Chapter 1078 Replace the Attending Physician
Kelvin whispered, "They must be wondering at home, why haven't Mom and Dad come back tonight? Why aren't we having dinner together? When are they coming back? Why isn't Dad answering his phone?"
"I didn't even think about that," Penelope said quickly, grabbing her phone. "I need to call home."
All her attention and energy were focused on Kelvin. He was all she could think about.
"Penelope, you should go home," Kelvin said. "Sam and Lucy need to see you to feel reassured."
"But what about you..."
"If you want to stay with me, come back after they fall asleep."
Penelope hesitated.
"Go on," Kelvin urged. "I'm not going anywhere."
"You..." she muttered, "don't you want me to stay with you?"
"Of course I do, but Sam and Lucy are important too. Do you want to tell them the truth about my condition, or come up with a reason to keep it from them for now?"
Penelope was stumped.
Should she tell Sam and Lucy that their dad was in the hospital, or make up a story about him being on a business trip for a few days?
"What do you think?" Penelope asked. "Do you want Sam and Lucy to know, or not?"
"I don't want them to know. I don't want them to worry, and I don't want them to see me like this."
Kelvin was proud.
He wanted to always be the strong figure in the eyes of those he loved, someone who could protect them.
Penelope understood.
After all these years together, she knew him well.
"Alright," Penelope agreed quickly. "I'll tell Sam and Lucy you're on a business trip and will be gone for a week."
"Good."
"Get well soon," Penelope said, leaning in to kiss him. "Sam, Lucy, and I are all waiting for you to come home healthy."
His Adam's apple bobbed, but he couldn't get the word "okay" out of his throat.
Maybe... that day would never come.
He couldn't get better.
He had cancer, a disease that modern medicine still couldn't cure.
This sudden collapse and emergency treatment were signs of its progression.
Penelope didn't know what he was thinking and continued, "The doctor said you'll be fine, so you will be. You're recovering well in every way, and you'll be discharged smoothly."
She kissed his cheek again. "I'll take care of Sam and Lucy and come back. Don't get upset or move around too much, okay?"
Only Penelope could calm him down.
Anyone else would just get yelled at.
After Ryan arrived, Penelope left the room.
"Ryan, I'll be back later," Penelope said. "Take care of things here for now."
She leaned in closer and lowered her voice, "He's a bit irritable right now, so bear with him."
Ryan nodded. "Don't worry, Mrs. Davis. I've been with Mr. Davis for years. I've seen him at his worst. It's no big deal."
"Good. If you can't handle it, call me."
"Will do."
Kelvin lay on the bed, watching them.
He couldn't hear everything, but he could guess.
After Penelope left, Kelvin was silent for a long time.
Ryan was initially anxious, but Kelvin's silence was unexpected. He lay there, staring out the window, deep in thought.
What was going on?
If Kelvin had thrown a fit, Ryan would have found it normal.
But Kelvin's silence made Ryan think... things were serious.
The more inscrutable Kelvin was, the more it indicated a problem!
Just as Ryan was about to ask, Kelvin spoke first. "Where's my phone?"
"Mr. Davis, here it is. I brought it from the office."
Kelvin slowly raised his hand to take it.
His movements were slow and clumsy, but at least he could move a bit, unlike before when he had no strength at all.
"Get out," Kelvin said.
"What?"
"Get out!"
Ryan was stunned. "Mr. Davis, this..."
"Have any questions?"
"No," Ryan complied. "I'll be right outside. Just call if you need anything."
Kelvin's expression was already impatient.
If Ryan said one more word, he would definitely get an earful!
In the room, Kelvin was alone.
He picked up his phone and dialed a number.
Soon, a cautious and respectful voice answered, "Mr. Davis, is there something you need? Is it about your condition?"
It was Dr. Cameron Simmons, the one who had examined Kelvin and prescribed his medication.
The only person who knew about Kelvin's condition!
"Yes," Kelvin replied. "I need you now."
"Mr. Davis... what do you need me to do?"
Of course, to help him keep it a secret.
Only Cameron could help him with that!
Kelvin needed to replace his primary doctor with someone he trusted. That way, his condition wouldn't be revealed!
This had to be arranged quickly and flawlessly!
Kelvin still vividly remembered waking up to see Penelope's red, tear-stained eyes.
He had only been unconscious for a day and had undergone a minor surgery.
If it progressed to late-stage lung cancer, with him vomiting blood, in a coma for long periods, bedridden and wasting away... would she cry herself blind?
It seemed... Penelope couldn't face this battle with him.
It wasn't that she was weak.
The weak one was Kelvin.
He couldn't bear to see her so heartbroken and disheveled.
He couldn't stand her crying for him.
There was a saying: Better a short pain than a long one.'
Kelvin knew that if he pushed Penelope away, she would be hurt and sad, but it would be temporary. Time would heal her wounds, and she would move on to someone who could be with her for the rest of her life.
If he kept her by his side, making her witness his final days, he would forever occupy a place in her heart, irreplaceable.
Kelvin had endured four long years without her.
And Penelope... would face a lifetime without him.
He knew that kind of excruciating pain too well.
That pain wasn't something she should bear.
With the doctor arranged and a trusted person by his side, Kelvin's next steps were simple.
Just a few instructions would suffice.
"Mr. Davis," Ryan called softly from outside, "can I come in?"
"Mr. Davis, Mrs. Davis texted to ask if you've had any water."
"Mr. Davis, Mr. Davis..."
Kelvin was annoyed. "Get in here!"
Ryan was thrilled and immediately opened the door.
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