Clyde had finally come to, though he was still a bit under the weather.
When he came to visit me in the hospital, he wrapped me in a tight embrace.
"Melanie, I'm so sorry. I never should've dragged you into this mess. How's the doc saying you're doing? Is it allergies or what? You okay?"
Lisa and I had our story straight, claiming my fainting spell was due to someone slipping something into my drink.
I gently patted Clyde on the back and comforted him, "I'm fine now, really."
Giving him a thorough once-over to assure myself he was just a bit weak but otherwise alright, I finally relaxed.
"Melanie, are you sure you're okay? You seem thinner. Have you been skipping meals?"
"Heard you've been by my side till you passed out yourself. Didn't your blood sugar drop again?"
He fished out a handful of candies from his pocket and placed them on my nightstand.
"Got these from the nurse. She said they're good for low blood sugar."
"From now on, you're keeping candies with you, okay? I'll be checking."
I couldn't argue with him, just nodded in resignation, though holding the candies felt bittersweet.
He lingered around, making sure I was truly fine before he finally seemed to breathe easier.
Then, with gritted teeth, he said, "That bastard Talbot, I'll make him pay for this."
"He will pay, but we need solid proof first."
Clyde was silent for a moment before standing up.
"Rest up here. The doc will look after you. I need to have a word with him."
"If we're going to work on this project together, Garfield owes me an explanation."
I knew he was really steamed this time.
Many had tried to get to Clyde, but Talbot was brazen enough to drug him.
Noticing a shadow outside the door, I gave Clyde a few words of caution before he left.
I lay in bed, pretending to be asleep.
About ten minutes later, the door quietly opened.
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