Chapter 3 : Feeding

After a while, Emanuel got up and left.

Since I promised Auntie to take good care of Emerson, I will definitely take good care of him.

As a doctor, he knew exactly what a patient with a stomach condition should eat. He had just returned to his office and was about to take off his white coat, but then he thought it was too much trouble and decided to keep it on. He headed towards the breakfast shop.

"Good morning, Director," a young nurse holding a patient chart greeted Emanuel as she saw him in the hallway.

Emanuel nodded slightly without stopping, "Morning."

It was almost eleven o''clock, and the entrance to the breakfast shop was nearly empty, with only a few people in line for porridge, likely family members of patients with stomach issues.

Since there weren''t many people, the owner worked quickly. In no time, it was Emanuel''s turn. He pursed his lips, about to speak, but the owner said, "Mr. Roosevelt, you want plain porridge, right?"

Emanuel glanced at the owner, "Yes, you..."

The owner, honest and straightforward, had been running the breakfast shop across from the hospital for years. Emanuel had only been here for a few months, so how did the owner...

"I''ve been hearing a lot about you lately, Mr. Roosevelt. I saw your name on your badge just now, so I knew it was you," the owner explained while swiftly putting the warm porridge into a plastic bowl, covering it, and handing it to Emanuel.

Emanuel handed him three one-dollar bills, but the owner refused to take them, insisting it was on the house.

Holding the three bills, Emanuel said, "If you don''t take it, how can I come back for breakfast next time?"

The owner reluctantly accepted the money.

Carrying the porridge, Emanuel returned to the ward. The first thing he noticed was that the medicine in the bottle was almost gone. Emerson was still sleeping soundly. Emanuel sighed and gently placed the porridge on the table.

"Emerson... wake up," Emanuel gently patted his arm. Emerson slowly woke up, his voice hoarse but pleasant, "What''s up?"

Emanuel''s eyes darkened, "The medicine is almost gone. Have some porridge first."

"Okay..." Emerson was still a bit groggy, his hair messy from sleep. He used his left hand as a comb to tidy it up a bit.

Watching his drowsy state, Emanuel''s Adam''s apple bobbed.

"Don''t move, I''ll remove the needle," Emanuel said as he turned off the regulator and bent down to gently peel off the tape with his delicate fingers.

After removing the needle, he pressed on the needle mark on Emerson''s hand and pulled the table over, "Can you eat porridge with one hand?"

Emerson looked a bit dazed and shook his head.

"Hold it yourself, I''ll feed you," Emanuel said, placing Emerson''s hand on the needle mark. His hand felt smooth, like a girl''s skin, but with calluses on the palm.

It was clear that Mrs. Morgan had taken good care of him over the years.

Emanuel opened the lid, scooped a spoonful of porridge, and brought it to Emerson''s lips, "Open your mouth."

Emerson finally woke up fully, his ears turning red at the sight of the porridge near his lips.

"I... I can do it myself," Emerson felt awkward. Two grown men feeding each other was too strange.

He tried to let go and grab the spoon, but Emanuel stopped him, "Hold it!" His voice was slightly stern, scaring Emerson into stillness.

Realizing he was being too harsh, Emanuel softened his tone, "Hold it for five minutes. Eat something first; it''s good for your stomach."

"Okay..." Emerson obediently agreed. The spoon was brought to his lips again, and he opened his mouth. The porridge was indeed very bland, with no taste at all.

Despite the initial awkwardness, Emerson soon ate happily. In a few minutes, he licked his lips, "Is there more?"

Emanuel''s mouth twitched, "You''re just recovering; you can''t eat too much..."

He added, "You''re a teacher now and still don''t know how to take care of yourself..."

Emerson: ...

Not seeing his mother around, Emerson looked at him, "Emanuel, where''s my mom?"