Conversations At Wintercearig
Conversations At Wintercearig
Fresh air entered the kitchen hall through the open glass window. The leaves were still covered with dews and along with it, the birds chirping made a purposeful beginning of summer.
Wilson was washing last night’s dishes, his morning mood had not begun quite yet. He was doing it because he woke up early and had nothing to do.
Hey, good morning, wished Felix walking inside the kitchen hall.
Good morning, wished back Wilson. How was your sleep?
Very good. Best sleep in long years, replied Felix while gaping.
You've been echoing the same from the past days. But anyway, if that’s the case, pleasures all mine, said Wilson smiling.
After a while, they sat at the patio drinking tea which Wilson had prepared and leaned on a chair refreshing themselves by the gentle breeze blowing with the help of the big ocean, which heaved a mile far from Wilson’s residence.
So how long is it going to take? asked Wilson.
Do you mean the treatment?
Yes. How long will it be?
Felix sighed.
Can’t say. Thought I was doing better lately, but after the last treatment, the doctor told me the cancer is spreading again, answered Felix after a minute paused.
It’s okay. You'll be alright, comforted Wilson.
You will be going again tomorrow, right? The treatment?
Yes, I am.
Okay. So today, let’s head out somewhere. What do you suggest?
No, I don’t want to bother…
Please, please. I insist. And besides, nobody’s bothering anybody, clarified Wilson.
At the last treatment where Wilson visited Felix at the hospital, Wilson insisted Felix to come and stay at his house for sometime. Won’t take no for an answer, accept the invitation as a thank you gift for saving my life, persuaded Wilson.
And since, the doctors had also unitedly suggested Felix that it would be better for him to spent some days outside of hospital in order to free his mind and not to let him feel so sickly. Staying all day in this hopeless cabin won’t make you feel any better, said one of the doctors. Go! Live a life just this once. They also gave a good assurance that Wilson will take good care of him. All the doctors and the nurses of the Living Hope Hospital wanted Felix to be happy and satisfied with life, no matter what happens next. They wanted to see him glowing with joy, the free gift which he needed since his very first arrival at the hospital.
You make all the people happy here, just do this for yourself at least once, said Ms. Grace, one of Felix's favorite nurses. Go, live happily. You deserve it. Make us proud.
You know, I can’t deny any of your words, Ms. Grace, fawned Felix making everyone roar with laughter.
He then accepted the invitation. And from there, Felix had been living with Wilson for the past days.
Let’s visit the Golden Palace, it’s somewhere around east of Georgia, said Wilson.
Wow, let me compliment you. Boy, you know this place very well, humored Felix.
Wilson laughed.
I know the place well, it’s just that, I don’t do sight-seeing a lot.
Well, now you do, replied Felix joking again.
Wilson wore a black half pant with a classy white shirt to blend in. In the bottom, he wore a Nike canvas.
Wow, for a man of who make millions, and to dress up this way, hats off, complimented Felix who stepped out from the room with casual pants and a t-shirt.
Money don’t buy happiness, I rather live a life that’s worth living without money, said Wilson.
Are you about to wear this? asked Wilson with eyes wide open.
Yes, does it look funny?
No, no. It perfectly fits you. Come on, let’s go then.
On their way, Felix was still enquiring Wilson whether the dress looked fine on him.
It does look fine, answered Wilson.
Really, then why were you in shock earlier? asked Felix.
I wasn’t, denied Wilson. Besides, your sense in fashion is also not that bad, continued Wilson smiling.
You wait, your time will come soon, cautioned Felix.
They took the tour bus, headed east of Georgia. The beautiful scenery of the mountains, the oceans completely captivated them. The streets, the houses built with rocks were a complete different sight to witness.
Do we really live in this world? Where were all these wonders before? wandered Felix.
Yes, it quite astonishing, agreed on Wilson. How did I miss all these sights during my early years?
Okay, now you’re talking, joked Felix.
Being a rich kid all your life and now, your talking, wow.
Umm…, paused Wilson.
Wilson indeed was rich his entire life. His parents bought him everything he ever needed and more. He was gifted a car by his father on his 16th birthday. He had his own mansion by the time he turned 21 which was gifted by his mother. He has filled with luxuries all his life.
