Instant Regrets Book II

Chapter 26

As they drove through the bustling streets of Paris, Jiyong glanced over at Jennie. She was unusually silent, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. He had initially thought she was just tired, but the silence had stretched on too long for it to be just that.

Jiyong reached over, gently placing his hand on hers. "Jennie, are you okay? You’ve been really quiet since we left the mall."

Jennie turned to him, her eyes distant, as if she were still lost in the past. She forced a small smile and nodded. "I’m fine, just thinking about some things."

Jiyong didn't want to press her, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Before he could ask more, Hyeong's cheerful voice came from the back seat. "Daddy, can we go to the park? I want to play!"

Jiyong looked in the rearview mirror at his son's eager face and then back at Jennie, who nodded slightly. "Sure! Let's go to the park," Jiyong said, trying to lift the mood.

They arrived at the park, and Hyeong immediately dashed towards the playground, his laughter echoing through the air. Jiyong parked the car and turned off the engine, taking a moment to watch their son before turning to Jennie. "Is everything okay?" he asked softly, concern etched on his face.

Jennie nodded, trying to muster a smile. "Yeah... I'm just happy that we're spending time together as a family." 

Jiyong squeezed her hand gently, his eyes filled with understanding. "We can do this more often, you know."

As they wandered through the park, Hyeong’s laughter filled the air, blending with the sounds of children playing and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Jennie and Jiyong watched as he ran around, climbing up the slide and swinging with joy.

Suddenly, Hyeong slowed down, clutching his head. His expression shifted from joy to discomfort, and he called out, "Mommy, my head hurts."

Jennie’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly rushed over to him, kneeling down to his level. "What’s wrong, sweetheart? Where does it hurt?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Hyeong pointed to his temples, his little face scrunched up in pain. "It hurts here, Mommy. It really hurts."

Jiyong was beside them in an instant, his worry mirroring Jennie’s. "Let’s get you home and see if some rest helps," he suggested, but Jennie’s anxiety was already building.

Jennie gently touched Hyeong's forehead, feeling for a fever but finding none. "Does anything else hurt, baby? Do you feel dizzy or sick?"

Hyeong shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "Just my head, Mommy. It hurts a lot."

Jiyong scooped Hyeong up into his arms, his face tense with worry. "Let’s get him to a doctor, Jennie. Just to be safe."

Jennie nodded, trying to stay calm for Hyeong’s sake. "Yes, let’s go."

They hurried back to the car, Jennie holding Hyeong’s hand and whispering soothing words to him. Jiyong drove quickly but carefully, his knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly.

At the clinic, the doctor examined Hyeong thoroughly, asking questions and checking his vitals. Jennie and Jiyong waited anxiously, watching every move the doctor made.

Finally, the doctor looked up with a reassuring smile. "It looks like a migraine, which can be quite painful, especially for children. I’ll prescribe some medication to help with the pain, and I recommend a lot of rest and hydration."

Jennie sighed in relief, but concern still lingered. "A migraine? But he's so young to experience it."

The doctor nodded kindly. "I understand. Migraines can be alarming and can begin at any age, but with proper care, he should feel better soon. If the pain persists or gets worse, please come back immediately."

As they left the clinic, Hyeong already looking a bit better with the promise of relief, Jennie felt an overwhelming wave of gratitude. Jiyong held her close, sensing her emotions. "He’s going to be okay, Jennie. We’ll take good care of him."

Jennie nodded, her eyes glistening with tears of relief. "I know. Thank you for being here, Jiyong."

They drove home, Hyeong dozing off in the back seat. Jennie couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and lingering worry, but she was profoundly grateful for Jiyong's support.

Once they arrived home, Jiyong gently carried Hyeong to his room and laid him down. Jennie followed, watching over their son with a tender gaze. Jiyong wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

"He's a strong kid, Jennie. We'll get through this together," Jiyong whispered, his voice soothing.

Jennie nodded, resting her head on Jiyong's shoulder. "I know. It's just hard seeing him in pain."

As they stood there in silence, Hyeong stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He looked around the room, a confused expression on his face. "Mommy? Daddy?" he asked, his voice weak but curious. "When are we going back home?"

Jennie and Jiyong exchanged a surprised glance before quickly moving to Hyeong's side. Jennie brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her touch gentle. "Hyeong, sweetie, we're already home," she said softly, trying to comfort him.

Hyeong blinked, trying to process her words. "Really? I don't remember coming back," he murmured, rubbing his temples as if to soothe the remnants of his migraine.

Jiyong sat on the edge of the bed, taking Hyeong's hand in his. "You were sleeping, buddy. We didn't want to wake you," he explained, his voice filled with warmth. "How are you feeling now?"

Hyeong took a moment to consider the question, then managed a small smile. "A little better, I think," he replied, his voice still a bit shaky but hopeful.

Jennie let out a sigh of relief, her heart swelling with gratitude. "That's good to hear," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "Just rest, okay? We're right here with you."

Jiyong nodded in agreement. "If you need anything, just let us know," he added, giving Hyeong's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Hyeong nodded, his eyes beginning to droop again. "Okay, Mommy. Okay, Daddy," he mumbled, already starting to drift back to sleep.

Jennie and Jiyong watched him for a few more moments, ensuring he was comfortable. Then, they quietly left the room, closing the door behind them. In the hallway, Jiyong pulled Jennie into a tight embrace, holding her close.

"We're going to get through this, Jennie," he murmured against her hair. "All of us, together."

Jennie clung to him, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "Yes, we will," she agreed, her voice filled with determination. "Together."