As soon as Maryann finished speaking, I collapsed to the floor, convulsing badly.
Maryann and Shawn freaked out, screaming at the top of their lungs.
"Mom, Dad, come over! Larry is possessed by a ghost!"
I couldn't believe that was what they thought.
Hasty footsteps echoed in the stairwell.
My dad lifted me, and my mom anxiously felt my forehead.
"It's icy. What's wrong with Larry?"
"I don't know. I just saw his pale face, and he suddenly collapsed and started convulsing."
My dad slapped his thigh.
"Oh no, could this be epilepsy? I heard people in the village say epilepsy looks like this. Let's get him to the hospital as soon as possible."
Halfway there, he remembered something.
"Wasn't Wayne supposed to come for a visit today? You should stay at home. I'll take Larry to the hospital."
My heart skipped a beat. That wouldn't do.
In his arms, I began convulsing again and crying.
"Mom, I want Mom."
I saw her face turn pale instantly, realizing how terrifying my current appearance and actions were.
She slapped her thigh in panic, "Timothy, call Wayne and tell them to reschedule. Larry's health matters more."
Initially, she wanted Shawn and Maryann to stay home and do their homework, but Maryann seemed too frightened to stay alone and insisted on coming with us.
And so, the four of us set off together.
When my dad got me into the car, I thought to myself that once this crisis passed, they must keep a low profile.
We owned a car, arousing many people's envy.
The familiar smell of disinfectant in the town hospital eased my anxiety slightly. At least, we made it through the night.
Krystal was the nurse on duty that night. She rushed over anxiously. "What's going on? Larry was fine when I left this afternoon."
Hearing her voice, I buried my face in my dad's chest and wept. Krystal cared about me so much, and I would not let her suffer for 20 years.
The doctor couldn't find anything wrong, so he prescribed some fluids for observation. If there were further episodes, I would have to go to the larger hospital in the city.
I considered continuing to pretend, but given my parents' characters, they would probably rush to the city with me or even buy a house there.
But Wayne had targeted my family. Furthermore, my dad was a warm and generous person who wouldn't forget his friend even if we moved to the city.