UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER (EDITED VERSION)

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN: A friendly advice

-Adam-

I have been completely unproductive for the last several weeks. As I sit in front of my laptop, my thoughts drift to Shelley. I notice the flickering cursor on my laptop screen. Despite my best efforts, I am unable to maintain my concentration on the work at hand. Simply calling her to inquire about her day is all I want.

I finally give up on getting anything done and reach for my phone to contact her, only to have my plan interrupted by an incoming call.

"What the heck have you been doing for the past four weeks?" The person on the other end of the phone asks. "I tried to reach you, but unfortunately, I couldn't get through."

"I was working on something with which you are already familiar, Blackson. What seems to be the problem?" I inquire.

"Are you back at your place yet?"

"Yes".

"That's great news because I plan to visit."

"Alright, see you here."

Shortly thereafter, a weary Blackson arrives at my apartment, makes his way over to where I am seated, and takes a seat directly opposite me.

"Rough day?" I asked, looking up from the files I was holding to Blackson.

"You have no idea," says Blackson. "You want to talk about it?" Moving to the side table, Blackson poured himself some whiskey. "Well, things are not going so well with Mrs... Apparently, she wants more of me." He says as he takes a sip of his whiskey.

"Which is?" I enquired.

"You know, my time, my undivided attention, quality time with the kids, and so on. She said I work too much."

"So? Then, give it to her," I remarked.

"It's not that simple," he retorted.

"Really! Explain it to me then."

As he takes a sip, he confidently declares, "I am a doctor. It is my responsibility to intervene and aid the recovery of the sick. I cannot afford to be idle, as my role is crucial in ensuring the well-being of others."

"Let me stop you there," I said. "Do you recognize that your wife and children are human beings? Even though they may not show physical signs of illness, they are struggling emotionally. They need your attention and love, just like your patients. If you keep ignoring them, you could end up losing your marriage and family."

"I really can't stress enough how strongly I feel that I don't want to be a witness to that."

"I am not ignoring them." He barks standing up from the sofa.

I placed the file on the sofa beside me and leaned forward as I spoke, trying to be firm. "May I ask when was the last time you took a vacation from work? Even better, a leave of absence. There are multiple physicians at the medical centre, and you are an integral part of the team. The patients will still be cared for even if you take a leave of absence. Why not use your annual leave to take your family on vacation? Other doctors can step in if needed. Overall, your family will benefit."

"You don't understand. I don't know how to relax," he stated.

"'Then learn.' Your marriage depends on it. Besides, Margaret is an amazing woman. It will be a shame if you are to lose her."

Feeling dejected, he sinks into the sofa and lets out a heavy sigh. "Alright, I'll give your method a shot. My relationship with my wife means everything to me, and I'll do whatever it takes to keep it strong."

"Speaking of relationships, How are things between you and Shelley?"

"It's good."

"Just good?!"