They reached the Golden Palace's spot in about an hour. People started stepping out of the bus and went in their own directions. Wilson and Felix stepped out too. They took left and went to the ticket counter.
Today’s Saturday, right? inquired Wilson.
Yes, it is.
Alright. We are good to go then.
The Golden Palace opened only in the sixth and seventh days of the week- Saturday and Sunday. After buying the tickets, they entered inside. There were large crowds wandering around in wonderstruck. The Palace was indeed stunning and marvelous, ancient relics and paintings were expensively decorated and crafted. There were even paintings and arts of early kings and queens, their descendants, along the royal lineage.
Here is the golden throne, pointed to the Palace guide. And here lies the armor and breastplate.
See look here, looks like a new version of David and Goliath, said Felix pointing to one of the paintings which described a scene of a boy fighting a giant man.
Maybe it is David and Goliath, remarked Wilson.
No, it’s not, replied Felix.
It may be, argued Wilson again.
Yes, it is a painting describing the fight between boy George IV and his famous rival, giant Galactus, substantiated the interrupted guide who overheard them. But it is just a myth. The artist wanted to depict how brave King George IV actually was during his reign.
Oh, I see it now, nodded Felix giving a winning look to Wilson.
After a spectacular tour around the Palace, Wilson and Felix headed off in the streets. They sat in one of the restaurants “El Jardín Encantado” and began to order the food that was best served there.
A lovely restaurant, isn’t it? asked Wilson with an excitement.
I love it, replied Felix agreeing.
It was an open-air restaurant located near the beach. The place was perfectly well-arranged. The waiters looked dazzled in their uniforms and their hospitality towards the customers were of worthy-acceptance and highly impressive.
They were served with the finest menus, the first one being served at their table was “Vietnamese Style Sauteed Beef" followed by “Bricked Chicken".
Where is your parent by the way? asked Felix while chewing the chicken.
They lived in Tybee Island, answered Wilson.
Oh, Tybee Island. I wish to visit there, said Felix.
I can take you if you want.
Oh, okay. Maybe on our next trip. Haha, replied Felix.
Yeah, sure. Life is to be lived, said Wilson.
I wish my parent were alive too, mourned Felix.
Don’t be sad, Felix. They are alive in a city of gold looking down at you, comforted Wilson.
During the conversations at the hospital, Wilson came to know that Felix parent were dead. When Wilson asked about Felix's parent at the hospital, at first Felix joked saying, “They are on a leave now", and Wilson thought that they were out somewhere. But Felix later stated the truth that his parent died in a car crash before he was diagnosed with leukemia.
It saddened Wilson to know how much Felix had gone through in his life. Loved ones lost, suffering from leukemia, and who knows there will be a lot more he may be going through, thought Wilson. He sympathized with Felix and pondered how fragile one’s life can be, thereon deciding not to take life simply.
I can be your parent, said Wilson.
You are funny sometimes, replied Felix laughing
But Wilson was dead serious about it though Felix thought Wilson was cracking another of his untimely joke.
Look behind you, there’s a girl who wows me, said Felix suddenly in a lighter voice.
Wilson turned back to have a look.
Don’t look like that? continued Felix still in a lighter voice.
What? You said look, right.
I didn’t tell you to look in that way. She will know.
See, let me go there and try talking to her.
Huh, don’t be silly, you don’t even know her.
Who said anything about knowing?
Felix then stood up and walked toward her while Wilson sat controlling his laughter. He was sure that Felix will be highly rejected by the girl at any cost no matter how hard he’ll try to interact.
He slightly turned his head to contemplate their expressions since their talking was inaudible from their table. The lady was seated few tables away.
But Felix was seating comfortably and talking. It even came to Wilson’s observation that the girl was also having fun with Felix. It surprised Wilson, who thought that was never going to happen but it did and he looked in incredulity.
Are you going to tell me what happened there? asked Wilson still in disbelief.
Nah. Not a word, replied Felix. This is going to be our secrets.
And by ‘our', you mean, ‘us' or ‘you and the girl'.
Who told you it’s ‘us', Wilson? replied Felix. It’s me and the girl.
Wilson tried hard to grab hold of even the slightest knowledge of the conversations between them, but Felix kept his mouth shut throughout their return to Wilson’s residence.
