FREVOR

18

Jin ah pov:

As I approached the hospital reception, my heart pounded with apprehension. I reached into my bag, fingers trembling as I withdrew the envelope containing the last of my savings. With each step closer, the weight of responsibility pressed down on me, threatening to suffocate me with its heaviness.

Handing over the envelope to the receptionist, I braced myself for the inevitable sense of relief that would come with knowing my mother's treatment was secure. But as the receptionist's puzzled expression met mine, confusion flooded my senses. "I'm sorry, Miss, but your mother's medical bills have already been settled," she informed me, her words hanging in the air like a surreal dream.

I couldn't comprehend what I was hearing. How could this be possible? I had been prepared to sacrifice everything to ensure my mother's well-being, yet someone had intervened on my behalf.

Though my mind raced with unanswered questions, I couldn't deny the overwhelming sense of relief that flooded my being.

Approaching my mother's room with a mix of emotions swirling inside me, I braced myself for the conversation ahead. Pushing open the door, I found her resting peacefully, a small smile gracing her lips as she caught sight of me.

"Hey, Mom," I greeted softly, trying to keep my voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts racing through my mind. "How are you feeling? Is everything okay with the hospital?"

My mother's eyes sparkled with warmth as she reached out to grasp my hand. "I'm doing alright, sweetheart," she assured me, her voice filled with a quiet strength that never failed to comfort me. "And the hospital has been wonderful. They've been taking such good care of me."

Relief flooded through me at her words, easing some of the worry that had been weighing heavily on my heart. But even as I exhaled a shaky breath, I knew there were still things left unsaid, questions left unanswered.

"Mom," I began hesitantly, the words catching in my throat as I struggled to find the right way to broach the subject. "There's something I need to talk to you about. It's... it's important."

A flicker of concern passed through my mother's eyes, and she squeezed my hand gently in reassurance. "Of course, dear," she murmured, her voice soft with understanding. "You know you can tell me anything. What's on your mind?"

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I met my mother's gaze, my heart heavy with the weight of the decision I was about to share with her.

"I... I've made a decision," I began, my voice faltering slightly as I struggled to find the right words. "I've agreed to... to marry someone."

Surprise flickered across my mother's face, quickly followed by a wave of concern. "Jin Ah, are you sure about this?" she asked, her brow furrowing with worry. "Is this what you really want?"

I nodded, my resolve firm despite the uncertainty gnawing at the edges of my mind. "Yes, Mom," I replied, my voice steady with determination. "I know it's sudden, but... but I believe it's the right choice. For us."

My mother's expression softened with understanding, her eyes brimming with unspoken emotion. "Whatever you decide, Jin Ah, I trust you," she said, her voice filled with love and acceptance. "Just know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

I reached out to embrace her, the weight of our shared understanding enveloping us in a moment of shared solace. And as we held each other close, I knew that no matter what the future held, our bond would remain unbreakable, a source of strength and support in the face of whatever challenges lay ahead.

Jin Ah's mom looked at her with a mix of curiosity and concern. "So, who's the lucky man?" she asked, her voice tinged with apprehension. Jin Ah hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond.