The Great Medical Saint

Sitting on the left, Nolan Teague looked scruffy. He had a flushed face, puffy

cheeks, and bloodshot eyes. He frowned every now and then, looking like he was under the weather. It was clear as day that he had high blood pressure and was struggling with sleep.

Tony's chance to make enough for two plates of pasta had finally come.

He cleared his throat and turned to Nolan. "Which construction site are you working at?"

With his mouth full of pasta, Nolan mumbled, "I work at Silver Oak Developments. Are you looking for a job? You've got to be at least 60, right? I doubt they'd want to hire you. But if you're really struggling to find a job, I've got an idea. Get yourself a fake ID that says you're 59. They might let you do some easy work."

Tony was caught off guard when Nolan got the wrong idea. He wanted to get straight to talking about the treatment, but it felt too sudden to change the subject, so he held back.

When it came to seeing a doctor, it was always the patient who reached out. Only when someone was out cold would a doctor go to them. It was way too abrupt for Tony to bring it up.

Tony went along with Nolan. "At my age, even if I got a fake ID, they'd see through it right away."noveldrama

Nolan chuckled. "It doesn't matter if they notice. These days, young people would rather make less money than do hard labor on a construction site. They'll just turn a blind eye to your age.

"I'm a good example. Even though I'm 65, my ID says 55. They know, but they just keep quiet about it."

Noticing Nolan and his friend were about to finish their food, Tony knew he had to mention the treatment before they left. He smiled and added, "There's something I've been meaning to tell you. You've got a serious health issue."

Nolan responded with a grin, "I know. I have high blood pressure."

Tony was taken aback. He figured Nolan would ask what the problem was, giving him a chance to explain gradually. He didn't expect Nolan to already know.

After hesitating for a moment, Tony continued, "You can't keep doing heavy labor on the construction site. Your blood pressure is really high-probably at least 150. You need to stop overworking and get treatment, or it could be dangerous."

Nolan shot back, "If I get treatment, are you paying my wages?"

Tony hadn't expected the question and shook his head. "Why would I give you a salary? I'm not your boss."

Nolan threw his hands up. "Exactly. If you're not paying me, I have to keep working. Who else is going to cover my paycheck?"

Tony was a little anxious. "Your condition is pretty serious. You have to get it treated, or things could end up badly. You're at risk of getting a stroke, and that's dangerous."

Nolan scoffed. "Even if it's dangerous, it's not as jeopardizing as being broke. My son needs money for a house and a wedding. If I go for treatment, who's bringing in the cash?"

Tony pressed his lips together and stayed quiet. He was strapped for cash himself and couldn't even treat Matthew, who saved him, to a plate of pasta.

Nolan got up. "I'm just a peasant. Getting treated means no income and more expenses. We're not like city folks who have pensions. If I go for treatment, I'll have to ask my children for money. They've got their struggles, and I can't be a burden to them."

After saying that, Nolan started making his way to leave.

Matthew quickly called out, "Hold on. I've got a simple high blood pressure tip you can try to see if it helps."

Nolan shook his head. "No trick is going to cut it. I've checked with the hospital. They told me to take some amlodipine pills. Once I start, I'll be on them for life. It'll cost a few hundred dollars a month. Besides that, it can lead to heart problems and stomach issues, and there's still the risk of strokes and brain hemorrhages.

"Screw it. I'm not getting treated. If I die, whatever. If I'm still around, I'll keep making money."