Daffodil's Sunshine

Chapter 18 - Home and Safety

If there was anything she was willing to wait an eternity for, it would be Irene.

Luckily, she was right there in front of her, smiling softly to herself as she waited for Areum to wake up.

"I'm surprised you didn't get scared this time," Irene giggled.

"I got used to it," Areum claimed. "Besides, you look cute when you're caught off guard."

"Not as cute as you all the time."

The musician's words stumbled against themselves. "Gee, you never fail to find a way to flirt with me."

"Of course I don't," Irene said smugly. "Also, you look very pretty with your hair down."

"You think so?" Areum shyly asked, running her fingers through her dark brown locks.

"Absolutely," Irene assured. "Now c'mon. Let's have breakfast. It smells of pancakes~"

The brown haired girl smiled to herself. Was she always this good with her words? Or...was it possible she had experience? It was impossible to tell, all she knew was that it made her feel very fuzzy inside.

As expected, when they headed into the kitchen, plates of today's warm breakfast. Pancakes with hash browns, bacon, and some scrambled eggs.

It was a simple American style breakfast, one that Hea absolutely adored and had every time she had the chance. That was usually when she stayed over at their house and she was left to babysit Areum on her own.

"This was one of dad's favorite breakfasts," Irene mentioned suddenly.

"R-really? It was one of Hea's favorites too," Areum added. "I mean, it is a pretty simple breakfast..."

"I suppose it's a breakfast meant for great people, then."

A small grin formed on Areum's face. "I suppose so."

They all ate peacefully, cracking a joke here and there. It was awkward, perhaps even cruel to admit she felt more welcome here than in her own home.

Things had changed a lot since her father had to leave, which reminded her...

After breakfast, she excused herself and made her way to Irene's room, pressing the same buttons she never failed to use.

Some moments pass, making her heart ache with anxiety. What was taking so long?

Finally, the screen formed the image she hoped for, but the anxiety didn't leave. Something on Ms. Park's face warned her of bad news before she even said a word.

"Areum, thank you for your call," Ms. Park began. "I hate to inform you that your father's cognitive ability has nearly diminished. He doesn't recognize anyone from the home anymore, and we're struggling to keep him well. Please, when you have the time, could you visit him?"

"Can I...see him right now?" Areum croaked.

"It would be best if you visit him in person. Because of his condition, we'll have to keep him away from screens or bright lights. He's showing a sensitivity to that as well."

"I...I understand. Thank you for your time."

"I'll see you again soon. Stay strong."

The call ended, a little abruptly. Certainly too abruptly for Areum to process her emotions, even if she knew that those words would arrive soon. Predictability didn't make it any less hurtful. It certainly didn't help the tears welling up in her eyes.

A knock came from the door. "May I come in?" called a muffled voice.

"Y-yeah, go ahead!" Areum stuttered, desperately trying to make her voice sound calm.