Dwellers of the New World Chapter Two ( Pt 4 )

Standing at the door outside, Luke knew the hospital was right across the other side of the city, which would mean he would have to use the telek port button.

This was an implant, that was inserted behind the ear, when it's pressed
hard four times, you can be transported to wherever you need to be, just by thinking of the place, almost like the switching on and off of a light.

Luke never liked using it, unless it was really necessary, because it drained the energy out of you and left you feeling tired, but this was
urgent, so he never hesitated.

All at once he found himself outside the hospital doors. The last time he was here, was when he had his implant inserted, Luke had a big dislike of hospitals.

Laying his palm on the pad above him, on the wall, a computerized voice asked for his name.

“Luke Mayall,” he replied.

Then the voice asked who he was there to see?.

“Lena Mayall.”

The door unlocked and Luke went in. Walking down the corridor, he came to a kind of reception area, it was very white and clinical.

A voice again called out his name over the loud speaker.

“WOULD LUKE MAYALL, PLEASE GO TO ROOM SIXTEEN...
I REPEAT LUKE MAYALL...PLEASE GO TO ROOM SIXTEEN.”

He walked down the corridor, passing a couple of doctors. The doors were numbered, ten...eleven...twelve, finally he reached door sixteen.
Knocking, he was greeted by a nurse.

“Are you Luke?” she enquired.

“Yes...but what's happened to mum, why is she here?”

The nurse asked him to come into the room.

“I'm afraid your Mother collapsed at home.”

“What! But why would she collapse? I don't understand.”

“We have already done some tests,” replied the nurse, “your mother was very dehydrated, her blood sugar levels were also low.”

The nurse hesitated then said...”I'm afraid she's also suffering with a food disorder.”

Luke was devastated, “I...I never knew.”

“I'm afraid you wouldn't know, people with food disorders are very good at hiding their problem.”

Then the nurse question Luke about his mother.

“Can I ask what you mother does for a living?”

Luke still looking stunned, replied. “She works at our local fitness centre, she also gets up early every morning and goes running. Please
can I see her now?”

“She's resting,” said the nurse, “but I'm sure she would be anxious to see you. We have put her on a drip, to bring her sugar levels back up, so don't be alarmed by the the tubes.”

The nurse took Luke into another room, where his mother lay.

When Lena saw her son, she started to cry. “Son...I'm so sorry...I've spoilt your birthday.”

“Mum it's okay, as long as you're all right, that's all that matters. How
did you get here?”

“I managed to use my implant, when I came round after collapsing. I was so scared it wouldn't work, and that I would be too weak. A kind nurse found me outside the hospital, and brought me in.”

“Mum! Why haven't you been eating properly?” asked Luke, holding his mother's hand.

“Oh! I don't know...I just don't see the point in eating, when your father's away, I'm so busy at the fitness centre, I don't have time to prepare food, and you always do your own thing anyway. Luke we
hardly ever see each other these days, but I'm so glad you've got your
own life, please don't think I'm blaming you.”

“Yes...but look where you've ended up, you have to make changes, you
have to take care of yourself, I thought being a fitness instructor, you would know this already?”

“I know son...I'll try and change, but it's hard fitting everything in, we are expected to be on call at the fitness centre at all times, and I can't take a class, if I've just eaten, so I tend to miss meals.”

Luke was extremely worried by his mother's words. “Somehow I'm going to have to try to get hold of father, to let him know.”

Lena started to get agitated. “No...no! Luke...please don't tell your father...he's on a mission and won't appreciate being disturbed.”

“Mum! He would be more upset if he didn't know.”

“I suppose you're right!” said Lena, “but please let him know I'm okay
now, and there's nothing to worry about.”

“Okay mum. Look I'm going back home now. I'll go to the control centre, then they can make the decision to contact dad.”

“Son...I'll leave it in your capable hands. Thank you for coming to see me, I really appreciate it. Why don't you go back to your party? I'll be
fine.”

“Mum...there's no way I want to party now. Leave everything to me and get some sleep.”

“Okay son. Oh! By the way, can you tell work what's happened, only I could loose my job if I don't turn up tomorrow.”

Luke kissed her goodnight, of course I will tell them, you won't loose your job I promise. He turned and left the room.

Once outside the hospital, he decided not to use the implant, he needed to think, so he decided to walk home.