Jesse sat in a wheelchair, being gently pushed by a nurse, as they made their way towards the hospital cafeteria.
Inside, they joined a group of other patients who were eagerly awaiting their meals. Some patients were unable to leave their beds, so dedicated nurses ensured that food was delivered to them.
After the nurse found a spot for him, she pushed the wheelchair there and went to pick up the tray of food for Jesse.
Jesse picked up the phone from his lap. There weren’t any pockets in these loose hospital clothes, so he had to carry the phone on his lap.
While waiting for the food to arrive, Jesse started scrolling through Martial Online’s forums. There wasn’t anything special, but one post made him chuckle.
‘Hah, that is quite smart. A small group of players created their own Sumo, Taekwondo, and Karate dojos. I guess they belong to Brawler Class, so it works.
‘However, how does Sumo work in this game? The sumo wrestlers always have big bodies and great leg strength. I wonder if some real life sumo wrestlers joined that dojo.
‘I would love to fight against them, but I wonder if they can survive against swords.’
“Here’s your food.” The nurse arrived with the tray and placed it gently in front of Jesse. The tray had a bowl of soap, yogurt, a cup with water, a small loaf of bread, and a plastic fork, spoon, and knife.
“Thanks.” Jesse thanked her and started eating. When he took the first bite, he was surprised to find out that the food was surprisingly delicious. He had grown used to hospital food being rather dull, but this time it was quite delicious.
It was his first time being in this particular hospital. He often went to West Hospital, which was closest to his home. However, for some reason, the hospital took him to Nocklund’s main Hospital. It was a hospital where Alice’s father was the Head Doctor and her mother was the Head Nurse.
“Ring the bell when you want to return.” The nurse spoke gently and left the cafeteria to do other work-related stuff.
Jesse placed the spoon down, his gaze shifting to his phone’s open screen. It showed the forums and the post creation button. A profound sigh left his mouth; he mustered up his courage and pressed the button.
He now planned to make the post and put his dojo up for auction. He hoped it would garner enough interest so he would have enough money to pay for the hospital fees and ease his financial burden.
After he finished writing and adding the special “auction” feature to the post, he pressed the upload button. The auction feature was common feature these days, as it was one of the best ways of earning money.
The forum’s admins weren’t against auctioning.
Jesse then closed his phone and left it on the table while he resumed eating. The food had lost its flavor, and he couldn’t help but be anxious about the auction. He wanted to sell it for a lot of money.
As his anxiety grew, a silver-haired girl arrived at the cafeteria. She looked around and soon found the person she was looking for. She was elegantly dressed in a white blouse paired with a charming light blue skirt, gracefully clutching a stylish handbag.
She appeared visibly nervous but gathered her courage to approach the young man. Her gentle gaze caught a glimpse of the bandaged hand and the cast on the right arm. It evoked a sense of empathy and concern from her.
“Hey…” Alice greeted him with a smile. When she stood right behind him, she noticed something strange. His body was more athletic than it should have been. He even panted after the thirty minute walk.
‘Did I get the wrong person?’ Alice thought at first and turned shy. However, then the athletic-looking youth turned around with surprise flashing across his face. The face of the person was identical to the person who had been on her mind for the last 24 hours.
“Alice…” Jesse turned away and returned to his food.
“Are you perhaps angry?” Alice tightened her hold on the handbag. “I had to call the ambulance. It is my duty as a physical therapist.”
“It’s fine.” Jesse said and took a sip of the water. “I am not angry.”
“Mm…” Alice nodded, but felt a sense of unfamiliarity from his tone. “How are you feeling?”
Jesse placed the cup gently on the tray and looked at his arms, which were flowing with strength. He was feeling overwhelmingly great, as if he could punch through a tree. However, he knew his arm would break in the process.
His physical appearance had changed, and his strength had increased by miles, but his disease hadn’t gone anywhere. He was still as fragile as a piece of glass.
“I am feeling very good.”
“That’s good.” Alice nodded and wanted to ask him about his physical appearance, but when she opened her mouth, she thought it would be too inappropriate for the current situation and kept her mouth shut instead.
Instead, she said the first thing that came to her mind.
“About the hospital fee. I had already talked with my dad and mom; I can cover the fee.”
“No.” Jesse said immediately and looked over his shoulder at her. “I will pay for it.”
“You..?” Alice frowned. “What about your parents?”
“This… is my fault.” Jesse turned back to the tray and stirred the soup with his spoon. “You can send the fee to my new address. I will pay for it shortly.”
“New address?” Alice pulled a chair from under the table, sat down, and looked intensely at his face. “What happened?”
“Nothing.” Jesse shook his head. “I have talked with my parents about moving out for months now.”
“But you can’t live alone with your current condition.” Alice looked at him with concern. “I am your physical therapist, and I must sugg—”
Before letting her finish, Jesse interrupted her. “About that. I am in no need of a physical therapist either… so I will send your final payment soon.”
“You…” Alice’s eyes shook, and she stood up with a tinge of anger. “You are angry at me, aren’t you?”
“No.” Jesse looked away from her. “I think I am in better condition now. I appreciate your help, but I think I am in perfect health now.”
“Why are you acting like a stranger?” Alice hugged the handbag against her chest, looking saddened.
“Hmm?” Jesse glanced at her briefly before again turning away. “You are just my physical therapist, aren’t you? When one is no longer in need of therapy, they usually stop paying for it. Don’t they?”
“I see…” Alice lowered her head and forced a smile. “I hope your condition will improve. If you are in need of more therapy, consider calling me or any of my colleagues. Well, then farewells…”
“Thank you for your help.” Jesse nodded and turned back to the soup. He had accidentally grabbed the spoon so hard that it was bent, a testament to his frustration. “…”
Alice bowed one last time and walked away. However, after a few steps, she stopped and turned to look at Jesse.
“Also, this isn’t your fault. That man, who bumped shoulders with you, was looking straight at you when he was walking. He intentionally bumped shoulders with you.”
Jesse flinched and continued stirring the soap with the bent spoon. “I see…”
“I hope we can be friends again.” Alice smiled. “My offer is still standing. If you want to join my dojo or simply join the quest, find Silver Heart Dojo. We will accept you.” 𝓋xt.𝐂𝑚
‘Silver Heart?’ Jesse’s expression widened in shock. He turned around and saw Alice walk out of the cafeteria. ‘She is Serenity?’