The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

18 | How much time do I have left?

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

The cool hum of the air conditioning barely registers as the clock on the wall ticks steadily. The walls seem to close in on me as I bounce my feet nervously, clasping my hands together and praying silently that everything goes well.

My mom is undergoing surgery for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a condition that has been a dark cloud over her life for far too long. My heart races as I imagine every possible complication—bleeding, arrhythmias, or worse. 

Amidst it all, my thoughts drift to Haerin. Even though she's busy with work and often gets home late, I miss her terribly. Our little silly moments together are my source of comfort and strength. She's the one and only one who keeps me grounded when everything else feels like it's falling apart.

Finally, the door to the operating room swings open, and my heart leaps as I see Doctor Lee step out. He wears a crisp white coat over pale blue scrubs, his surgical cap now removed to reveal slightly tousled dark hair streaked with silver. His hands, still gloved, are held at his sides with the practiced calm of a seasoned surgeon.

He offers an assuring smile as he approaches, the kind that only years of experience can bring. His gentle eyes, framed by fine lines, seem to carry a promise of hope.

"Mrs. Kang," he begins, his voice smooth and calming. "The surgery was successful. We were able to correct the thickened heart muscle and improve the blood flow. We performed a myectomy, which involved removing the obstructive tissue that was causing her symptoms. Your mother is stable and resting now."

A sigh of relief escapes me, and I feel my shoulders relax for the first time in hours. "Thank you, Doctor. How is she? Will she be okay?"

He nods reassuringly. "The next few days are critical for her recovery. She'll be closely monitored in the ICU to ensure there are no complications, such as irregular heart rhythms or infections. We'll also manage her pain and start her on a cardiac rehabilitation program as soon as she's ready. It's important that she follows the care instructions closely and takes it easy."

"Will she need any additional treatments or medications?"

"Yes, she'll need to continue medications to help her heart function properly and prevent potential blood clots. We'll also schedule regular follow-ups to monitor her progress and adjust her treatment plan as needed," he explains.

"How long do you think her recovery will take?" I keep asking, needing to know what to expect.

Doctor Lee pauses, considering his response. "Every patient's recovery is unique, but typically, it can take several weeks to a few months. The initial hospital stay will likely be around one to two weeks, depending on how well she responds to treatment. After that, she'll need ongoing outpatient care and cardiac rehab. It's a gradual process, but with the right support and care, she has a good chance of making a strong recovery."

I nod again, a sense of hope blooming in my heart. "Thank you, Doctor. She means the world to me, and I can't thank you enough for saving her life."

He smiles warmly. "It's my job, Mrs. Kang. If you have any questions or need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help."

I bow deeply, tears welling up in my eyes. "Thank you. Thank you so much. My God bless you always."

He pats my shoulder softly before turning to leave, heading back to his duties. As he walks away, I let out a shaky breath, feeling the tension slowly drain from my body. 

I can't believe it's finally over.

After dropping out of medical school and working long hours to cover my mom's surgery costs, it feels surreal to have this burden lifted. Marrying Haerin has made everything easier, as if the weight of the world has been taken off my shoulders.

I watch my mom through the glass window of the ICU, smiling as I see her resting peacefully. Her chest rises and falls steadily, a sight that brings tears to my eyes. All the sleepless nights, the worry, and the planning—it all led to this moment.

✈︎✈︎✈︎

After several hours of waiting, I'm finally allowed to visit my mom. As I enter the room quietly, I see her resting peacefully. Her face is pale, but she looks serene, a calmness that has been missing for far too long. I take a seat beside her bed, leaning over to kiss her forehead gently before taking her hand in mine.

I smile, watching over her. My mom has been suffering for so long—she deserves this rest and all the love in the world.

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierces my chest. I gasp, a cruel reminder of my own battle with heart disease. It's ironic that we share this genetic curse.

I press a hand to my chest, still watching over my mom. She made it through, but what about me? I can't imagine life without her, but will she be okay without me? What if I'm the one who goes first?

The door creaks open. I turn to see my dad enter the room, carrying a small bag of food. His face lights up with a warm smile, a rare expression of happiness.

"How's she doing?" he asks softly, setting the food down and pulling up a chair beside me.

"She's stable. The surgery went well, and Doctor Lee said she'll need time to recover, but everything looks good," I reply, smiling despite the lingering ache in my chest.

"I couldn't be more grateful," he nods, looking relieved. "And you, sweetheart? How are things with Haerin?"

My heart skips a beat at the mention of Haerin, and I can feel my face heating up. I quickly touch my cheeks, feeling the warmth. Oh no, why did my dad have to bring up Haerin now?

"She's... um..." I clear my throat. "She's the best spouse I could ever ask for. Who knew she had such a caring side beneath those cold eyes? I didn't expect it, I really didn't! I couldn't have gotten through this without her."

A knowing smile crosses my dad's face, his eyes reflecting genuine happiness. "I'm glad to hear that. I always believed Haerin would be good for you. That's why I supported the marriage with her father in the first place. I knew she'd take care of you."

I return his smile, feeling grateful for what he's done. He knows me too well and always knows what's best for me. The same goes for Haerin and her dad.

His words are meant to be comforting, but they only remind me of the harsh reality I face. My time is running out, and one day, I'll have to leave Haerin and my parents behind, much sooner than I want to.

How much time do I have left?