The Lie She Never Told

‎‧₊˚✧[3]✧˚₊‧

ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ♡ﮩ٨ـﮩﮩ٨ـ

"We'll behave, I promise," Haerin said, throwing a quick, teasing glance at Minji.

Minji raised her eyebrows.

"What's that look for?" Haerin asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

"Just shut up, you're annoying."

Haerin feigned offense at Minji's remark, dramatically placing a hand over her heart. "Annoying-"

"Knock knock" said the doctor opening the door.

"Come in," Haerin's mom said, gesturing for the doctor to enter.

The doctor entered the room, holding a folder of papers and a serious expression on his face. Haerin and Minji both sat up a bit straighter, awaiting the news.

The doctor approached the bed where Haerin was sitting, his footsteps soft against the tile floor.

"Hello, Haerin," he said, his tone professional but gentle. "I've got the test results here."

The doctor's words hung in the air for a moment, and Haerin's heart sank slightly.

"So... no changes then?" she asked, her voice a bit quieter than usual.

The doctor shook his head, his expression sympathetic but resolute. "No, I'm afraid there are no new findings. The test results are still consistent with your previous scans and evaluations."

What did she expect?

***

As the sun began to set, Minji and Haerin's mom said their goodbyes and left the hospital. Haerin was left alone in the quiet room.

She felt a pang of loneliness, missing their presence already. The thought of another night spent in the hospital room was less than appealing.

Haerin sighed and lay back against the pillows, staring up at the white ceiling. The silence of the room felt almost scary, and she fidgeted restlessly with the corner of the blanket.

She tried to distract herpself by counting the small specks of dirt on the ceiling, but her mind kept drifting back to the disappointment from earlier.

Haerin let out a small sigh and looked towards the window. The night sky was now a deep, inky black, the stars peeking out against the darkness.

She should probably try to sleep.

***

The next morning, Haerin groggily woke up to the sound of the hospital room door opening.

She opened her eyes, blinking a few times as the room came into focus. It was a bit earlier than usual for the nurses to come in for their morning checks, and she couldn't help but feel a bit curious about who it could be.

Haerin's mood brightened slightly at the sight of Ms. Park. The nurse had quickly become a favorite among the patients she took care of, known for her kindness and efficiency.

"Good morning, Haerin," Ms. Park greeted, her voice warm and soothing. "How did you sleep?"

Haerin gave a yawn and stretched her arms out.

"Not the best, but I'm used to it by now," she admitted.

Ms. Park nodded, walking over to the bedside.

"I was so happy when I heard you were back yesterday" Ms.Park said.

"Really? I didn't think I was that missed," she joked, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.