Businessman Loses All Hope After His Diagnosis, but One Hospital Encounter Changes Everything — Story of the Day
A small youngster in the hospital transforms the perspective of a workaholic businessman who has received heartbreaking news about his health. Unexpected camaraderie and tiny deeds of kindness strengthen their bond and teach him what really counts—until a tragic turn of events changes everything.
At his workstation, 50-year-old Andrew shuffled papers while arranging meetings with his partners.
He didn’t hear his assistant, Michael, come in. Michael waited there. He cleared his throat after a few seconds.
No answer. Andrew remained focused on his work. Michael made another attempt. “Mr. Smith.” No response as of yet. Three more times he said his name.
Andrew finally yelled, “What?” and slapped his palms on the desk.
Michael remained unflinching. “If your ex-wife called, you asked me to let you know.”
Andrew rubbed his temples and moaned. “How many times must I tell you this? Don’t answer her calls. Now what?
A notepad was in Michael’s hand. A message was left by her. It is a direct quote, so I should warn you. Not mine, but hers. He took a look at the note. I will never forgive you for squandering so many years of my life, you conceited jerk. In the event that you fail to return my painting, I will crush your car. The message is that.
Andrew’s face flushed. “It has been two years since our divorce! Is there nothing better she can do?
Michael stared at him, awaiting more guidance. “Should I answer her?”
“No! Additionally, cease answering her calls,” Andrew stated. Then he stopped. “Tell her that I actually threw that painting in the trash!”
Andrew picked up a pen and threw it against the wall. Michael nodded courteously, ducked a little, and walked out of the room.
Andrew’s phone rang a few seconds later. He picked it up and scowled.
A voice said, “Andrew Smith?”
Indeed. Who’s phoning?
“This is the medical facility. The results of your test are available. The doctor is interested in seeing you.
“Will you not tell me right away?” “I’m frustrated,” stated Andrew. “I’m occupied.”
I apologize, sir. The physician will give an explanation in person.
Andrew let out a deep sigh. “All right. I’ll enter. He shook his head and hung up.
The luxury of a lunch break was something Andrew rarely gave himself, but this time it was different. The only sound in the doctor’s office was the ticking clock on the wall.
Andrew’s fingers tapped the armrest of a chair as he sat rigidly. The doctor entered, his expression solemn, as the door opened. Sensing terrible news, Andrew scowled.
Using words Andrew didn’t understand, the doctor sat across from him and spoke in a calm, measured tone
Then the word—cancer—was spoken. “We must move quickly,” the physician stated.
“Is this a joke of some sort?” Andrew’s voice was stern as he asked. “I run a business. I cannot simply check myself into a hospital.
His eyes met the doctor’s. “You should prioritize your health. The business can wait.
Andrew bent over. “How likely is it that I will recover?”
“I am unable to make any promises,” the physician stated. “It is crucial to begin treatment immediately.”
Andrew’s voice lifted. “While I’m here, can I still work?”
“Everyone is affected differently by treatment,” the doctor said. “You’ll remain in the hospital so we can keep an eye on you.” You can get a computer from someone.
Andrew scowled and got to his feet. “All right. I’ll resolve it.
The physician observed him go. He remarked, “We’ll see you tomorrow with your things,” before Andrew arrived at the door.
While strolling through the pediatric side of the hospital, Andrew saw an eight-year-old child bouncing a ball back and forth with a nurse.
Their laughing reverberated down the hallway. Abruptly, the ball moved across the floor and came to a rest close to Andrew’s feet.
“Pardon me, sir!” Grinning, the boy called out. “Will you please return the ball?”
Andrew’s face was strained as he took up the ball. He threw it down the corridor, away from the boy and nurse, without saying a word, then turned and left.
“Sir, that was cruel!” the boy yelled.
Days that seemed like weeks had passed while Andrew was in the hospital. He set up his laptop and pushed through meetings in an attempt to continue working.
However, the therapy was exhausting. He got weaker with each session. Sleep was almost impossible, and the nausea persisted.
Andrew leaned back with his eyes half-closed one day during yet another lengthy chemotherapy treatment. He was unhappy.
A little voice abruptly pierced his haze. A boy was standing in front of him when he opened his eyes. Andrew flinched in surprise. The boy laughed. The boy from the hallway was back.
“Kid, what do you want?” Andrew muttered without raising his head.
In search of a playmate, I have been strolling throughout the hospital. This place is dull.
Andrew gave him a frustrated look. He said, “What’s your name?”
“Tommy,” the child said, grinning broadly.
Andrew let out a sigh. Tommy, pay attention. I don’t feel like playing right now. Before I get worse, go disturb someone else.
Tommy remained still. Rather, he extracted a tiny peppermint candy from his pocket. He extended it to Andrew. This relieves nausea. You ought to give it a try.
After a moment of hesitation, Andrew grabbed the candy and placed it on the table.
“You’re so grumpy!” Tommy chuckled as he spoke. “I’ll refer to you as Mr. Grouch.” Is your fear of needles the reason you’re angry? He gestured toward Andrew’s arm’s IV.
Andrew scowled. “I have no fear of anything.”
