dr. Sebastian seemed to sense her concern and preemptively reassured her.
"We're going for a walk and will be back before sunset."
Kelly heard the words and felt an instant wave of relief wash over her. It was selfish of her to wish that Dr. Sebastian and Timothy wouldn't leave them alone, especially knowing that Dr. Sebastian had numerous commitments and was sacrificing his business to help. But Kelly had no other recourse than to pray fervently that Dr. Sebastian and Timothy would stay with her and uncover the root cause of all these problems. They were her only hope, the miraculous help she desperately needed in this trying time.
"Mom, why was Eric shouting?" Anna emerged from the kitchen, setting down a bowl of food for Hugo before asking the question.
"I don't know. I simply asked him to take his medicine, and he started shouting and behaving so rudely," Kelly replied, her tone laced with frustration.
"Don't be too hard on Eric. You know he's sick and has the weakest stamina among all of us. Given everything happening in this house, anyone could feel irritated. Give him some space and time alone; he'll be alright," Dr. Sebastian defended Eric.
"I know he's emotionally fragile and probably stressed about all the strange things happening in this house, but that doesn't excuse his rude behavior," Kelly said firmly.
"Mom, I'll talk to Eric. Please leave him to me," Anna reassured.
"Anna, we're heading out for a walk. Come join us," Dr. Sebastian invited Anna.
YOU ARE READING
House No. 13
Mistério / SuspenseKelly and her two children, Anna and Eric, seek a fresh start in a sleek, smart home. House No. 13, with its state-of-the-art AI named "Aurora," promises convenience and safety. But soon, the house's systems begin to malfunction in eerie ways-lights...