After his discharge from the military he was welcomed back and settled back into his normal life and routine just as before but one night for Do Hwan that quickly changed. What happens when he is attacked and a few weeks later discovers he is a carr...
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Do Hwan cradled Sarang in his arms as they left the hospital. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of anxiety, sleepless nights, and countless prayers. Sarang's diagnosis of Ductus Arteriosus had sent a wave of fear through his heart. Watching his two-year-old struggle with noisy breathing and a rapid heart rate had been more than he could bear at times.
Holding her close now, her little head resting against his chest, he was grateful that she didn't need surgery. The doctors had been thorough, monitoring her around the clock. Slowly but surely, Sarang began to recover, her heart growing stronger each day. Yet, the ordeal had left her out of sorts, lethargic, and unusually quiet. Her once bright eyes now held a dullness that worried him.
"Sarang-ah, how are you feeling?" Do Hwan asked softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She looked up at him with big, expressive eyes and managed a small smile. "G - goo Appa," she whispered, her voice weak.
"That's my brave girl," he whispered back, kissing her forehead. "We're going home now."
The journey home was quiet. Sarang, still weary from her time in the hospital, dozed off in her car seat. Woo Do Hwan glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his heart swelling with love and determination. He would do anything to see her smile again.
Once they arrived home, Do Hwan carefully carried Sarang inside, settling her on the couch. His thoughts wandered to the days when he first discovered he was expecting. The fear of the unknown, the judgment from society, and the uncertainty of raising a child with Down's syndrome had all seemed insurmountable. But every challenge had been worth it for Sarang. She was his everything.
After their meal, Do Hwan administered Sarang's medication through her NG tube, speaking softly to her the entire time. "Tomorrow is Appa's birthday," he said, hoping to spark some excitement. "Maybe we can do something fun together if you're feeling better."
Sarang's eyes lit up slightly. "Bir - day?"
"Yes, my love. Appa's birthday. But we can celebrate together, just the two of us. What do you think?"
She managed a small nod, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
The night was long, with Do Hwan constantly checking on Sarang, ensuring she was comfortable and her breathing was steady. His heart ached with each tiny whimper she made in her sleep. He wished he could take away all her pain and make everything better instantly.
~
By the morning Do Hwan woke up early, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. It was his birthday, but more importantly, it was a day to celebrate with Sarang. They started the day with some light activities, taking care not to tire her out or stress her heart. They played with her favorite plush toys, read picture books, and even did some gentle stretching exercises to help with her coordination.
"Look, Sarang, it's your favorite bunny," he said, holding up a stuffed rabbit. She reached out and took it, a small smile spreading across her face.
"Bunny," she murmured, hugging it tightly.
Later, they ventured out for a bit of shopping. Do Hwan carried Sarang in a baby carrier, her head resting against his chest. They visited a small toy store where she picked out a colorful puzzle and a soft blanket Throughout the day, Do Hwan made sure to keep the activities light and restful, always aware of Sarang's energy levels.
By the time they returned home, both father and daughter were tired but content. The doorbell rang shortly after they settled in, and Do Hwan opened the door to find a group of his close friends standing there, smiling broadly and holding gifts.
"Happy birthday!" Lee Sang-yi exclaimed, stepping forward with a brightly wrapped present.
"Thank you," Do Hwan replied, genuinely touched. "Come in, everyone."
The small apartment quickly filled with laughter and warmth as his friends gathered around. They brought a cake, beautifully decorated with colorful frosting and candles. Lee Sang-yi knelt down beside Sarang, handing her a small wrapped gift.
"Sarang, this is for you to give to Appa," he said gently.
Sarang looked at the present, then at Sang-yi, before slowly taking it with a shy smile. She toddled over to Do Hwan, her steps wobbly but determined.
"A - Appa, present," she said, holding it up to him.
Do Hwan's eyes filled with tears as he took the gift. "Thank you, Sarang. You're the best gift I could ever ask for."
With everyone gathered around, they placed the candles on the cake, lit them, and began to sing "Happy Birthday." Sarang, sitting on her father's lap, watched the flickering flames with wide eyes. When the song ended, Do Hwan leaned in to blow out the candles, and Sarang tried to help, puffing her cheeks and blowing with all her might.
"Good job, Sarang!" Sang-yi cheered, capturing the moment with a Polaroid camera. The photo slid out, and he handed it to Do Hwan.
"Here, a memory for today," Sang-yi said, smiling.
Do Hwan looked at the picture of him and Sarang, their faces lit by the glow of the candles, and felt a surge of gratitude. Despite the challenges, despite the heartache and the worry, these moments of love and connection made it all worthwhile.
As the evening wound down and his friends began to leave, Sarang, nestled in his lap, seemed to sense the significance. She looked up at him with her wide, trusting eyes, and for a moment, Do Hwan felt overwhelmed with emotion.
"Every day with you is a gift," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You've made my life so much richer, and I can't imagine it without you."
Do Hwan felt a deep sense of peace. His birthday had been perfect, not because of the gifts or the cake, but because he had spent it with Sarang. She was his world, his heart, and his greatest joy. And as long as they had each other, he knew they could face anything.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over their apartment, Do Hwan prepared Sarang's feed then evening medication. It was a routine they had grown accustomed to, a necessary part of ensuring her health and well-being.
"Here we go, little one," he murmured, as he gently administered the liquid through her NG tube. Sarang tolerated the process with remarkable patience, her eyes fixed on her father's face.
Once the medication was done, Do Hwan rocked her gently, humming a lullaby. The day had been filled with small, tender moments, and as Sarang's eyelids began to droop, he felt a profound sense of peace.
"Happy birthday to me," he whispered, smiling as Sarang drifted off to sleep in his arms. "I couldn't have asked for a better day."
