Seoul ‖ Kim Namjoon

8

Mrs Han had been kept in the hospital overnight so that they could check her vitals after the terrible fall. They had also wanted to monitor her results and so Chayoung had returned home alone that night.

A poor decision and the Im girl wondered whether she should have retreated to Minhyuck's place once more or even Namjoon's. 

All she knew was that she did not want to be alone.

The next morning, she had driven off to the hospital to pick her mother up, and as she gently guided her mother in, Chayoung tried not to think of all the possibilities that would happen.

"I can hear you thinking, Chayoung," Mrs Han chuckled fondly at her daughter as she took a seat opposite the couch, a mug of coffee in hand. 

"M'not," She mumbled.

"Oh yes you are, I can practically hear the cogs in your mind turning," Mrs Han glanced firmly at the younger girl. "Nothing bad is going to happen to me,"

"Mum, you literally heard the results," Chayoung groaned in exasperation. "They said that...that you don't have much time left, how could I not worry and think?"

"Im Chayoung,"

The said girl flinched slightly at the strong tone in her mother's voice. She never addressed her by her full name, it had only been used when she was younger after the girl would whine to go to the park after school.

"I have lived this long after being diagnosed with malignant lung cancer," Mrs Han leaned back in her seat. "That itself is a blessing from God, and I'm grateful. We all knew that I wasn't going to make it until I was ninety, despite what your aunt said,"

Without warning, Chayoung began to cry, tears streaming down her cheeks as she waddled towards her mother, curling up in her lap like a cat whilst Mrs Han stroked her hair.

"Why are you crying?"

"B-Because I don't...I don't want to be...to be alone," The girl hiccupped and stumbled over her words, tears glistening on her skin.

"We're all alone at some point, dear, it's just a matter of how we choose to deal with that situation,"

...

Chayoung had been extremely reluctant to leave her mother at home once again, but after adamantly pushing her, Mrs Han had managed to shove her daughter out of the door and off to work.

So whilst the bright laughter and smiles of little children running around filled the atmosphere of the room, one dark cloud hung just above their teacher, although she had managed to fake a smile so the toddlers would not worry.

"Miss Im?"

One of the children, Yoo Mingyu, shuffled towards her, a frown upon his face as he looked at his teacher.

"Miss Im, are you sad?" He asked as Chayoung laughed softly.

"Why would I be sad, Mingyu?"

"You look sad," He pointed out. "Don't be sad, Miss Im, we love you!"

An even bigger grin appeared on Chayoung's face. "And I love you," She spoke. "Now, forget about me, and go play with your friends,"

With one last look at his teacher, Mingyu disappeared off to play with the others, leaving Chayoung alone with her thoughts.

"A penny for your thoughts?"

Chayoung turned herself around to see her boss looking at her with a gentle smile.

Mr Jung had always been a polite, kind man and had always offered her support when she and her mother had needed it. He was well-liked by the neighbourhood and just a wonderful man i general, and Chayoung often found herself talking to him during her shifts.

"I'm just tired," Chayoung let out a breath that she did not know she was holding.

"I heard about Eunbi's fall," Mr Jung said, quietly. "Is she alright?"

"She says she's fine, but I don't know what to think," Chayoung admitted. "The report for the chemo came as well, and it said - it said that she doesn't have long left,"

As the words left her mouth, Chayoung swallowed the horrible feeling down her throat as Mr Jung stood there, speechless.

"Poor Eunbi," He said, softly. "And poor you,"

"If she goes," Chayoung whispered, her voice sounding more vulnerable than ever. "Then who do I have left?"