27 Aunt Celia Has a Hospital!

Flora and Aunt Celia sat in the sunlit sitting room, a collection of photo albums scattered across the coffee table between them. They were discussing Grandma Melissa's health, a topic that weighed heavily on both their minds. "I worry about her," Flora admitted, her fingers lightly tracing the edges of an old photograph. "She's always been so strong-willed, but lately, she's seemed more fragile." Aunt Celia nodded, a faint sadness in her eyes. "It's the way of time, dear. We can only do our best to support her." In the midst of their warm conversation, Aunt Celia's tone shifted, a hint of concern threading through her words as she mentioned Grandma Melissa's health. "She needs an operation," she revealed, her voice carrying a weight that Flora immediately picked up on. “And she doesn't want news of my health circulating around town.” Flora's brows furrowed in immediate concern. "An operation? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" "She was insistent on keeping it quiet," Aunt Celia explained with a resigned shrug. "I've made arrangements to transfer her to my hospital; it's better suited for her condition." Flora's eyes widened in surprise. "You have your own hospital?" The revelation caught her off guard, a mix of astonishment and curiosity dancing in her gaze. Aunt Celia nodded, a nonchalant air about her. "Yes, I do. It's not as grand as it sounds, just a facility I oversee. But it has the necessary resources for her treatment. It's our responsibility to respect her wishes," Flora couldn't shake off the sense of mystery that shrouded her aunt's life. Despite their closeness, there were facets of Aunt Celia's world she had yet to fully comprehend. Why would she conceal something as significant as owning a hospital? Before Flora could delve deeper into her aunt's unexpected disclosure, Aunt Celia shifted the conversation, steering it toward the twins. "Where were the kids off to earlier?" Flora chuckled. "That they are. Sometimes, I wonder what's going on in their heads." "I went looking for them earlier," Aunt Celia continued, amusement dancing in her eyes. "But lo and behold, you arrived with them in your car just as I was about to head out." Flora leaned in, recounting the whirlwind of events at the hospital with Aunt Celia. "So, you see, the day started off normally. I was at the hospital and the twins, well, they've been more curious lately, especially about Dad." Aunt Celia's brows furrowed with concern as she listened attentively not knowing where this was leading them to. Flora continued, "I didn't realize they had left home until much later. They were convinced they could find Dad at the hospital. Can you imagine?" Aunt Celia's eyes widened in surprise. "At the hospital?" Flora nodded, a mix of amusement and worry in her expression. "Exactly! And they didn't know I'd be there too. It was... chaotic, to say the least. I still do not get how they were able to board a bus that led them to that location," Flora paused, emphasizing her exasperation. "I can imagine," Aunt Celia murmured sympathetically. "They thought they were being clever, sneaking out to find answers," Flora explained, her tone softening. "But they're just kids, so innocent in their curiosity." Aunt Celia nodded understandingly. "They mean well, Flora. Their hearts are in the right place." Flora sighed, her concern for the twins evident. "That's true. But they need to understand the importance of safety, of not wandering off like that." Aunt Celia nodded in agreement, offering a reassuring smile. "They'll learn, dear. It's part of growing up." That was why, for the first time, they were given the cold shoulder tonight. The twins were heartbroken, but they dared not say anything. Kendra was especially more quiet than she had ever been. They knew their mum and aunt Celia were giving them the silent treatment, but it still felt awful. … In their room, the next day, Kayden sighed, feeling the weight of their situation. They knew they needed to wait until their mom calmed down. He pulled out his phone, intending to log into his favorite video game, knowing that it might provide a welcome distraction. Kendra sat beside him, silently understanding that Kayden was likely trying to reach out to their uncle. There was a glimmer of doubt, however, lingering about their second father candidate being online. He was still recovering from an injury, so the chances seemed slim. Kendra remarked, "Uncle's breaking the rules. He needs to rest." As Kayden started a game, he sent an invite to Marc. Marc, lying on the bed with not much to do, noticed the gaming invitation. He was surprised; his gaming coach wasn't usually active on that game. Curious, Marc accepted the invite and activated the in-game microphone. "Hey, coach. It's been a while. What brings you to play a match with me?" Marc was caught off guard, never expecting a kid's voice on the other end. Kendra and Kayden paused. The way Marc referred to him felt off. Kayden turned off his voice changer, deciding it was time for honesty. "Yeah, I used to hide my age. But does it really matter? Is it weird for a kid to be good at gaming?" Kayden admitted, challenging the stereotype. Marc was taken aback. There was nothing wrong with kids playing games, but Kayden's skills were extraordinary for someone so young. Marc felt a pang of embarrassment realizing he had been calling a young kid his gaming coach. And to top it off, the kid outplayed him effortlessly. "Wait, how are you this good? How old are you, really? Are you messing with me now? Maybe you're an elderly grandmaster!" Marc exclaimed in disbelief. Kayden didn't feel the need to explain further. Instead, he initiated the game, deciding actions would speak louder than words. He aimed to prove his worth through his gaming prowess. As the match unfolded, Marc's confidence started crumbling with each move Kayden made. It was a humbling experience for Marc, feeling outplayed and almost defeated by someone significantly younger. After the match concluded, Marc was left a bit dumbfounded. "You seriously schooled me, Kayden. Your skills are insane for your age. Maybe you should consider joining some tournaments," Kayden grinned, his victory evident. "Anytime! I'm always up for another match." After the game, Marc was left stunned, almost questioning the meaning of his life. The humiliation of being outplayed by a young gamer was a reality check that left him bewildered and slightly amused at the unexpected turn of events. Kendra cheered, impressed by Kayden's gaming prowess. "That was amazing, Kayden! You completely owned the game." Kayden grinned, basking in the praise. "Thanks, sis! It was all about strategy and timing." Kendra chuckled, nudging him playfully. "You're like a gaming ninja, swooping in and taking over." Kayden shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Well, I've had some practice." Their mother's silent treatment had been hanging over them like a cloud. Distracting themselves with the intense game seemed like a much-needed respite from the tension at home. Kayden appreciated his sister's attempt to lighten the mood. Kendra leaned in, lowering her voice slightly. "Seriously, though, thanks for the game. I needed that. Mom's silent treatment is driving me nuts." Kayden stared at his sister, apparently wanting to keep silent but couldn't. "But you didn’t participate in the game so why thank me for a game you did not take part in." “Well, at least I was watching.” She said, looking away. Their conversation lingered on, the siblings finding solace in each other's company, grateful for the temporary escape the game had offered from their mother's punishing silence.