Lyra’s Legacy

"Mr. White, your stomach condition has flared up due to stress-induced triggers.

"From now on, don't consume any food that you dislike. Otherwise, it might not just be a stomachache the next time. You could end up having part of your stomach removed.

"Stay in the hospital for a day's observation, and make sure to let your family know to come as soon as possible."

I went quiet after hearing the doctor.

For a new project, I worked day and night abroad for 39 days straight and finally made it home safely. I never expected that a glass of mango juice from Irene Johnson at the celebration dinner would send me straight to the hospital.

I instinctively opened the pinned WhatsApp chat. I had just typed two words when something felt off.

After taking a careful look, I confirmed that it was Irene, but she had changed her profile picture to a green mango.

Just as I was staring blankly at the chat window, Irene's call came through. Her voice on the phone was icy. "I'm home. Where are you?"

I stayed quiet. In the past, I would have forgiven her immediately, pretending nothing had happened and moving on with the conversation.

But tonight, I had no idea what to say.

Irene grew annoyed. "Jason White, how long are you going to keep making a scene?"

"I'm at the hospital."

She fell silent. She had never cared about my health, and she could never have imagined that a single glass of her mango juice would land me straight in the hospital.

"Wait for me at the hospital. I'm coming right away," she said.

I didn't want to deal with her, yet my weakened body kept me from moving.

Time slipped by.

The doctor came to check on me three times, but Irene still hadn't shown up.

Just before falling asleep, I checked my phone one last time and saw Steven Carter's Instagram story that said, "Every time I get hurt, my little princess shows up like magic. It's so nice."

The photo showed Irene putting a bandage on him.

Steven's profile picture was a yellow mango. It was pretty, yet it made me feel sick.