Unforgettable

Chapter 14

As they made their way home through the pouring rain, Nayeon's tears continued to flow, her heart heavy with the weight of the truth she had learned. Clutching the umbrella tightly, she leaned on Jeongyeon's supportive shoulder, finding solace in her presence. Even though they had shared their feelings just moments before, the harsh reality remained unaltered - Nayeon's hope seemed to have evaporated into the misty air.

The sound of raindrops drumming against the umbrella and Nayeon's muffled sobs created a somber symphony that encapsulated their journey. Jeongyeon walked alongside her in silence, understanding the depth of Nayeon's pain. The bond between them spoke volumes, transcending the need for words.

Nayeon's grip on Jeongyeon's shoulder tightened as her sobs grew louder, her anguish too profound to be contained. Her cries echoed her frustration and disappointment, each tear a testament to shattered expectations.

Jeongyeon remained a steadfast presence, her heart aching for Nayeon's suffering. Her own voice felt inadequate in the face of such overwhelming emotion, and so she allowed the rain to wash away her words, hoping the gesture conveyed her unwavering support.

As they reached Nayeon's home, the emotional tempest raged within her. She faced her father, drenched from the rain, who sat on the veranda nursing a beer, his stance a reflection of his skepticism towards her surgery. The situation was as anticipated; her father's resistance to the surgery remained firm.

Nayeon's voice wavered, yet her determination held strong. "Abeoji, it's not a life-threatening condition. Why do you act as if this surgery is a death sentence?" Her words cut through the tension, carrying a mix of frustration and desperation.

"You mentioned the pain yourself, didn't you? But what if the surgery goes awry? You might lose your leg, and your mobility could be forever compromised," her father's words were stern, his stance unyielding. He justified his decision with concerns, masking his worries with a facade of authority.

Nayeon's retort was swift, her argument fervent. "How will we ever know if we don't try? The risk is worth taking, abeoji. Living with a disability is not a fate I'm willing to accept. I'd rather lose my leg than live a life of constant struggle." Tears streamed down her face, each one a testament to her determination. "I'd rather die than continue living like this!"

The tension escalated, emotions spiraling. A sharp slap landed on Nayeon's cheek, the impact shocking her. "What did you just say!?" Her father's voice crackled with anger, disbelief etched across his features. "I knew it, the rumors about you and the doctor... Is this what it has come to?"

Nayeon's face stung, both from the physical blow and the weight of her father's accusations. She attempted to explain, to clarify the truth, but her father's contemptuous words drowned out her voice. The veranda became a battleground of emotions, their voices clashing in the rain-soaked air.

"You managed to survive like this since you were a kid. What's the difference between you being operated and not? You'll only cause more trouble to other people if it fails. And besides, the doctor is only here for his assignment. Once he's done, he'll go back to Seoul. And he'll never take you with him! What are you expecting!?"

"A-abeoji, it's not like that-"

"If you feel like being a burden to someone, then stay at home. Don't go anywhere! Aish you're really making me mad!" He said and walked away, leaving his daughter alone while crying in the veranda.

Trembling and heartbroken, Nayeon felt a mixture of pain and confusion. Her father's words cut deeply, revealing a chasm between them she had never anticipated. As he turned away and walked off, leaving her alone in her despair, Nayeon's sobs became a lament for the fractured relationship she had once held dear.