Your head is burning, Mr. Stanley

           His mind was hazy and his vision blurred. The world around him was spinning and he could not focus on anything. A headache was forming behind his temples and his whole body was throbbing. Jayden knew something was wrong yet he wanted to ignore the sensations. He needed to concentrate on getting rid of the doctor and not create reasons for her to stay. But he knew it was too late when the lady by the door turned her attention toward him.

He averted his eyes quickly, hiding the agony he felt inside. He could not afford to show weakness or vulnerability to anyone. Not even to her.

His frame managed to move with a few steps, targeting the sofa for a seat but failed when the dizziness became unbearable. The next moment, he found himself collapsing onto the floor, unable to support his weight.

"Mr. Stanley!" The loud cry of the doctor was what he heard next, followed by her footsteps running toward his side.

Her figure was quick to find his on the floor as she squatted right in front of him, offering to help him up.

"Let go," he mumbled, pushing her hands away. "I'm perfectly--"

"Shut up." The words had escaped her lips before he could finish his retort. Her eyelids stretched a little at the realization, surprised at herself. But she didn't seem to care too much, they would worry about her rudeness later, for now, she had a patient to attend to.

She reached for his arm, throwing it across her shoulder before lifting the both of them with a labored effort. Her fragile shoulders ached for mercy as she pulled him up, his body heavy and unresponsive.

Maria almost threw him away when they finally reached the sofa, in a demand to keep his weight off her strained muscles. "I told you to stay calm earlier, Mr. Stanley." She scolded in a light voice, studying his condition intently as she stood before him.

Her gave traveled to her bag which dropped to the table beside the sofa, finding the pills she had brought along. She spread the prescribed drugs on the furniture, ready to prepare his medicine. Luckily for her, there was a jug of water close by, although half of its content had been spilled across the table thanks to Mr. Get lost and his banging.

When she was done preparing his dosage, she returned her attention to him and he immediately looked away, sensing her motive.

Maria sank into a squat and looked up at him with eyes tugged with worry. "When was the last time you are something?" She asked before proceeding with her intent.

Jayden clutched his eyes shut, ignoring her, with his brain blank and thoughts scattered. He could only wish his headache could disappear so he voice out the horrible words he wished to say to her.

Suddenly, two warm hands reached the sides of his throbbing head, forcing him to open his eyes, and his gaze locked straight with the concerned expression of the doctor checking his temperature. Her eyes were wide with concern, and her brows were knitted together as if she was worried sick.

"Your head is burning, Mr. Stanley. You are the one feeling this much pain, not me. Whatever decision you make will affect only you; good or bad. So give me a chance." She sounded with a soothing voice slightly above whispers, her look gentle and encouraging. Her fingers were still lightly pressing against his skin, gently massaging his scalp and combing through his hair. "And we can start by telling me when last you ate something."

It was hypnotizing. The tranquility of her voice, and the way her fingers stroked his scalp as though they were leaving magical trails with each touch. He could feel the warmth radiating from her hand and the softness of her palms. It was mesmerizing as though she had intentionally cast a spell over him.

Jayden battled the temptation of closing his eyes again and relaxing under her tender care. Before he knew it, he found his mouth parted, words tumbling out. "Two days ago."

The doctor couldn't hide her surprise at his answer. Two whole days without food? Of course, his body would break down with the tantrums he pulled off earlier. But she kept her composure, knowing how difficult it must be for him to admit such things.

"Then we have to get you something to eat before taking your medications," Maria said, standing up, her eyes in search of a fridge or anything that might contain some nourishment.

Jayden flickered his eyes open when the blissful sensations of her touch were gone. They went in search of her fingers hoping they could continue whatever thing she was doing; he wasn't sure how she did it but he could feel the ache in his head ease off.

"Do you have any food in here, Mr. Stanley?" Her gaze dropped back to him when she found nothing edible, meeting his gaze once more.

His autumn ones darted away, pretending to have missed her question. He did not wish to hold more conversations with her. He felt the need to escape from her presence, but his legs wouldn't move, instead, his arms remained limp like dead weights.

Maria folded her arms in frustration, her lips pursed tightly together. Her attempt to coax him into talking became suspended when she remembered the fruit salad her grandmother had packed it into her bag, thinking she was going to the hospital as usual.

Without wasting time, she turned for her bag once again and grabbed a small plastic container full of mixed fruits. She took a few steps toward him, placing the container on the table and opening the lid, revealing the colorful mix of berries, grapes, apples, and melon slices.

Her lips curled at the delicious sight, extremely grateful for her grandma's thoughtfulness. Who knew Nana's delightful snacks would come in handy?

"Here, Mr. Stanley. You can have this before your medicine." She offered, holding the container with both hands, her eyes fixed on him.

He stared at the container for a moment, his eyes scanning the contents, his appetite completely vanished.

Maria sighed and shook her head. "You don't want to eat?" She questioned, frowning at his lack of interest.

His brows squeezed, and the sight of the scowl forming on his face made Maria fear what would come next. "How dare you expect me to accept food from someone as lowly as you?" He spat, his tone laced with venom.

***

She froze mid-step, her eyes widening in shock. "Wha--" She stuttered, her jaw dropping in disbelief.