"I just said something; did you hear it, or do you want me to say it again? I have to talk to a relative. Why do I have no response? What is up with you all acting like I am talking to myself?" Escobar, the doctor, flared up.
The silent treatment from George is killing him. He was putting up with them because he realized how bad things had gotten for George.
"Doctor, is it not possible for us to do this now? The patient's condition is already known to you.
Don't you believe that keeping him alive is the most crucial thing? You do not want him to pass away in your hospital, am I right?" George protested.
The pain was too much for him to handle. He has been sufficiently agitated by Doctor Escobar's tirades to emerge from his shell.
Kelly had to intervene and settle the dispute before it became messier than it appeared. It was beginning to look like a furious argument.
"Hi, doctor. I would like to talk to you for a moment. I have to do that right away because it is urgent.," Kelly said.
Seeing his friend treated like a commoner was too much for him to bear.
"I do not know what is happening.
What are you interested in discussing with me?
Is it not possible to say it here?" Escobar demanded. He was harsh in his speech. He spoke as if he had a grudge against Kelly, especially George, who is the victim.
"I would prefer not to enter into a dispute with you. This is an extremely sensitive situation.
You only need to cooperate with me. Why are you making this difficult for yourself and everyone else is beyond me.
It is not even logical." Kelly's voice was a conciliatory one.
He gave Escobar back the same negative energy that he had begun with.
"It is you who is exaggerating the situation. Did I make a mistake?
All I wanted was to see a relative. I mean, it's not that hard. This is a respectable medical facility with stringent regulations.
Do you really want to go around disobeying the rules?" Doctor Escobar retorted. He did not give the impression that he would give in anytime soon.
"I notice that you are a really obstinate person. Since you treat your patients cruelly, I suppose I just want to start filming a video of you.
Consider the consequences for your licence if a petition is filed against you. I assume you are aware of what I mean." Following the threat, Kelly gave Doctor Escobar a wink.
"Is there a threat there?
Are you in my office, essentially threatening me?" Escobar bellowed like a wounded lion.
More loud than a megaphone, his voice was growing. He remained silent as soon as he became aware that people were beginning to get up.
"I do not mind what you call it," Kelly said slowly, leaning forward and whispering into Escobar's headphones.
"I want you to know that I do not make meaningless threats. Every single thing I just said, I meant.
"If you continue to believe that I am incapable of handling the task, test me and make me do something amusing. I will no longer discuss this." He further warned the Doctor.
Doctor Escobar took a moment to consider what Kelly had just said. Instead of being a warning, it sounded more like a threat.
He had a sneaking suspicion that Kelly was upset. The moment had come for them to begin fighting back and forth.
Under pressure, Escobar said, "He can be admitted. They would take care of him."
"We would be compelled to release him early, though, if none of his family members appear within the next day. Are we in agreement?" When everyone was expecting Escobar to relax, he revealed his condition.
"I promised you that.
I would make certain that one of his sons arrives today." Despite his knowledge of how difficult it would be to persuade Conor to accompany him to the hospital, Kelly gave his assurance.
George's second son, Tony, is hardly known to him. He would have undoubtedly appeared.
Currently, he must decide whether to let it go or beg Conor to come.
A few nurses tended to George while he was placed on the sick bed. Despite the pain he was in, he forced a smile.
Throughout his treatment by the nurses, he kept his gaze fixed on Kelly.
Kelly noticed that George was looking at him. It was too clear to miss.
"Why are you giving me that glare?
You, too, are grinning. This is pretty odd for someone who almost died of a heart attack." Kelly smirked.
"I had good reason to be joyful. I survived a heart attack that might have killed me, as you yourself stated. The least I could do is make myself smile while I am still able to," George said.
"Sorry, I overlooked it.
I appreciate your support and that of your beautiful daughter. If it had not been for the two of you, I would have died," George admitted. He didn't think it was cool to lie about it.
Doctor Escobar walked in shortly after. Everyone, including George, remained composed. They were aware of the reason for his visit.
"How are you currently feeling?"
Escobar inquired while leaning against George's sickbed.
"I suppose I feel alive."
George responded with some scepticism.
It was not his preferred reaction.
He said it quickly out of anxiety.
"I see. It is encouraging to see that your health has improved slightly since you were admitted.
Please do your best to avoid getting into trouble and stress." Doctor Escobar wished George a speedy recovery. He also advised George before his departure.
His demeanour caught everyone off guard, including Katrina, who could not wait to ask. "Did you see what just happened? When did he suddenly get so nice?"
"Wait a minute.
I was going to ask the same question. That is the only time I have seen him behave appropriately. Perhaps someone might advise him." Kelly added.
"With the way he had greeted me earlier, one would have assumed that he was going to drag me out like a criminal.
My heart was pounding faster, warning me of the approaching storm." George elaborated. He was not excluded from the discussion.