Thank you, Wilson. This was a great trip, acknowledged Felix as they were inside the lift. I will never forget it.
You can forget if you tell me what happened between you and the girl there, replied Wilson.
Felix laughed.
You’re still on it! exclaimed Felix.
Why? Was she beautiful, huh?
She indeed was.
Then they both laughed and went inside.
Later, after freshening up, Wilson and Felix entered into their own room, wished ‘Goodnight', and closed the doors.
There was this quick ray of sunshine in the patio. Wilson was still asleep. Felix took a quick shower, he was about to visit the hospital for his test results. He was tense. He wanted to know the results badly. His heart was racing and he was unable to seat at one place. He kept walking to and fro. Few hours later after both of them enjoyed the morning with a heavy breakfast followed by a warm shower, Wilson dropped Felix at the hospital.
Hey, Felix. Everything’s going to be okay. I believe it, comforted Wilson.
I hope so. Thank you so much, said, Felix.
Okay, meet you at 1:00, said Wilson looking at the time which was around 10:00 a.m then he drove to his office for some quick file arrangement.
Hey, good morning Mariam, wished Felix as he entered inside.
Oh, Felix. Welcome back, replied Mariam, the counter-lady. Your doctor will be soon here. And she escorted him to the room.
Oh, Felix. You are here, said Dr. Cameroon, Felix’s doctor.
Yes, doctor. Hope you are doing great?
Yes, I am. How is your health anyway? asked Dr. Cameroon checking him with the stethoscope. Any pain here and there? How are you feeling?
I'm feeling great. Nothing sort of pain till now.
Well, that’s a good sign.
Your results are here, anyway.
Wait! Doctor. Is it good or bad? asked Felix anxiously.
Hmmm, there is both good and bad, Felix. Which one do you want to hear first?
Good answered Felix without any second waste.
Okay, the good news is that your symptoms are disappearing, said Dr. Cameroon joyfully.
Wait! What? Can you say it again? interrupted Felix.
Yes. Felix. You are recovering, said Dr. Cameroon. It is such a miracle. In my fifteenth years of dealing with cancer patients, I have never encountered one case such as yours.
Felix took a deep breath. He seemed very happy and pleased. He was over the moon and wanted to display a huge sign of happiness by jumping around the office but was abruptly distracted by a thought.
And what’s the bad news? asked Felix.
Well, the bad news is that since you are recovering, it will be sad for the hospital to see you walking around the streets for some weeks, replied Dr. Cameroon.
Huh! exclaimed Felix.
You mean, I can go home. Is that what you mean?
Yes, Felix, confirmed Dr. Cameroon. I am writing a discharge paper and after that, you’ll be at your home. Aren't you happy?
Yes, I am. I am very very happy, replied Felix sobbing.
There was a moment of hugging and crying inside the hospital accompanied by the tears of joy, tears of memories but most importantly the tears of letting go a person whom all loved dearly. There was then the special cutting of cake in regard to the occasion of Felix leaving the hospital. That much and more he had been loved by the workers. Felix stood crying witnessing and reminiscing the love he received from the hospital. It was about four years ago that he was admitted and since then, he had never seen such a daylight-like he witnessed today. Today was indeed very special for him.
Wilson picked up Felix right at 1:00 as said earlier.
So, how’s the report? asked Wilson driving.
Well, it seems like I…have….to…
Wilson was impatient the way Felix was saying. He was so slow talking.
I have to, what? interrupted impatient Wilson.
It seems like I have to be discharged from the hospital, answered Felix.
Discharged from the hospital, why?
Because I'm recovering, Wilson.
What? Huh? That’s good news, isn’t it?
That’s great news, replied Felix with excitement.
You’re recovering, woo-hoo, shouted Wilson while driving. That’s the best news I’ve ever heard this entire week.
There were these tears of joy again. Friendship had just crossed another mile. A very brief welcome to summer, the season of joy. God was on their side. The friendship that was growing was slowly bringing happiness in both of their lives. They began with a little hope but now there was this room full of hope which nobody could easily steal from them.
Thank you for sticking up with me this entire week, thanked Felix.
Well, no need to thank, replied Wilson. If you were me, you would do the same, right?
No, I will not joke Felix.
Ha-ha, please tell me your joking?
Yes, I am. Felix laughed.
