Last updated on October 17th, 2025 at 09:27 am
“Okay. Thanks, boss.” I sniffle as I drop my phone on the couch. I grab the box of tissues beside me and blow my nose again. What started as a migraine after the call with Constance, two days ago, has turned into a full-blown sickness. I woke up this morning feeling absolutely wrecked, barely able to lift my limbs. With no one around to help, I had to find the strength as I struggled to get to the kitchen. I was so dehydrated that I emptied two bottles of water; only then did I feel strong enough to do anything meaningful.
Since then, I’ve been sneezing and coughing. My temperature is normal, thankfully. I managed to order a vegetable salad, and I’m still waiting to have it delivered. I was able to rustle up a little sandwich, so I’m good, for now. I wasn’t going to tell anyone but I couldn’t ignore Hassan’s call. He immediately figured out that something was wrong and offered to fly down, which I turned down without a second thought. I disliked being a hindrance to anyone. It’s why I’m not mad at myself for having no close friends around, even though I’ve lived here for a bit—I most likely wouldn’t have called for help.
The plan is to load up on a lot of vegetables, fruits and electrolyte water throughout today, then tomorrow I will know what to do next. I look at my phone and it’s only a few minutes past nine o’clock. I open my WhatsApp and send a message to my team. Very messed up, can’t do anything today. Hold the fort, soldiers. I drop my phone, not waiting for their reply as I make myself more comfortable on the couch.
—
My phone ringing wakes me up. I feel slightly better, but still sick.
“Hello,” I answer, my voice scratchy.
“We have a delivery for you, sir.”
“Oh, be there shortly.” Thank goodness.
—
I close my laptop as we round off our weekly team meeting. I try to avoid unnecessary meetings and keep them short when we do. After being away from work for about three days, the meeting was necessary for me to catch up on the things I missed. I am much better now, but I’m trying to get a lot of rest, so apart from today’s meeting, I have no other plans for work. It’s also a Friday, which makes it ten times better.
I’m proud of myself for nursing me back to health. I almost find it hard to believe that I fell physically ill because I was going through an emotional and mental turbulence. Now that I’m better, though, I feel lighter overall. I missed my parents’ calls during the week, but I intend to call them on Sunday when I’m hopefully much better. The thought of talking to them fills me with dread since I intend to broach the topic of Constance. I sigh and shove aside the thoughts.
—
All through the weekend, as much as I tried to push it aside, the thoughts of the impending conversation with my parents continued to surface. It’s now Sunday evening, and I can’t logically postpone the call again; Sundays are usually free for my parents. Both of them are still career-inclined, but they do less grunt work and are in managerial positions already—still busy, but more flexible and with more time on their hands.
I dial my mum’s number and tap my left leg restlessly as I wait for her to answer the phone.
“Hello, my son.” She finally answers and I don’t know whether it’s relief I feel or even more dread.
“Mummy, good evening, ma. Is daddy around?”
“Good evening, my dear. Yes, he’s around. How are you?”
“I’m alright. You?” I should dive into this topic straight before I get carried away. My mum always has a lot of updates for me whenever we talk. Even when I seem not to show any real interest, she tells me anyway.
“I’m good, very good. In fact, I’m currently undergoing an interview process to join the board of directors for Alkemy Group!” She announces.
“Now that’s huge. Congrats, ma!” I say, unable to hide my happiness. At this, I feel a little bit guilty, considering that this can dampen her mood. I decide immediately to postpone the conversation.
“Thanks, my dear son. How are you? How’s work? Constance told me that you both talked recently.” What?!
