𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 || 𝐭𝐚𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐤 ✓

EP22: Tender moments of rest

The days that followed Hyun-Joo's tragic passing left the home in heavy silence. Each room echoed with the emptiness that had settled in, a stark contrast to the bustling life it once held.

Taehyung, heart heavy with grief, moved through the house as if in a daze. Days passed in a blur of fear and confusion. The memories of Hyun-Joo haunted every corner of the house. As if, he could almost hear her voice and see her moving swiftly from one task to another. Which he was sure were his hallucinations.

Jungkook, understanding the weight of his husband's emotions and regret he was feeling, decided to take a few days off from the case he was working on. He couldn't bear to leave Taehyung alone in this house of memories, especially not with their daughter, Taehee, to care for. Taehyung's pregnancy had left him with swollen feet and perpetual exhaustion, rendering him unable to do even the simplest tasks.

Taehyung couldn't suppress the poignant reflection that if only Hyun-Joo were present, a profound remorse would grip his soul. It was a tumultuous relationship they had, marked by his own visceral aversion towards the maid. Yet, he couldn't deny that she would have willingly offered her assistance in their time of need.

She had become an indelible presence in their household, and her absence now resonated more profoundly than ever. And only after she passed away did he truly grasp the weight of his harsh words and actions towards Hyun-Joo.

Haunted by guilt, Taehyung couldn't shake the feeling that her death was somehow his own doing. The recollection of that heated moment when, in a fit of anger, he had uttered that fateful word, "Die," to her face, weighed heavily on his conscience.

Amidst the sorrow and the lingering uncertainty, the midwife's recent visit had brought with it a sense of urgency. The reminder of their baby's arrival sent a fresh wave of emotions and anxiety through him.

She had advised Jungkook to ensure that Taehyung took ample rest, as the baby might arrive at any moment during the upcoming week. It was crucial to be prepared. Jungkook took on the responsibility with unwavering determination. He was determined to be the best husband and father he could be, supporting Taehyung through these trying times.

As the days passed, the two of them leaned on each other for strength, navigating the heavy silence that enveloped their home, and bracing themselves for the imminent arrival of their new addition.

—

The 38th week had arrived, and the anticipation in the air was palpable. Taehyung had been preparing for this moment for months, gathering strength and courage.

The contractions started that fateful night, as Taehyung's breaths grew shallower.

In the kitchen, Jungkook was in the midst of tidying up when he heard a muffled cry from the other room. "Ma-ma! Are you okay?!" Taehee's voice was heard followed by a loud gasp. Panic surged through him, and he rushed to find Taehyung, who was sitting at the edge of the bed, clutching his swollen belly.

"Taehyung!" Jungkook exclaimed, his voice quaking with worry. "Are you okay? What's happening?"

Taehyung's eyes clenched shut in painful contractions as he gasped for air. He managed to speak between gritted teeth, "Jungkook-ah, my water... it broke. I think... I'm going into labor."

Fear and excitement battled within Jungkook's chest. It was finally happening. He had been mentally preparing for this moment, knowing that as a detective, he might need to step into unfamiliar roles. Dallia had advised them on a water birth, a decision they had made together.

Without wasting a moment, Jungkook moved with practiced haste. He filled the large tub in their bathroom with warm water, making sure it was just the right temperature. He dialed Dallia's number, his fingers trembling as he held the phone to his ear.