After saying goodbye to Tyler and Susan, I thought of looking for Kieth and Nibel again. Thinking about how big the hospital was and how my attempts would be futile, I gave up on the idea and went toward the entrance.
What I never would have expected was to meet Nibel at the entrance. He also saw me and was faintly stunned before he smiled and greeted me. "President Lane, fancy seeing you here."
I suppressed my complicated expression and responded to him, "Yes, I was accompanying my sister-in-law to her check-up. My brother just arrived. I’m about to leave since I’m no longer needed. What about you Mr. Nibel? Are you unwell? Or are you visiting someone?"
Nibel smiled softly. I could tell he was coming up with something to say in his head.
He let out a few coughs, perhaps to relieve his embarrassment. He then said, "Yes, I'm here to see a friend. His family is sick, so I came to visit."
"I see you've good friends in Hatton too, Mr. Nibel."
It was obviously just an ordinary comment, but I noticed his eyes seemed to shine. He looked at me and ask, "What do you mean by that, President Lane?"
Hearing that, I paused and shook my head. "Oh, it's nothing. I didn't mean anything by it."
My innocent gaze likely convinced him of it, and Nibel lowered his head with a faint chuckle. "My apologies. I overthink. Indeed, I don't have that many friends."
"Then they seem to be a great friend of yours. Why would you take time out of your busy schedule to visit them otherwise?" I had a smile on my face but also other thoughts in my head.
Nibel nodded. "Yes. I’m just about to leave since I've something to attend to soon. I won't disturb you anymore now, President Lane."
"Alright. Safe travels."
Nibel replied lightly before slowly making his way to leave.
Watching as his silhouette disappeared from my vision, I could not help but narrow my eyes. What did Nibel say to Keith just now? Even Theo had no idea that Keith's wife was sick, yet Nibel did.
This point itself made me think that the situation was not simple.
Standing at the entrance, I looked in the direction Nibel left.
"Madam? Why are you here?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Scrambling to Be the Father of His Ex-Wife's Kid