The ride home was exceedingly great. The good news along with knowing that it was Sunday made it more exciting. Wilson opened a bottle of champagne right after they reached home. To life, cheered both of them. The celebration to life continued throughout the night.
It was raining. The fog had covered some of the parts of the mountain. The ocean wave was intense. Wilson worked on some delicious breakfast.
Here you go, offered Wilson.
Hey, Wilson. I wanted to tell you something, said Felix sounding a bit sad.
Okay, replied Wilson doubting.
See, you have been so kind to let me live here, and I am beyond indebted to you for something which I can never repay, so…
What so? I know where you are going and what you are about to say, interrupted Wilson.
But let me tell you this:
After you came and lived here, it finally feels like a home, continued Wilson. I know you do have a home and some fine day, you will definitely want to move out and I won’t stop you but right now, I mean, if you are okay with it, I beg you to stay here for sometime.
You can have the rooms you want, your own kitchen, you…
No, no. I don’t need any of that, Wilson, replied Felix. It’s just that…
Just what?
Just that you will be bored of me soon.
Ha-ha, laughed Felix. Trust me, if I am to be bored then I would have been bored by now.
I am not bored and never will be.
So please do stay here, please, persuaded Wilson getting down on his knees.
I'll stay. I'll stay. But please don’t do that again, said Felix. You look like a clown.
They both laughed.
Weeks went by. And Wilson and Felix took a life-long trip to various places which they both dreamt of. Felix visited Wilson’s parents in Tybee Island. Your parent is so welcoming, stated Felix. They sailed across the ocean, did sky-diving, and many other things which normal people usually dream of.
Felix visited Living Hope Hospital once a week, did his check-up, and took meds course on a daily basis. He was getting better. Lately, they visited the cafeteria ‘Wintercearig' from where it all started.
Still, none of the cafeterias elsewhere can beat the coffee here, remarked Wilson. It is way too good.
I know, right. I love coming here, replied Felix.
Is it really true what you said about this cafeteria? asked Wilson sipping.
The story. Yes.
Are you doubting still? groaned Felix. You can ask any of the waiters here, they'll tell you, suggested he.
It is said that the man behind the opening of this cafeteria was actually depressed and sad during the process of constructing it, so when he finished with the construction and design, he decided to name it ‘Winterberg' which means “winter-like sadness" and to this day, it is known by this name only, narrated Felix.
Wow, that’s quite a story again.
Yes, it is. And it took you so much time to believe in it, humored Felix.
The evening was pleasant. The dusk falling was a remarkable sight to see. Something in Georgia town always surprised people living there. Sometimes, it was the unpredictable colors of the clouds, it kept on changing. And some days, it was the atmosphere among the people. Here, the people experienced everything-sadness, love, sorrow, heartbreak. It was a town filled with varieties of feelings and emotions.
The night was the best thing one wished for. The view of the sky, the cool breeze, and the view of the ocean, especially from one’s patio made it remarkable and a night to remember.
The morning always brought a new light every day. Sometimes, the sunshine, the rain early in the morning gave a mood full of surprises. Wilson and Felix never stopped admiring the morning view. It brought happiness to them.
Felix, I am heading for work, said Wilson. Do whatever it pleases you, okay.
Okay. Safe journey wished Felix.
Later in the late morning. It was 11:15 a.m. Felix was spending his leisure time reading a novel. Suddenly, his phone rang.
Hello. Is this Felix, Wilson’s brother? asked the person on the phone.
Yes, I am Felix but I'm not his…
But he was interrupted before he could finish his words.
Then, after a brief conversation between them, Felix dashed off to the place he was told by the person through the phone. When he reached the place, there were large crowds gathered around. Felix walked in disbelief. He walked close by and saw the doctors examining the body. He stepped close and took a look at the body.
Wilson shouted at him.
Is he alright, doctor?
Is he alright?
He cried. He became numb. The policeman came and enquired about him.
Are you Felix? questioned the policeman.
Yes, I am.
Okay, Wilson was involved in a car crash at around 9:00 this morning...
But Felix sat in shock. He was heavily appalled and was sound-paralyzed to hear any of the police’s words. And as the doctors were ready to take Wilson to the hospital, Felix crawled inside the ambulance and they headed to the hospital.