A Good Addiction - Volume 1

Chapter 31 - Meeting... Again

Weizhou had slowly come to again. Still in the same bed, in the same hospital room. This time he felt hungry.

Calling the nurse, he asked if he could have food. Showing it as a sign of progress, they quickly ordered up some basics; pudding, jello, juices. Nothing too heavy. His father arrived as Weizhou was finishing his cup of jello.

"Son, the doctors are encouraged at your progress. But, they want you to talk to another doctor, a psychologist. She'll be here within the hour."

Weizhou hesitantly nodded.

His father paused, then went on. "And... Jingyu is coming to visit. He's on his way, but since it's late will be here in the morning."

Weizhou froze. Not sure how to reply, he slowly nodded. His father turned to leave, and Weizhou found his voice, "Wait! No, let him know to come tonight. In fact, give me my phone, I'll do it."

His father protested, "Son it's late. Visiting hours are almost over."

Weizhou gave his father a look that said he wasn't hearing it. His father quietly left.

With shaking hands, Weizhou sent the text.

ZZ: I'm not sure what is happening, but I wanted you to know - I need you to come visit tonight. I'm telling the hospital to allow your admittance.

He thought for a moment, and added,

ZZ: Please.

He put the phone down, and stared off into the distance.

---

The psychologist was there to test his acuity and memory. Judging from her expressions, it didn't seem to go well. She left to consult with the other physicians.

His parents came in and bid their farewell for the night, and took their leave as well.

Weizhou laid there, impatiently waiting to hear back from Jingyu, checking his phone every thirty seconds or so. Had he turned off read receipt? Is it even his phone number still?

---

Jingyu's plane landed, and he turned his phone on. Several notifications came in, but all faded into the background when he saw the one from Weizhou. His heart leapt, and Jingyu cursed it for doing so.

He needs me to visit? Tonight?

Thankfully, the airport was quiet. He was able to navigate from the plane to the arrivals quickly without any signs of fans. He got into the taxi. "Where to?"

Jingyu hesitated. "Shanghai International Hospital." Then sat back for the ride.

---

Weizhou saw that his message had been read. He started shaking, as he held the phone. He suddenly worried about how he looked. He knew it couldn't be good.

He then noticed that his fingernails had been manicured. He turned to rub his face on his shoulder, but no whiskers gave away their presence. His mother must have been clipping his nails and shaving him while he was in a coma. He tried sniffing his underarm, but couldn't pick up anything other than a faint smell of hospital antiseptic. Then Weizhou thought about his teeth and mouth. His mouth was so dry. He leaned over to a straw positioned near his pillow, sucking in some room temperature water.

I could ask a nurse for a mint? he thought.

Then he shook his head in anger. What the hell am I doing? My reality now is I've spurned anything from Jingyu. I left him in a bad way the last time we saw each other. He wouldn't want to anything to do with me at all.