He looked just like a completely normal guy to her. He seemed healthy, and he was very smart. In fact, he was renowned as one of the hottest guys on campus!
Roger never talked to anyone about his illness precisely because he hated this look people would give him.
âI guess youâll finally stop pestering me now that you know Iâm ill,â he said irritably.
âWhat?â Riley was stupefied. She simply couldnât find any sense in his words. âWhy would I stop pursuing you after I find out youâre sick?â
âIâm starting to wonder if itâs me or you whoâs ill here!â snapped Roger. âIâm not a normal healthy man!
There must be something wrong with your head if youâre going to pursue someone like me!â
âDonât ever say that!â Riley snapped, the stress in her voice clearly audible. âI like you in your entirety!
What does it have to do with you being sick?â
âYouâ¦â Roger was speechless for a while, but then he looked away and added, âWhatever. Itâs none of my business anyway.â
Stella laughed as she saw that his ears had turned red, but she said nothing.
âItâs getting late,â she reminded Roger. âLetâs hurry up and get to the hospital, okay?â
âWhat?â Roger sprang up to his feet. âAre we still going? I told you, Sis, Iâm fine!â
âThatâs not for you to say,â she argued. âItâs for the doctor to say.â
âBut the doctor did say that! I really did go to the hospital last night! Just ask Riley if you donât believe me!â
Roger glanced at Riley so she would back him up, but Riley hesitated, not knowing how to react.
Although they really did go to the hospital together last night, she didnât hear the doctor saying that he was fine.
Stella immediately understood what was going on when she saw Rileyâs reaction, âHave you forgotten what I told you last night?â she yelled, scowling at Roger. âNo matter what happens, never take your health lightly!â
âBut, Sisâ¦â
âIf youâre not coming to the hospital with me, then donât ever call me your sister again!â
She called for the waiter and paid the bills, then stormed out of the cafe without even looking back.
Roger quietly watched her leave, uncertain of what to do.
âWhy are you so reluctant to go to the hospital with your sister?â Riley couldnât help but ask.
âI just donât want her to worry too much,â he replied, his head hanging low as he stared at the half-
empty cup of coffee. âEvery time the doctor says thereâs something wrong, sheâd overreact and worry herself sick. I just donât want to see her like thatâ¦â
Apparently, it made him feel like he was a burden to her.
Riley didnât know how close the two siblings were, so she just sighed. âItâs totally normal for Sis to worry about you since youâve got a condition. Why donât you just go with her and put her at ease?â
âDonât call her Sis!â he glared at her. âSheâs my sister, not yours!â
He then turned on his heels and left the cafe. Riley scampered after him, trying to keep up.
âWait for me, Robb!â
Now that Stella and Roger had changed their identities, all their old medical records had also been wiped out. But even without previous records, the doctorâs comprehensive understanding of Rogerâs condition remained unchanged.
âYou again?â the doctor asked, squinting at Roger. âWerenât you here yesterday? What are you doing here today? Are you feeling unwell?â
âDoctor,â Stella began in a serious tone, âIâd like to consult your expert opinion. My brother had a major operation before. Will he really be fine after drinking so much last night?â