The nurse hurried off, leaving Thomas standing in the lobby. Around him, murmurs of curiosity and concern filled the air. Kevin Lang’s actions had left everyone on edge.Minutes later, a doctor arrived, his expression cautious. "Mr. Jackson, I understand your concern, but we need to ensure Oliver's recovery is complete."Thomas led the doctor to Oliver’s room. The doctor performed a quick examination, his frown deepening with each positive result. Finally, he sighed and turned to Thomas. "It seems your son is indeed in remarkable condition. If you truly believe he’s ready to leave, we won't stop you."Thomas nodded, grateful but still resolute. "Thank you, doctor. I appreciate your understanding."Returning to the reception desk, Thomas finalized the discharge paperwork. "I'll pay whatever I owe," he said, pulling out his wallet. "Just tell me the amount."The nurse calculated the remaining balance and handed Thomas the bill. He handed over the money, his heart heavy but his spirit li
"We need to pull this plan against Calvin now; otherwise, the reputation of Lang Hospital will continue to spiral downwards," he said to himself while growling frustration in the depths of his mouth. Kevin was almost stalking his office like a caged beast.A twinge of bad feeling began at home in his stomach when the phone would not stop. It was his father, Lionel Lang. And right then, Kevin's stomach sank. Reluctantly, he answered the call, pushing the answer button, ready to face the storm."KEVIN!" the voice roared off the speaker, full of anger and disappointment. "What in the name of God have you done? A video is doing rounds that you broke that vase in our hospital lobby! Ouch. Now, everybody has seen how empty our hospital is! Cybercitizens are declaring you nuts! Do you have any idea how much you've sullied our image just because of your stupid pranks?"Kevin bit his jaw, gnawing at it to hold back tears, gripping the phone just that much more tightly. "Dad, I—""Don't Dad me,
Calvin could already feel what this place would do: rejuvenate and bring peace to the people who needed it. Calvin presented his minute and stood back to look at the progress he had created. And there was the clinic, nearly ready to be in use. Satisfied, he felt, but he knew pretty well that the real work was tomorrow. It was Tina, coming up to him like a shadow with a clipboard."Everything's on track, Mr. Hudson. We've had a fabulous response from the medical community. Your reputation helps."Calvin laughed quietly. "A reputation, I hope, for the right kind of things.""Yes, it is," Tina assured."Everyone here believes in what you are doing."Again, Calvins, now with an opportunity and chutzpah, nodded. "Make sure we prepare for tomorrow. Everything should be perfect."To this which Calvin saw a vision, an assignment of working into the sunset, with a shared objective of making a difference. When the clinic was finally ready to open, Calvin felt this was an accomplishment of sheer
Calvin stepped into his room, his head in whirlwinds of both anxiety and confusion. What had he just watched? That which he had just watched take place with Lizzie floating over her bed, bathed in green luminescence, would fit well in a nightmare or maybe in a mystery that he hadn't even started to fathom yet.He sat on the edge of his bed and looked at the wall, on which he saw only ghosts of things passed. Was it the necklace? Was it that now Miranda Dew—full and fat but a decent figure, as those things go—had given him the thing? It loomed large in his thoughts. Had she foreknowledge of what it could do? Was it a gift or a curse?Calvin shook his head to loosen the ironed unease. But she loved the chain, thinking it represented the link developed and the shared love between them. There was no way he would dispossess her of it, not until he learned more about what was happening at that moment."Later to consider," he murmured, then to the intonation, the resolve seemed abjected. He
When Calvin nodded at Tina, she went to the front door and passed out numbered tickets to the crowd streaming out of the waiting room. "Take a number and wait your turn," she said, cutting through the sound of the crowd. "We will start seeing patients at nine o'clock. Thank you for your patience."The patients were relieved, thankful to have some semblance of order amidst the rush. As Tina began distributing the tickets, Calvin went back inside, where his staff were already making last preparations, almost scurrying with enthusiasm."I need to ensure we are prepared to handle this number," Calvin briefed his team. "This has to be carried out fast and with cool heads. After all, we are here to serve as many as possible."Then, just as quickly, the surprise dissolved away, and the staff got back to work. They were suddenly setting up more seating in the waiting area, making sure that all necessary medical supplies were at hand. The small space of the clinic took on a frazzled bustle of
Kevin Lang frowned at the screen of his television set, watching the feature news story on the opening of the new clinic by Calvin Hudson. Elongated lines of patients snaked through opened doors and poured from one picture to another, and the bustling activity had all the surrounding streets jammed. The voice of the reporter, filled with admiration, contrasted sharply with the eerie silence that reigned throughout all the corridors of the Lang Hospital.Kevin felt his fingers tighten on the remote, his knuckles turning white. "How does such a small-time healer outshine us with our state-of-the-art facility?" he muttered.The simmering anger rubbed itself against the racing thoughts he was having. Quite suddenly, that spark of inspiration was ignited deep within, born from the frustration in his head. He wouldn't let Calvin Hudson outdo him at his own game. A sly smile curved his lips as he picked up his phone. Very calculatedly, he pressed the following number and planned his next mov
Calvin took a deep breath as he entered his private meditation room. Dimly lit and filled with the subtle scent of incense, the room was a sanctuary. Anticipation buzzed within him, a mix of excitement and responsibility. Granted two new levels of cultivation, he knew mastering them was essential for helping those who sought his aid.Sitting cross-legged on the cushion, he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing. Gradually, the world faded, and he delved deep into his core where his cultivation energy resided. The familiar warmth of his powers—the ability to solidify air, move objects from a distance, and see through matter—was there. But now, new depths awaited him.Concentrating, he felt the first surge of new energy. His mind expanded, and he became acutely aware of every detail in the room—the flicker of the candle flame, the hum of the air conditioning, the rhythmic beating of his heart. This was Enhanced Perception. He could see, hear, and feel with overwhelming intensity.
Calvin received his last patient for the day. The hours had flown by, and now it was already late into the night. A man entered, his face etched with worry. "Good evening, Doctor. I’ve been having trouble breathing at night," he said, his voice tinged with anxiety."Please, have a seat," Calvin responded, gesturing to the examination chair. As the man sat down, Calvin began his scan, his powers allowing him to examine the man's body in intricate detail. He focused, scanning for any abnormalities, but found nothing seriously wrong. Aside from some minor issues like occasional acid reflux and signs of sleep deprivation, the man appeared to be in good health.Calvin's brow furrowed as he finished the scan. "You’re healthy," he said, meeting the man's eyes. "There's nothing in your body that should be causing severe breathing problems. Are you sure you’re not leaving anything out?"The man, whose name tag read "Daniel," looked taken aback. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I... I did