The life of Nusi

Chapter 16: Nusi's Nightmare

A few hours after Heejin put Nusi to bed, Dr. Kang showed up. Dr. Kang checked Nusi from head to toe and didn't find a thing wrong with her, except that she seemed to be exhausted. Just let her sleep, Dr. Kang said to Uncle, and if anything changes call me right away. Uncle thanked Dr. Kang and showed him out. He walked back to Nusi's bedroom where Heejin was sitting in an old rocking chair next to Nusi's bed. Dr. Kang said to let her sleep, Uncle said to Heejin. You can sleep in my bed, I'll take the couch, he said again. NO! Heejin said, "I'm staying right here until Nusi wakes up. She said again. This whole thing doesn't sit well with me, she said to Uncle. Uncle looked down; he wasn't used to Heejin snapping at him like that. I'm sorry I snapped Heejin said to him with a little smile. I'm just worried about Nusi. So am I, Uncle said. I know you are. she said back. I have this feeling Nusi needs me to be here next to her, I can't explain it. She said. Uncle kissed Heejin Goodnight and said, I love you, and if you need me, I'll be in the bedroom. Heejin said I love you back as Uncle closed the bedroom door. Uncle fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. Heejin sat quietly next to Nusi as she looked at her phone. Hours passed as Heejin fell asleep in the rocking chair. She was startled by Nusi's voice. I... I... I cant do it. Nusi said. Do what Nusi? Heejin said before she realized Nusi was still asleep. Save them. Nusi said back. Heejin looked at Nusi, and saw she was still asleep. It's ok Nusi, you did save them. Heejin said thinking Nusi was dreaming. Oh, thank God. Nusi said, "I didn't think I could hold on much longer," she said. Heejin looked down at Nusi and wondered what she was talking about. Nusi? Heejin said. What happened down there on the beach? First kiss! Nusi said with a slight smile. Heejin's face turned a little red, should she be hearing this? That's nice Nusi, Heejin said. It was, Nusi said back. I love Kwan, she said. What else happened? Heejin asked. OH GOD! Nusi cried out. Do you see it? See whimpered. No time to run! Oh GOD! She cried in a soft voice, "I don't want to die! She said again. Nusi started twisting back and forth and was trying to get out of bed. Heejin took her hand and put it on Nusi. It's ok Nusi, I'm here. Heejin said in a soft voice. Nusis' body relaxed as she rolled over towards Heejin reaching for her hand. "I got you Nusi, Heejin said. I don't want to die, I don't want to die, Nusi kept repeating. You're not going to die, Heejin said. You are safe in your room, she said to Nusi. OH GOD! OH GOD! Nusi cried in her sleep. NNOO! She cried again. As Nusi lay there, in her sleep, she crossed her forearms in an x and held them in front of her face. A golden glow shined from her forearms. Small at first, but then big enough to cover her and Heejin in a bubble made of golden energy. Heejin stared in amazement. The wave won't get you; I will hold it back! Nusi cried in her sleep. Heejin reached out and pushed on the bubble but could not break through it. As Nusi started crying louder, the bubble began to grow and the pictures on the wall started to shake. I can't do it! She cried. It's too hard! Nusi started to sweat blood. Heejin grabbed Nusi's hand and said in a strong voice, you are home in bed Nusi! You are safe! But the bubble continued to grow as Nusi's face was covered in blood. Nusi started to shake, and her breathing was like she had been running. Oh, Nusi! Heejin pleaded, come back to me! Nothing seemed to work. Just then, with tears running down her face, Heejin began to sing. When I see you smile, tears run down my face, I can't replace. And now that I am strong, I have figured out. Nusi stopped crying and started to settle down. Heejin continued to sing How this world turns cold. And it breaks through my soul, and I know, the pictures on the wall stopped shaking as the golden bubble slowly started to shrink., Heejin kept singing, I'll find deep inside me, I can be the one. The bubble disappeared as Nusi's body slowly relaxed. Heejin kept singing, "I will never let you fall, I'll stand up with you forever, she sang, I'll be there for you through it all, even if saving you sends me to heaven, It's ok, It's ok, It's ok. Heejin sang as Nusi fell fast asleep. Heejin went to the bathroom to get some wet and dry towels to clean Nusi. For the next five days Heejin only left Nusi's side to use the bathroom. Uncle had to force her to drink, and she refused to eat. Don't come in here unless I say so, and don't let anyone else in here either, Heejin said in a nasty voice. Ok Uncle said. In a confused voice. Each time Nusi had a nightmare, Heejin would start singing that Red Jumpsuit Apparatus song to Nusi to calm her down. On the fifth day while Nusi was having another nightmare, and Heejin was bringing her back by singing that song, Nusi's eyes popped open as she sat straight up in bed. She looked deep into Heejin's eyes and started to cry. You're not mad at me, are you? Nusi cried out. Now that you know what I did! Oh, Nusi NO! Heejin said. You saved your friends, and I will never tell anyone what happened out there. I love you Nusi, Heejin said. Oh Heejin, Nusi cried. I was lost in the water, and I couldn't get back. I was about to die, but each time I thought I couldn't find my way back, I heard your voice singing to me. I followed it, and it led me here to you. Thank you, thank you. SSHHH Heejin said... I got you, my child. Now let's fix you up, there are a lot of people who have been waiting five days to see you. Starting with Uncle. Uncle, Heejin yelled, "Come in here. In a second the door opened, and Uncle saw Nusi sitting up. NUSI! he yelled as he flung his arms around her... OH! MY NUSI! He cried... OH UNCLE! she cried back. Heejin started crying as all three hugged. OK! That's enough, Now leave us, Heejin said to Uncle, so I can get her cleaned up. Uncle headed for the door but looked back with a big smile before he shut the door behind him. Thank you Heejin, Nusi said. I would be lost without you. I love you too, Heejin said as she started helping Nusi get cleaned up. Now let's talk about that first kiss Heejin said to Nusi. Nusi giggled as she started telling Heejin all about her first kiss.