After returning from church, Alex spent the day making soap in the garage.
With the total amount of stored oil, he managed to make one hundred packs of one kilogram of powdered soap and fifty bottles of one liter of liquid soap.
Looking at his work, Alex felt accomplished. Checking the clock, he realized it was time to clean himself up, as dinner was approaching.
Melinda was preparing dinner when the phone rang. Quickly, she stopped what she was doing and answered.
Alex, who was watching TV, focused on listening.
"Hello!" said Melinda.
"Are you Mrs. Melinda Coleman?" asked a male voice from the other end of the line.
At that moment, Melinda's heart skipped a beat.
"Yes, it's me. Who are you?" she replied, worried.
Alex, who was also listening, felt an ominous premonition, as the tone of the other person did not seem to bring good news.
Quickly, he stood up and walked to where his mother was.
"Ma'am, please sit down first. I have something to tell you," said the voice on the phone in a warning tone.
Upon hearing this, Melinda felt her body weaken for a moment, but soon she realized someone was supporting her.
It was Alex, who noticed something was wrong and approached. Sensing his mother's distress, he helped her and pulled a chair for her.
After sitting down, Melinda took a deep breath to calm herself. The other person on the phone was patient and did not rush the conversation.
"You may speak now," said Melinda, bracing for the worst.
Upon hearing her voice, the man continued:
"So, Mrs. Melinda... Is your husband named Jonas Coleman?"
Melinda, who had calmed down a little, became agitated again.
"Yes, it's him. Has something happened to my husband? Please tell me!" she asked in a weak voice.
Alex listened in silence. He tried to calm his mother with gentle pats on her back, but in his heart, he was also uneasy.
"My name is Tomas, and I work with your husband.
An hour ago, your husband fell ill and was taken to the hospital.
But he is fine. He had a small heart issue.
Now, he is hospitalized at Medfort Hospital."
Upon hearing this, Melinda quickly asked for the hospital's address.
Alex stood frozen in place.
He only snapped out of his daze when his mother called him. Then, he hurriedly followed her.
Melinda noticed that her son seemed stunned, but she said nothing. She just drove in silence to the hospital.
___
At the same moment, at the Cooper residence, Sheldon was reading a book. His defeat to Pastor Jeff left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Missy, by his side, was happy about the secret gift she received from Billy.
That's when George's voice came from another room.
"Mary, come here!"
Mary, who was busy preparing dinner, replied:
"I'm cooking!"
"But I need help. Come here," insisted George.
Sensing the urgency, Mary dropped everything and went to take a look, leaving Sheldon and Missy behind.
"Oh no!" exclaimed Sheldon.
Missy, noticing his expression, asked:
"What is it?"
"Listen to this," said Sheldon, pointing to a passage in the book.
Missy approached and looked where he was indicating.
"The French philosopher, mathematician, and physicist Blaise Pascal argued that a rational person should believe that God exists.
Because, if they are right, they have everything to gain. If they are wrong, they have nothing to lose," Sheldon read aloud.
"Sounds right," said Missy, not fully understanding.
Sheldon was left speechless.
At that moment, Mary returned in a hurry. While turning off the stove, she announced:
"Grandma is going to take care of you. I have to leave."
"Where are you going?" asked Sheldon, confused.
Mary sighed and explained:
"Dad isn't feeling well, so we're going to the hospital."
"Is he sick?" asked Missy, worried.
"He'll be fine. Stay seated here. Grandma will come to prepare your dinner," Mary assured.
"Can't we go too?" Sheldon asked anxiously.
"No. Stay here and don't move," said Mary, rushing out.
Missy and Sheldon exchanged worried glances.
___
Author's Notes:
Extra chapter! I felt like I should post this today.
This point in the plot also serves to introduce new characters.
I wonder if you can guess who they are.