The King Of Noookie

Episode One: The Source of Temptation

In Los Angeles

At Nevy Hospital, located just down the city, Michael had endured many sleepless nights, selflessly dedicating himself to caring for his beloved mother. The hospital's recovery room, once unfamiliar, had become a second home to him as he navigated the challenges of her illness." The hospital's halls were bustling with activity, filled with patients and visitors from all walks of life. The outpatient clinics were packed, with people waiting to see specialists or undergo routine tests. The sound of chatter and beeping equipment filled the air, creating a sense of constant motion. Every examination room was occupied, with doctors and nurses moving efficiently from one patient to the next. The hospital's staff were busy but not frazzled, their faces friendly and welcoming despite the crowds. The waiting rooms were filled with people reading, typing on their phones, or chatting with others. Despite the crowds, the hospital had a sense of calm organization, a well-oiled machine humming along. Clara, Micheal's mother had been sick for quite a while. She moved from Doctor to Doctor but still found nothing until she was discovered to be a victim of Leukaemia. Clara's eyes widened in disbelief as the doctor uttered the words "leukemia" and "cancer" in the same sentence, her mind racing with questions and fears. She felt like she'd been punched in the gut, her breath knocked out of her, as the room spun around her in a blur. The diagnosis hung in the air like a dark cloud, threatening to engulf her entire world, and Clara couldn't help but wonder if this was the end of her life as she knew it. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to process the news, her thoughts racing with questions like "how", "why", and "what's next"?. Despite her increasingly frail health, she chose to conceal her grave condition from her son until it had ravaged her body, leaving her severely debilitated. It was only when her strength had dwindled significantly that she realized it was imperative to divulge the truth to her son, prompting him to come to her side and confront the harsh reality. Upon receiving the heart-wrenching news, Micheal donned a mask of nonchalance, feigning indifference. But, alone in his room, the facade crumbled, and tears streamed down his face as he envisioned a life without his beloved mother, his last living relative and only source of comfort.

In a private recovery room, Michael returned from their apartment, where he had taken a refreshing bath and prepared a nourishing early morning breakfast for his mother. Clara lay awake, as was her habit, gazing out the window, lost in memories of playful moments with Michael from his childhood. As these fond recollections flooded her mind, Clara couldn't help but weep at the poignant realization of how swiftly and unexpectedly her life had changed. "Mom, we've discussed this," he said, his voice laced with concern. "Crying won't help in any way. You need to stay strong, especially now." He gently wiped away her tears with his crisp white handkerchief, pulled from his pocket. Then, he carefully served breakfast on a plate and placed it on a tray beside her. Though her appetite was weak, he slowly spoon-fed her, encouraging her to eat. Despite her struggles, she forced herself to take each bite, determined to boost her chances of recovery and spend more time with her son.

"How are you feeling today, ma'am?" the doctor asked, entering the room with a warm smile. He was a tall, slender man with straight hair and chubby cheeks, exuding a sense of kindness and professionalism. "I feel kind of weak and tired," she replied in a soft voice, her eyes gazing up at him with a hint of vulnerability. The doctor nodded sympathetically and began his regular checkup, which took about six minutes to complete. After finishing the examination, he turned to Michael and said, "Michael, could you please join me in my office immediately? I'd like to discuss your mother's condition with you in more detail." He proceeded.

"Mom, I'll be right back," he said, transferring the tray with her breakfast to the table beside her bed, which leaned against the wall. He then obeyed the doctor's request and headed to the doctor's room. Upon entering, he was offered a seat, which he gratefully accepted.

"Doctor, is there something wrong?" he asked sorrowfully.

"You could say that," the doctor replied gravely. "Listen, we need to face the facts. We've tried everything, but your mom's condition continues to deteriorate. There's nothing more we can do. We're afraid we might lose her."

"Doctor, please, I beg of you, do everything you can to save her. Please," he pleaded.

"Okay, we'll try again, but I can't make any promises," the doctor said gently.

"Thank you, Doctor. Thank you very much," he replied, his voice trembling. He then wiped away his tears and returned to his mother's room to feed her. Later, he went back to his apartment. As he was leaving the hospital, the receptionist called him by name to pick up his receipt.

When he arrived home, he rushed to the safe, his heart racing with anticipation. But, to his dismay, the safe was empty, devoid of even a single note. Panic set in as he frantically searched every nook and cranny of the house, his breath coming in short gasps. Every possible hiding spot yielded nothing but dust and despair. Defeated, he slumped into a chair, his eyes fixed on the meager two pennies that mocked him from the coffee table. Michael's options had dwindled to one: beg for help from his ruthless and cunning Uncle, to whom they already owed a small fortune. The looming debt of ten million, two hundred US dollars seemed insurmountable, and Michael's fate hung precariously in the balance. And then, just as he was about to give up hope, he received a mysterious message that he thought would change everything.