Decisions

Recovery

The breeze came through the opened window, and Soo closed her eyes, feeling it brush against her face and lifting the loose hairs around her temple. The sun was shining and the flowers had only just begun to bloom, but here she was stuck inside her room. Soo let out a sigh before looking down at her tea and then taking a slow sip. As she lowered her hand to set down the cup, Soo could see her hand shaking. After setting down the cup, she clasped both hands together in her lap and let out another sigh.

It had started with a bad cold that never really left her. After being bedridden for weeks, it was only today that she had enough energy to sit at her table. So had left her this morning after making sure she was comfortable. When she tried to get up and help him with his make up, he shook his head and implored her to rest.

"Soo ya, I can still take care of myself. It was you who taught me how to do it, remember? Even if you have been helping me all these years, I have never forgotten."

"But–"

So shook his head and helped her lay back down on the bed.

"When you feel better, I will allow you to help me get ready. Until then, I want you to rest."

She frowned slightly but nodded. He was right, she still didn't have her full strength back yet. It would do her good to get some more rest. Besides, there was always tomorrow, wasn't there? With a final smoothening of the blankets and a warm kiss on the forehead, So headed out for the day.

Most of the day was quiet, spent in her room sipping at the tea, and when Arang left the room briefly, Soo decided to open the window just for a little while so she could feel the spring air. She was just about to close it when Eun Bi walked into the room.

"Your highness, why is the window open? I should scold the lady who opened it while you're still recovering."

Soo smiled sheepishly and raised her hand.

"I am afraid you are looking at the culprit. No other ladies were involved."

Eun Bi looked at her empress before shaking her head and walking over to quickly close the window.

"Well, I know I cannot scold you, but I hope you know we only care about your health."

Soo smiled as she watched the window close and the breeze dissipate. Eun Bi turned back to where her empress was sitting and reached for the teapot to pour more tea. Soo couldn't help but defend herself in the meantime.

"Yes, I am well aware you all care about my health...but to be fair, I was feeling better today! And the breeze was just so nice. I didn't feel the cold at all."

"I understand your highness, but you only just got better. What will Paeha do if you get sick again?"

"He would probably worry?"

"Not probably; he will most definitely worry about you! He burned the midnight oil for many nights while you were sick."

Soo mood deflated upon being reminded of that fact. So was no longer young as he once was, and making him stay up all night on her account was not good. She would feel bad if he got sick because of that too.

"You are right, Eun Bi ya. I should be more considerate of others instead of being selfish..."

Upon seeing Soo's face droop, Eun Bi immediately felt guilty and hurriedly tried to amend things.

"You are not being selfish, your highness! I can understand you feel suffocated being in your room all day after being sick. I was only worried about you which is why I said those words. I did not mean to make you feel bad..."