The Cat That I Love

"Death"Ch.2

Author's pov.

Today, Chaeryeong visited her mother again, but this time she brought someone with her—it was Yeji. Even though the hospital doesn't allow pets inside, Chaeryeong had a plan to hide Yeji so no one would notice. She placed Yeji inside her bag and quietly entered her mother's hospital room.

When she arrived, she smiled widely upon seeing her mother. She placed her bag on the floor, unzipped it, and took Yeji out. Her mother chuckled at her daughter's mischievousness. "Chaeryeong, did the hospital say pets are allowed here now?" her mother asked. "Y-yes, hehe, but Yeddeong wanted to see you, so I brought her here!" Chaeryeong replied, showing Yeji's cute face.

"Hahaha, that's fine, but don't let anyone know, okay?" her mother said, forming an "okay" sign with her hand. "Okay," Chaeryeong replied, mimicking the gesture. "Now give me Yeddeong; I miss her too," Mrs. Lee said. "Here, Omma," Chaeryeong said, handing Yeji to her mother. "Ohh! Umma, I forgot something outside. Wait a minute!" Chaeryeong said before leaving the room.

Mrs. Lee and Yeji were left in the room. Mrs. Lee smiled at Yeji, while Yeji just stared at her owner's pale skin and pale lips. "Yeji, can I ask you a favor?" Yeji's attention was completely focused on her owner. "I want you to take care of Chaeryeong for me when I'm gone. If that day ever comes, please don't leave Chaeryeong's side," Mrs. Lee paused for a moment and then continued, "I want you to be by her side all the time, even if I'm gone. Yeddeong, can you promise me that?" Mrs. Lee spoke in a calm voice, but her eyes revealed the pain of having to leave Chaeryeong, Yeji, and even her husband—the people she loved. Yeji raised her small little paw and touched Mrs. Lee's pinky finger while looking at her owner.

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The day finally came when Mrs. Lee was turned into ashes. Only Chaeryeong and Yeji were left, staring at the jar holding Mrs. Lee's ashes. Chaeryeong's father was in the car, crying his heart out. Yeji stayed with Chaeryeong, as she had promised to be by her side when her owner passed away. Chaeryeong finally let out her tears; earlier, she had tried to stay strong, just like her mother had told her to. 

But in the end, she still cried. She knew her mother would understand why she was crying so hard. "Y-Yeddeong, U-Umma already l-left us," Chaeryeong said between her sobs. "B-but she can finally rest, without those tubes and needles in her body," she added, still sobbing. Chaeryeong hugged Yeji tightly as her cries grew louder and louder. Yeji, at that moment, wished she could become human so she could properly hug Chaeryeong. 

She wanted to wipe away Chaeryeong's tears and tell her, "It's gonna be okay, I'm here!" But she couldn't. Yeji moved closer to Chaeryeong's face, placing her two little paws on Chaeryeong's cheeks and licking the tears away. That was the only way Yeji could show Chaeryeong that she was there for her.

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Fifteen years later, Chaeryeong is now 20 years old, and Yeji is 21. "Yeddeong?! Where are you? It's time to eat!" called Chaeryeong. As soon as she said it, Yeji was already running toward her, stopping where the food was and starting to eat. "Wahh, Yeddeong, if you eat too fast, you'll get even fatter," said Chaeryeong, watching Yeji eat. But Yeji didn't care if she got fatter as long as she had her delicious meal.

"Oh, bye now, Yeji! See you later. I still need to go to school!" said Chaeryeong, glancing at the time. Before leaving, she kissed Yeji on the head and both cheeks. Yeji's life was always like that, but she was happy. Chaeryeong and Yeji now lived in an apartment near Chaeryeong's school. After finishing her meal, Yeji went to the window, watching Chaeryeong from afar as she headed toward her school.

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IIt's now 5:20 p.m., and Yeji is still waiting for her owner to come home. Then, she heard the door open. She immediately went to the door and saw her owner taking off her shoes. "Ohh, Yeddeong! I'm home," said Chaeryeong with a wide smile. Yeji instantly ran toward Chaeryeong and jumped into her arms, licking Chaeryeong's cheeks. Chaeryeong giggled at this and kissed Yeji back on her head and cheeks.

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At chaeryeong's school:

"Chaeryeongahhh!" called a short girl while running towards Chaeryeong. "Oh, Lia unnie!" said Chaeryeong. "Chaeryeong, wanna go out with us, Ryujin and Yuna?" asked Lia. "Sorry, unnie, my cat is waiting for me!" Chaeryeong replied apologetically. "Ehh, again? Hmm, maybe next time when you're free!" said Lia. "Okay, unnie, bye for now!" Chaeryeong said as she headed home.

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Next day:

"CHAERYEONG UNNIE!!" shouted Yuna from the hallway, running towards Chaeryeong. "Oh, what is it, Yuna?" asked Chaeryeong. "Wanna go out with us?" Yuna asked excitedly. "Yeah, sure, I'm free today!" said Chaeryeong. That evening, the four girls went out, having fun at a karaoke bar and playing arcade games. It had been a long time since Chaeryeong had so much fun like that. 

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Yeji was waiting anxiously for her owner to come home, but it was already 5:55 PM, and she still hadn't returned. She couldn't help but worry—what if her owner didn't love her anymore? What if she had left her, didn't need her, or was tired of her? Filled with concern, Yeji sat by the door, patiently waiting.

At 6:35 PM, Chaeryeong finally came home. She unlocked the door and was greeted by the sight of Yeji sleeping on the floor. Realizing Yeji had been waiting for her, she gently picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, laying her on the bed. Before joining Yeji, Chaeryeong took off her clothes, went to the bathroom for a quick shower, and changed into her pajamas. She then climbed into bed, lying beside Yeji, and the two slowly drifted off to sleep together.