When we arrived at the hospital, a specialist was in the middle of giving Irvin a check up. Hendrix sat with me in the corridor just outside the ward.
I thought that Shirley was already inside. However, when the check up was done, only thee doctor and a nurse stepped out from the ward.
Hendrix had to go to the consultation room to collect the results from the check up. I headed in with the food.
Irvin must have woken up from the noise. With his head resting against the headboard, he was staring out his window with a blank face. He wasn't moving at all and looked like a statue.
"Good morning," I greeted quietly. I closed the door, stepped in, and started to open up the food containers.
I had prepared enough oatmeal for one person. It was still steaming hot, so I scooped up a spoonful and blew on it to cool it down. I then brought the container and the spoon close to his mouth.
As expected, Irvin turned his face away and silently resisted my attempt to feed him.
I laughed angrily and suppressed my temper. Then, I told him, "I made this myself. Are you sure
you won't give it a try?"
Irvin didn't even turn around and said, "Such tacky tactics. Did you think I would fall for that?"
"You don't have to be so wary of me." I felt discouraged and placed down the container of oatmeal. I then toughened up and said, "Whether you wish to eat this or not, it won't determine whether you live or die. Instead, I will lose all care and respect that I have for you. You're not afraid to die, fine. But can you live knowing that I will forever despise you from now on?"
I didn't want to resolve it like this. I never wanted to provoke him with such harsh words, but after several unsuccessful attempts, this seemed to be the best solution. So, if Irvin wasn't willing to cooperate with the easy way, I would have to deal with him the hard way.
Things turned tense for a few seconds, then finally, Irvin reacted and slightly turned his head.
I reached out again and this time he obediently opened his mouth and swallowed the oatmeal.
Once he swallowed it, he frowned.
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