Healing (KTH, featuring KNJ)

Chapter 44

Taehyung had several more weeks at home before he needed to be out of town for two weeks to finally finish filming his tv drama. This was the last big push. The couple agreed that he would come home once in the middle of the two weeks, and she would go to him to spend one night together half way through the second week. They both wished they didn't have to be apart but understood this was both necessary and would largely conclude Taehyung's near term activities out of town.

It was only a couple days after Taehyung had left town when morning sickness set in. Well, not exactly morning sickness in Clara's case. She felt sick almost the entire day and found herself frequently visiting the bathroom to purge.

Assuming it would settle down she tried to rest and nibble on crackers, praying that it would pass quickly. She really hoped she was feeling better by the time Taehyung arrived home for his quick visit.

But after the third day came and went with no reprieve, she knew she needed help. She was starting to feel weak and was barely able to hold down even a sip of water. Laying on the bathroom floor with her cheek resting on the cool tile she called Namjoon. She didn't want to bother him but his parents were on a vacation out of the country and Taehyung wouldn't be home for a few more days. Clara knew she was fading and needed help more quickly than that. She considered Taehyung's parents since their apartment was just downstairs, but she just didn't feel comfortable enough to reach out to them when she was already feeling so unwell.

Namjoon was surprised to see Clara calling, but answered immediately.

"Hey Clara, how are you doing? Are you making sure to get plenty of rest for my little niece or nephew?"

"Joon," Clara croaked out. "I'm really not feeling so well. I'm sorry to bother you but I think I need some help."

Namjoon was immediately concerned. "Oh Clara I'm so sorry. Do you want me to stop by tonight? Maybe I can bring some soup?"

"Um, I think I need to see you before then. I've been really sick, and I'm starting to feel quite weak and dizzy."

"What?" Namjoon nearly shouted, startling Yoongi and Hobi who were in the studio with him. "When did this start? Why didn't you call me earlier? Does Tae know?"

"Joon, please. I really need you. Can you come now? It will make me feel better."

"Ok Clara, I'm on my way".

Namjoon quickly told the guys Clara needed him urgently and ran to find the closest manager. He wanted to take the company doctor, Dr. Park, with him and he needed them to find a driver quickly.

In less than 10 minutes Namjoon and Dr. Park were on the way to Clara and Taehyung's apartment. As they pulled up to the apartment complex Namjoon called Clara to let her know they were almost there. During that call Namjoon was quickly gathering that Clara was worse than he had understood. She didn't seem able to help them get into the building or up the elevator and she told him she wouldn't be able to make it to the door to let them in. During the conversation she seemed quite confused, she didn't even remember calling Namjoon and asking him to come.

Namjoon was beside himself. The manager was shouting at someone at the company trying to get Taehyung's parent's information. Their best hope was that they would be home and could help them access the apartment. After several long minutes they finally were able to get in touch with Taehyung's mother who agreed to come and meet them. She could let them up the elevator and into Taehyung's apartment.

After several more minutes they were finally in front of the apartment door, hearing it click open with Taehyung's mother's assistance. Namjoon ran into the apartment shouting for Clara. Hearing no response he slammed open every door until he found her, sprawled out on the bathroom floor looking pale and gaunt. Namjoon ran to her and was quickly on the floor next to her gently caressing her cheek and calling her name.

Dr. Park squeezed past and dropped down to begin to examine her. Her pulse felt quite weak, and while Namjoon had gotten her to open her eyes she wasn't able to focus. They only could get one small head nod out of her in response to their questions.

The doctor turned to Namjoon to share his assessment. "It looks like she is very dehydrated. I sense that she's been sick for a while now. Can you help me get her somewhere more comfortable and then we'll start doing IV fluids? Luckily I brought the basics with me so we can at least get started right away."

Namjoon scooped her up in his arms and quickly went into the bedroom, gently laying her on the covers. He was starting to step out of the way to give the doctor more space when Clara grabbed his hand.

"Tae, I don't feel so well." She quietly murmured.

"Clara, it's me Namjoon.  Taehyung isn't here right now but the doctor is. He's going to help you feel better, ok?"

Clara looked a bit confused but closed her eyes. "Ok."

"Just relax Clara, I'll be right here." Namjoon comforted her with his words while he gently ran his fingers through her hair, trying to soothe her further.

The doctor quickly got her IV started and motioned for Namjoon and Taehyung's mother, who had seen everything that had just transpired, to join him as he stepped out of the room.

"I'd like to run some blood work but we need to get some fluids in her first. It was hard to even get the first needle in because she is so dehydrated. This didn't happen in just a few hours. It probably started a few days ago and just spiraled out of control. It's a good thing she called you when she did Namjoon. She will recover pretty easily from this, but it could have been much worse."

"Why didn't she call me?" Taehyung's mother interjected. "I'm just downstairs and I could have come to take care of her. If she was that sick she should have called me as soon as it started."

Namjoon was careful in his response. He didn't want to cause a rift between Clara and Taehyung's parents, but he knew Clara wasn't likely to reach out to them if she didn't feel well. Clara just didn't feel comfortable enough with them yet.

"You know Clara, she hates to inconvenience anyone and she's always trying to be independent so she isn't a burden. I think it was just bad timing that this started right after Taehyung left town. I doubt she even told him she wasn't feeling well since she wouldn't want to worry him."

Trying to cut off further conversation Namjoon turned back toward the bedroom. "I'm going to go back in and sit with Clara until she wakes up. I'll also get in touch with Taehyung-ah and let him know."