DISCHARGEDThe moment Thomas saw Maven at the door, he began to smile. She returned his smile with a wink, and when she got into the room, she gave him a shy and quick hug.“I didn’t’ think you would show up gain." He said this to her in a more excited tone than she had when she came in.“Of course not. I mean, I had a couple of things to do at work, so I had to stay back to finish so I will not get into Grandma’s trap again." She answered.“Grandma’s trap? Is there any trouble?’ Thomas asked as he adjusted himself on the bed.“Not exactly, but she has asked that twenty percent be deducted from my paycheck this month." Maven complained with her hands lacing on each other, her eyes facing down on her feet.“Twenty percent is outrageous; what was your crime?” Thomas asked the question with suspicion in his eyes.“You think I am at fault too, really?” She questioned me with surprise in her eyes."No, Maven, listen! I didn’t mean it in a bad way. As a matter of fact, I am upset with her

THE SLAPIt’s been four days since Thomas was discharged from the hospital. Maven was in her room when the call came in for her to go see Grandma.She rolled her eyes, knowing that it was going to be another section of insults and talking down, and she wasn’t just ready for all the drama at whatever family meeting they wanted to have. When he walked into the room with his cast and bandages taken off, Maven was amazed to see him stand and walk properly without groaning.“What? Its only been four days; how did the miracle happen?” She asked as she held his face in her hands.“I guess a miracle happened. I don’t know,” Thomas answered. Meanwhile, the neck piece he was wearing illuminated the moment he stepped into the bathroom to ease himself. He flashed back on how he fell on the ground in the bathroom. By then, Maven had gone downstairs to make food for them. He didn’t bother to scream because he knew no one would hear him, and even if Lady Victoria did, she would prefer he died than

SHE IS GONE Grandma Clara lay on the bed, breathing slowly. They all looked at her, and a great fear gripped them. Dr. Ambrose quickly called the hospital so they could bring the oxygen, and in no time, the ambulance came bearing the oxygen cylinder. “Doctor Ambrose, don’t you think we should take her to the hospital at once?” one of the nurses asked with concern in her eyes. “We can’t take her away from here. The minute we try to lift her form here, she might not recover from the attack. So it’s best to leave her and administer the medications until she is stable enough to move the distance. “Okay doctor. If you say so." The nurse stood aside and rolled the little first-aid box to the side. Maven watched their every move. She is fully aware that Grandma never really likes her, but letting grandma die a sudden death is something she cannot stand. Her uncles were going to kick her out of the company and leave her with nothing. She clasped her hands together and said a little pra

A DAY AT THE GYMThe alarm clock rang so loudly in Thomas’ ears that he woke up jumping out of bed. Maven was already tired of having him around her space, so she secretly moved him to the guest room. Mom would only wonder why the duo stopped sharing the same room, and once she had asked, Maven told her that she needed some space for herself to think, and besides, the room was almost too small to accommodate both of them. He sprang to his feet and rushed into the bathroom. He had totally forgotten that he had an appointment with Sir Larry. Today was the first day of the fight, and he had to be there quite early. Sir Larry was already upset about the last time they had met when Thomas arrived late. It doesn’t matter if Victoria dies of hunger this time; he doesn’t truly care because what he has waiting for him in a few months is way bigger than Victoria and her entire family out together. And even as rich as the Taylors are, they are poor compared to the kind of wealth Grandpa Al Th

Making Grandpa proudThomas jabbed him one more time on the nose, and his nose broke. The big man fell to the ground and was unconscious. The final bell came, and Thomas and his coach ran to raise Thomas hand as the winner of the fight.“Meanwhile behind the scene was Sir Larry shooting and clapping happily. “That’s my boy." He shouted happily and hugged a total stranger beside him. The man stood and looked at him like he was crazy.“That’s my boy.”“And I heard you for the first time, man." The strange-looking man responded to him. Thomas was held high, and the crowd began to boo and wonder if their favorite celebrity was never going to get off the ground, even though he was still breathing. Sir Larry ran up to the ring and carried Thomas up. “You did great, boy. At first, I thought you were going to let the big guy beat you to a pulp, but now I know better that you saved all that energy in you for the very last minute. And I love that survival technique you used on him. It was jus