Chapter 256: Three possible awakenings.
Sunshine paid a visit to the market first and picked fruits to take to the medic bay with her. It was not because they were lacking fruit at home, but she just wanted to support the sellers at the market.
Most of the fruit was canned or dry, only a small portion was fresh. Frankly, she was amazed to see fresh fruit at that time of the day. Usually, it was sold out as soon as it arrived.
The cold weather had probably affected the sales, she guessed.
She passed through the stalls, greeting the few vendors and shoppers. Many were covered up from head to toe, leaving only their eyes peeking out.
Wherever she passed, people were dressed like that. It seemed to have become the most preferred dress code to keep out the cold.
It was late in the evening, the street shone brightly, painting the glass panels of the medic bay in dull orange. She made her way inside slowly, twirling the keys of the car on one finger.
Warmth embraced her as soon as she entered the building. The hoods of people’s jackets were low; some were even walking around in sweaters. The temperature in the medic bay was almost normal.
"Good evening, Madam President." A doctor greeted her.
She nodded and smiled.
That was her response to all greeting along the way until she reached the VIP ward. She found the room where Castiel was and pushed it open with a smile on her face.
"Who is ready to go home?" she asked in an excited voice.
"Mommy!" Castiel squealed from the bed. "The doctor says that I can go home now. No more shots and no more yucky medicine."
Sunshine laughed. Castiel and medicine were not friends. Unless it was sweet like candy then he wanted double doses.
Dr. Choi was already inside, he looked rested, a smile tugged on his lips. His voice was cheerful as he confirmed Castiel’s words. "We are discharging him today; Mr. Quinn is signing the discharge form as we speak."
Castiel clapped his hands.
Lisha entered the room, carrying White who was swaddled like a baby. He was suckling loudly, like someone had starved him all day.
"We are back from the bathroom break," she announced, "Suni you need to introduce White to diapers because he pees every thirty minutes."
"He can go to the bathroom by himself." Sunshine shared with her.
Lisha gasped. Her eyes located those of the bear. "You cheeky little bastard."
Castiel gasped.
Lisha covered her mouth.
Dr. Choi cleared his throat while Sunshine laughed and told him to pardon them. "Thank you for everything doctor." Sunshine shook the doctor’s hand.
"I will not miss being glared at. That kid looks a little like you, and he scared me and the nurses." He said with an easy smile.
A knot in her chest loosened, replaced by warmth. They were mother and son, so it was normal for him to look like her.
"Oh, these are for you and the nurses to share." She handed him the fruit basket.
"Oh!" He shook his head, hesitating because in the previous world it was deemed unethical to receive gifts from patients.
Sunshine let out a tiny chuckle. "Doctor Choi, no one is going to condemn you. We are living in a whole new world. I am the president, and I command you to accept my gift."
The adults in the room burst into light laughter.
Doctor Choi accepted the fruits and left. A few minutes after, Hades returned. He gave his wife a quick kiss on the cheek, then he proceeded to tell them that they could go.
Castiel’s belongings had been packed nicely in a hospital bag. She carried him while Ariel carried White and they left the hospital.
Rori was waiting for them in the car and she personally drove. "Your grandfather is waiting at your home Hades. They have all been worried about Castiel but I told them not to come to the medic bay. With all the sickness going around, who knows what infections they would have picked up."
"You did good mother; grandpa has been coughing a lot lately." Hades frowned.
Sunshine let out a huff. "They should not be roaming around in the cold; we could have gone to them."
"I said the same thing, but you know your grandfather, he is a stubborn old man." Rori shrugged, defeated.
"Should we be worried about the coughing?" Lisha asked curiously.
Sunshine sighed. "The weather is terrible; everyone should cover up and work out. Being active will help keep the body strong and healthy."
"I hope that snake freezes out there." Lisha said, looking out of the window.
"And I hope it eats the marauders before that." Rori chimed in.
Soon, the car stopped, and everyone took the elevator to Hades and Sunshine’s place. Their house was full; all the Quinns had come to welcome Castiel home.
This was one of the things Sunshine liked about them, they treasured family. To them it was the most important thing. Of course, not all of them, there were people like Fifi and Damien who didn’t care.
Castiel was already being passed around for hugs and White was snatching coconut beans from the table while Ariel looked on, aghast.
Sunshine decided that the coconut bean battle between her and White was just starting out.
"Penny for your thoughts." Lisha tapped her on the shoulder.
Her words jolted Sunshine back to reality. "Just this and that."
Lisha patted her back. "Are you seriously not feeling cold? The temperatures have continued to drop and from our cameras outside it seems there is an ice storm out there tonight. Even with the thermaline seeds and bubble shield, it is becoming colder. One of the thermometers on the wall burst five minutes ago."
"Inform the people to bundle up and plant more thermaline seeds after mass." Sunshine told her.
Nodding in agreement, Lisha handed over her tablet. There were three blinking dots and statistics besides each. "Regan Sawyer, Felicia Tilda and... drum rolls please.... Father Nicodemus."
"Their heartbeats and temperatures are above the normal range." Sunshine noted.
Lisha made a short humming sound. "I say awakening."
"It could also be an illness from the cold." Sunshine countered.
Lisha shook her head. "Would you like to bet on that?"
She approached Hades and whispered to him that she was stepping out for a moment. Sunshine wanted to confirm for herself if the three people were awakening.
She stealthily slipped out and drove herself to their houses. Regan and Felicia were first. Both women worked in the weapons assembling department. Both had the flu and cough. None seemed to be awakening.
Next, she went in search of the priest. She was led by Sister Anna to his private office. Inside, the air smelled of candle wax, burnt sage and coffee.
The fireplace was burning brightly, and the room was warm. Father Nicodemus was at his desk, preparing for the mass.
He smiled when she entered, "Sunshine, I was perplexed when the sister informed me that you are here to see me." He rose up from behind the desk to welcome her. "Is something the matter?"
"Not yet it seems." Sunshine answered, scrutinizing him.
The father offered her a seat. "Then is it something personal? A confession? Marriage issues or is it the children? I heard the youngest was ill when I visited the sick at the medic bay."
"Nope. Nothing like that. I came to see how you are faring. Are you okay physically?"
Father Nicodemus nodded. "I believe that I am....."
"You...." Sunshine started.
"Father it is time." A man pushed the door open, inviting the priest outside.
"We will have to speak later I am afraid." The priest told Sunshine, getting to his feet.
Sunshine blinked as she watched him leave, quite certain that the priest was in the process of awakening.