Tommy gave a nod. That’s alright. At first, I was also afraid, but I stopped. I’m a superhero, according to my mother. Are you superpowered?
“No,” Andrew answered in a flat tone.
“That’s because you’re too depressed,” Tommy said, his voice now grave.
Astonished by the candor in the boy’s large, brilliant eyes, Andrew turned to face him. “Do you want anything in particular?” Andrew inquired.
Tommy smiled. Indeed. I want to get my mom some flowers. She puts in a lot of work, but I have no money.
With another groan, Andrew grabbed his wallet and took out several bills. “This is it. Get your flowers. Purchase something for yourself as well, perhaps. But don’t bother me.
Tommy’s face brightened. “Mr. Grouch, thank you!” Andrew gazed at the peppermint candies on the table as he hurried out, holding the cash.
He sighed as he picked it up, opened the packaging, and put it in his mouth. He was surprised to find that the strong sweetness made the nausea go away. Although it wasn’t much, it had an impact for a while.
A nurse came on Andrew’s door that night when he was absorbed in his laptop.
She had a little paper bag with her. She put it on the table and said, “This is for you.” “I got it from Tommy.”
There were peppermint candies inside the bag when Andrew opened it. Uncertain of whether to be amused or moved, he shook his head.
He made the decision to locate Tommy the following morning. He had to be clear that the money was not a present.
He noticed a woman resting against the wall with trembling shoulders as he got closer to Tommy’s chamber. She was in tears.
“Are you alright?” In a quiet voice, Andrew inquired.
The woman looked up after swiftly wiping her eyes. “Yes… Did you require anything?
Andrew remarked, “Tommy gave me some candies yesterday.”
A tiny smile curved the woman’s lips. She said, “Oh, so you’re Mr. Grouch.”
An eyebrow went up for Andrew. “I’m Andrew,” he answered.
“My name is Sara,” she said. “Are you also receiving treatment here?”
Andrew gave a nod.
“Then you get it,” Sara muttered. “The stress, the bills. Right now, I can’t even afford to pay my rent. We will be evicted in two months, they informed me.
Unsure of what to say, Andrew nodded once again. The door sprang open before he could reply. When Tommy saw Andrew, his expression brightened and he raced out. “Hey, Mr. Grouch!” he exclaimed, beaming broadly.
Tommy started to be a regular in Andrew’s life after that day.
With a broad smile and boundless enthusiasm, the child would stroll into Andrew’s room. Andrew initially thought it was bothersome, but Tommy persisted until he got tired of it.
Andrew soon started anticipating the visits. He learned to appreciate life’s small pleasures from Tommy.
They speculated about the colors of the sky while they sat at the window and watched the sunset. They pulled mild practical jokes on nurses, eliciting reprimands and suppressed grins.
They occasionally “borrowed” wheelchairs and ran through the hallways while laughing until their sides ached.
Andrew didn’t inquire about Tommy’s condition. He didn’t know how to mention it. Tommy reported that Sara had been crying once more one day. Tommy remarked, “She’s worried about money.” “Our house may be lost.”
In private, Andrew handed Tommy an envelope containing money. He said, “Tell her it’s from a magician.”
Andrew waved Sara away when she attempted to return the money. He declared, “I’m not a magician.” “I have no idea where it originated.”
Weeks went by. After Andrew’s treatments were successful, the doctor finally informed him that he was cancer-free.
Andrew was so happy that he hurried to tell Tommy about it. However, Tommy was unconscious when he got there, and Sara was sitting next to him, crying.
“What took place?” Andrew’s question was hardly audible above a whisper.
Sara shook her head and wiped her eyes. “The doctors said they couldn’t do anything else.”
Andrew gazed at her, finding it difficult to comprehend what she had said. But he looked so content. He was usually grinning. I believed he was getting better.
Sara’s face was filled with pain as she gazed at him. “He wanted you not to see how ill he was.” For you, he wanted to be powerful. He believed he was superhuman.
Andrew’s chest grew constricted. “I sincerely apologize.”
Sara choked back tears and forced a small grin. “Avoid becoming. You saved him, he said. You offered him hope and fun these past few months. You helped him forget he was ill.
Slowly, Andrew shook his head. “No. It was him who saved me.
He took a step toward her and gave her a soft embrace. Andrew wanted he could take away her anguish, but he knew nothing would ever really make it go away as she sobbed softly into his shoulder.
Tommy died quietly that night, surrounded by his mother’s love and the memories he had created.
Later, unable to cope with the loss, Andrew sat by himself in his room. The idea of such a brilliant soul being forgotten was too much for Andrew to handle.
He was adamant that Tommy’s generosity would endure, so he established a foundation in his honor to aid ailing kids.
Additionally, he maintained contact with Sara, providing her with all the assistance he could.
Andrew once stood at his ex-wife’s door one afternoon, holding the painting she had long desired. Andrew silently gave her the artwork as she opened the door, her mouth poised to make accusations.
Andrew held out the artwork and replied calmly, “I’m not here to argue.”
His ex-wife scowled in confusion. She questioned, “What is this supposed to mean?”
With a faint smile, Andrew answered, “Nothing important.” “I just want to make sure I don’t lose my superpowers.” He turned and left without waiting for an answer.
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