Twisted Rope

Over the next week, the family passed the time as best they could at the military base, while Jeong-hyeok underwent further evaluation and received physiotherapy. Security assessments and changes were also being undertaken at their home and Lim Sun-Hee was helping there. Security agents also wanted to visit the offices of Seri's Choice and the girls' school. They wouldn't be able to return until appropriate security was in place to ensure their safety.

Ka-youn and Yeji were getting bored and restless, not helped by the fact that their luggage and mobiles from New York still hadn't arrived. Whilst their accommodation in a bungalow was comfortable, there was little they could do on the base. The security agents were keen to keep their location a secret, so they wouldn't allow them to call their friends and had even been reluctant to allow them access to the internet. Seri had insisted that they be trusted though, and eventually the girls were allowed to access social media, even if they couldn't post themselves.

One afternoon, Seri walked across the courtyard to the hospital to meet with Jeong-hyeok and the lead doctor. The medical team had finished their assessments and wanted to discuss the prognosis and next steps for treatment. Jeong-hyeok wanted her there with him. He had been pretty quiet the last couple of days. He'd not said very much when she'd tried to press him on how he was feeling, but she guessed he might be anxious about what the doctor might say. She hoped everything was alright. He had certainly gained more energy and stamina, so it seemed promising. He could now climb a flight of stairs without becoming breathless and he hardly slept during the daytime.

They had found the doctor to be a very pleasant and conscientious young woman. When Seri walked in, she was examining her notes, but put them down to greet her and gave her a friendly smile. Jeong-hyeok was already sitting down on one of the chairs and he held out his hand for her to come and sit by him. She settled down and then waited for the doctor to begin her assessment. Her heart seemed to be going extra fast.

"Ri Jeong-hyeok, as I think you've already been told by the doctors in the States, you've been very fortunate not to have suffered paralysis or even death after receiving that poison. That is down to your prompt action and also your excellent physical health. There is no damage that we can detect to your brain or major organs."
Her manner was calm and professional, and hearing her reassuring words helped Seri to relax. She hadn't fully realised how tense she had been feeling until that moment. She turned to smile at Jeong-hyeok, but he was still focused on the doctor.

"We have detected damage to the nervous system within your left arm, however, where you received the highest dose. We think there will continue to be some gradual improvement there, certainly enough to support day to day use." The doctor paused and looked hesitantly at Jeong-hyeok.

Seri turned again to him. He seemed calm, but she was starting to feel anxious again. What else did the doctor have to say?

"Are you telling me I won't regain full functioning in my left hand and arm?" he asked.

Seri tensed. She saw the direction his mind had gone.

"There will be function, but your reactions will be slower, and we think it will always be slower than before."

"I'm a concert pianist." He paused, turning towards Seri, seeming to check how she was reacting.

Her mind was struggling to deal with the news, not wanting to take the path it was leading her to. Her heart beating fast and anxious again, she could only stare back at him, a feeling of dread spreading through her. He turned back to the doctor.

"So, you're telling me I won't be able to play the piano again."

It wasn't a question; it was a statement.