Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
angst (mention of death), 2.7k words
∞
SEUNGWOO and I first met in high school and hit it off instantly. We bonded over our love for music, movies, and spending time with each other. Over the years, we have become each other's best friends and soulmates. Our love for each other grew stronger as we progressed through high school and college. We supported each other through everything, from late-night study sessions to sports competitions and even the occasional break up with other people.
"Love, do you remember the first time we visited this park?" I asked.
"Of course I do, my love. We were just teens, and we had a picnic over there," Seungwoo replied as he pointed to a spot under a big oak tree.
"And now look at us, all grown up and still together," I said with a smile.
Seungwoo pulled me closer and whispered in my ear, "Forever and always, my love."
We both knew that no matter what the future holds, our love for each other would always be strong and unwavering. Now, as working professionals, our love for each other remains just as strong as in high school. We make time for each other whenever possible, whether on a quick lunch date or a weekend getaway. And no matter how busy our schedules get, we always end each day with a phone call or text to say "I love you."
∞
I sat nervously in the hospital waiting room, wringing my hands and silently praying for Seungwoo to be okay. It had only been a few hours since I received the call that Seungwoo had collapsed at work and was rushed to the hospital, but it felt like an eternity. Finally, a doctor approached me, a solemn look on his face.
"Ms. Y/N?" he asked, and I jumped up from my seat.
"Yes, that's me," I answered, my voice shaking. "How is Seungwoo? Is he okay?"
The doctor sighed and looked down at his clipboard before meeting my eyes again. "I'm sorry, Lauren. I'm afraid his condition is quite serious. He's been diagnosed with a rare illness called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS."
My eyes widened in shock. "What's that? Is it treatable?"
The doctor shook his head. "I'm afraid not. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, it will affect Seungwoo's ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe."
My knees buckled, and I stumbled backward. The doctor caught me and helped me to a nearby chair. Tears filled my eyes as I tried to process what the doctor said. "When did he find out?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"He was diagnosed during your college years," the doctor said. "He's been keeping it from everyone, even you, because he didn't want to worry anyone."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Seungwoo, my best friend and love of my life, had been struggling with this all alone. I felt a mix of anger and sadness that he had kept from me, but at the same time, I understood why he had done so.
