I watched sadly as Pond quickly left. I knew he was still upset with me over how I had treated him.
I looked down, realizing how rude I had been. Dunk came back with some food for me and saw my sad face.
He asked me what had happened and I told him. He sighed as he told me to be a bit more patient.
"He's a typically nice and patient guy. He's only looking out for you. You could have handled it a bit better, Joong. I know you are upset he is shutting you out, but give him some time. Meanwhile, focus on getting well, ok?"
I nodded, knowing I had to be patient too, to win over Pond's forgiveness. I ate the food Dunk brought for me and took my meds. The nurse came by to put on another fever patch for me and took my temperature again.
I fell asleep while chatting with Dunk and only woke up around 4 pm. I was in a private ward by myself, and so, when I woke up, I was still half awake and asleep. I saw someone sitting on the couch and stood up coming towards me. I thought it was Dunk as I rubbed my eyes sleepily.
"How do you feel now? Should I get the nurse?" I heard Pond's voice slowly flit out. I stopped rubbing my eyes and looked up, stunned to see him. He thought I didn't hear him and repeated himself again. I shook my head, saying I was fine.
"When did you come?"
"I came around 2pm. Dunk had to go off for work, and I told him to head on. I have been here since then."
"Thank....thank you for being here."
Pond didn't say anything as he fixed me a glass of water and called for the nurses to check on me. They took my temperature, noting it went down slightly. They told me to sleep more and stay hydrated. I nodded my head as I listened to them.
Once they were gone, Pond asked me if I was hungry. I nodded sheepishly, saying I was starving. A brief smile flitted over his face. He told me to stay put, and he went off to buy food for me. Pond came back with my favourite snacks and some coconut water for hydration.
I had the food and chugged some coconut water. Pond told me to eat slowly and stood over me, unwrapping my snacks for me.
As I ate, I looked at him periodically.
"I am sorry, Pond, for being so rude earlier. I was just stressed over the upcoming performance and did not want to mess up. I know that's still no reason for me to have spoken like that. I hope you can forgive me, na."
Pond looked at me but didn't say anything. Just then, Dunk called him to check on me. As I heard Pond speak, I knew he had accepted my apology.
"He's slightly better now. He was hungry, so I got him some snacks and coconut water, and he has been good to finish it all off. I think a couple of hours of sleep and he should be as good as new."
I didn't say anything and just smiled to myself, looking down at the table instead.
"Do you want to eat anything else?"
I shook my head, citing I was full.
"Your manager will come around 6pm. I will leave then."
"Oh, you have to go?"
"Your manager will be here. There's no reason for me to stay, right?"
I just nodded my head, not saying a word. Maybe he just needed more time to accept my apology completely I guess. We just chatted about work stuff until my manager came around 6pm and Pond took his leave then.
Before he left, he turned and looked at me.
"Rest well. Call me if you need anything ok?"
"I can call you?"
Pond just nodded and then left. A smile came over my face and turned to look at my manager who was smiling herself.
"You better get well soon. That's the only way to truly make amends with him."
"You heard?"
"You think?"
Ugh, I groaned in frustration. She just chuckled as she asked me if I needed anything as we settled into a comfortable conversation for the evening.