The doctor recommended that he remain in the hospital for a few days. Naturally, the manager hesitated to mention this to Zachary, fearing he would refuse hospitalization. Mr. Bucham indicated that the CEO’s wife was on her way, and once she arrived, the manager planned to explain Mr. York’s situation to her in hopes that she could persuade the CEO to stay in the hospital. The subsidiary company’s manager felt a sense of relief.
“Josh?” Zachary’s voice was hoarse. “How did he know I was unwell?”
“Your wife contacted Mr. Bucham,” came the reply.
Zachary understood now. “Would you like some water, Mr. York?”
“Yes,” Zachary replied. The deputy manager promptly poured him a glass of water. The manager attempted to help Zachary sit up, but Zachary declined; he could manage as long as he didn’t use his hand, which was connected to IV drips.
“Mr. York, the doctor insists that you take your medication upon waking,” the manager said, pulling out a small bag of prescriptions. Zachary accepted the pills and drank half a glass of water before swallowing the rest with the medication.
“Are you hungry, Mr. York?”
Zachary shook his head; he currently lacked an appetite. His throat felt scratchy. The deputy manager poured him another glass of water, and Zachary drank it down.
“What’s my temperature now?” Zachary asked in a raspy voice.
“The fever hasn’t subsided. You were at 38.9 degrees Celsius just a moment ago. The doctor advised that you stay in the hospital for observation.” Zachary looked at the…
He gazed out the window at the dark sky, realizing that it was past midnight. Given that he was still on IV drips and his fever had not subsided, it seemed he would have to spend the night in the hospital.
“Did you bring my phone with you?” he asked.
“Yes,” the manager replied, quickly handing Zachary his phone.
“It’s late; you should head home to get some rest. I’ll call the nurse to replace the IV fluid once I’m finished with this bag. How many IV bags do I need?”
“Three bags,” the manager answered.
“That’s a lot…” Zachary remarked, staring at the IV fluid bag and wishing it would drip faster.