Chapter 14
“And besides, once the semester starts, I can apply for a dorm room on campus. Rather than leaving this place empty, it makes more sense to use the space well.”
“So you were planning to move out to the campus all along?1
The conversation kept circling back and forth.
“I don’t have to live there,” Alessia shrugged, her tone impossible to read,
“If living at school makes things easier for you, I won’t stand in your way, Brendan said.
“There’s no place like home, no matter how fancy the alternatives, Alessia replied with a little smirk.
Everyone in the room chuckled at that.
“Alright, it’s getting late. We should all get some rest, Brendan said, glancing at the clock.E
“Yeah.” As soon as Alessia replied, Zachary’s face changed–he turned away suddenly and began to cough harshly.
His parents rushed to his side, worry etched on their faces X
“If you don’t mind, may I check your pulse?” Alessia waited until Zachary had recovered before she spoke.
“Of course.” Zachary replied without hesitation, extending his hand. “You know how to do that?”
“I picked up a few things from an old… well, let’s just say a family friend” Alessia placed her fingers gently on Zachary’s wrist⠀
It was the middle of summer, but his hand was icy cold, as if he’d been gripping an ice pack
“It’s honestly a miracle you’ve made it this far” she said quietly.
Zachary looked a bit surprised, but didn’t seem offended.
Zachary and Liam are twins,” Karen explained, her face clouded with worry. “When I was pregnant and went in for a scan, the doctor told me there was little chance Zachary would survive. I thought my whole world was falling apart. But somehow, he pulled through. He was rushed straight to intensive care after he was bom, but at least he made it.”
“That’s right. Over the years, I’ve survived on all kinds of weird medications,” Zachary added lightly, clearly trying to break the heavy mood. “So why are you still in your senior year?” Alessia let go of his hand, smoothly steering the conversation elsewhere.X
“I was sick a lot as a kid, so I had to take a year off from school.”
“Got it. What meds are you on now?”
“Angelica, astragalus, ginseng… Zachary listed off the ingredients in his prescription.
Instead of looking relieved, Alessia’s brow furrowed even deeper. “That’s just the basics_”
Zachary coughed, cutting her off.
Alessia understood immediately–clearly, Brendan and Karen didn’t know the details
“Morn, Dad, it’s late. You both should get some sleep, too. Don’t you have to get up early to prep for the market tomorrow?”
“But you-”
“I’m fine. It’s the same old thing. The doctor didn’t say anything new today. Lessle, the prescription’s alright, Isn’t it?“%
Alessia nodded. “Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with it.” But she knew it wouldn’t do much good either
Though still worried, his parents finally let themselves be shepherded off to their bedroom: Once the door closed behind them, Zachary let out a sigh of relief. He turned to Alessia, pressing a finger to his lips, a gentle smile on his face.
“I get it” Alessia said, meeting his eyes. “But tell me, did you memorize that prescription or…?”
“I wrote it myself. Don’t let my looks fool you. I’ve been around medicine since before I could walk. I know my own body. I figure, if I’ve got a year left. I’d rather not waste a bunch of money chasing miracles.”
Alessia nodded thoughtfully
“When are you free?
“Tve got one last shift tomorrow, then the moming after that I have to go back to campus for orientation. After that, I’m free.”
“Come with me somewhere?“I
“Sure”
“You’re not even going to ask where?”
Zachary just smiled, warm and steady–more like an older brother than ever. “I trust you’re not planning to sell me off or anything.”
“No promises,” Alessia said, grinning.
Zachary just ruffled her hair with a laugh!
“Oh, and write down that prescription you gave yourself for me, will you?“1⁄2
