The Light After The Storm | SUNSUN

Desperate

The pale light of dawn seeped through the curtains of the small apartment, casting faint shadows on the walls. Sunoo stirred awake, his sleep disrupted by the piercing cries of his infant son, Sunjin. The cries were more urgent and persistent than usual, filling the otherwise quiet morning with a sense of unease. Sunoo’s heart raced as he shook off the remnants of sleep and immediately moved to the crib where Sunjin lay.

Sunoo reached into the crib and lifted Sunjin gently into his arms. The moment he touched his son, a wave of worry crashed over him. Sunjin’s small body felt unnaturally hot, his forehead burning with the unmistakable heat of a high fever. Sunoo’s breath caught in his throat as he examined Sunjin’s flushed face, his heart pounding with panic.

This was the first time Sunjin had been so unwell, and Sunoo felt a rising sense of dread. He had never encountered a situation like this before, and the unfamiliarity of their new surroundings only heightened his anxiety. They had only recently moved to the area, and Sunoo had yet to familiarize himself with local resources. He had no idea where the nearest hospital was or how to get there quickly.

His thoughts raced as he struggled to stay calm. Sunjin’s cries grew more intense, and Sunoo felt a desperate urge to do something—anything—to help his son. The memories of the previous days, filled with moving boxes and settling into their new home, seemed to blur as he focused solely on the immediate crisis.

In his panic, Sunoo remembered the neighbor’s offer of help. When they had first met, the man had mentioned that Sunoo could knock on his door if he ever needed anything. At the time, Sunoo had felt a bit awkward about accepting such a generous offer, but now, it seemed like the only viable option.

Determined to seek help, Sunoo placed Sunjin carefully back into the crib, trying to make him as comfortable as possible. He grabbed his phone, a small amount of cash, and a few essentials—diapers, wipes, and a bottle. He glanced back at Sunjin, who continued to whimper softly, his tiny face contorted with discomfort. The sight of his son’s suffering drove Sunoo to act quickly.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves, and headed for the door. His steps were quick but cautious as he made his way down the hallway to the neighbor’s apartment. His mind was a whirlwind of anxiety, and he hoped with all his heart that the neighbor would be willing and able to help.

Sunoo raised his hand and knocked gently at first, but as time ticked by without any response, he knocked more insistently. Each knock felt like a plea for help, echoing in the quiet corridor. When there was still no answer, his hope began to falter. He was about to turn back to his own apartment when he heard the faint sound of the neighbor’s door creaking open.

The neighbor appeared in the doorway, looking groggy and disheveled. His hair was tousled, and he rubbed sleep from his eyes, clearly startled by the early disturbance. The surprise on his face was evident as he took in Sunoo’s anxious expression and the baby carrier he was holding.

The neighbor’s expression shifted from confusion to concern as he took in Sunoo’s distressed appearance and the baby carrier. “I didn’t expect you to come to me,” he said, his voice still thick with sleep. “Is everything okay? What’s happening?”

Sunoo felt a lump form in his throat, his voice cracking under the strain of his worry. “My son is burning up with a fever. I don’t know what to do or where to go. Can you help me find a hospital nearby?”

The neighbor’s eyes widened with understanding, and he quickly retreated back into his apartment. Sunoo watched with a mixture of relief and impatience as the man disappeared from view. Moments later, the neighbor reappeared, now dressed in casual clothes, his face set with determination.

“Let me grab my keys,” the neighbor said, his tone more alert and reassuring. “I’ll go with you.”

Sunoo was taken aback by the neighbor’s prompt response but felt a surge of gratitude. “Thank you,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “I really appreciate your help.”

Together, they hurried back to Sunoo’s apartment. Sunoo adjusted Sunjin in the baby carrier, trying to keep him as comfortable as possible despite his fever. The neighbor walked closely beside him, providing a steady presence that helped to calm Sunoo’s frayed nerves.

As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air was a sharp contrast to the feverish heat radiating from Sunjin’s tiny body. Sunoo quickened his pace, guided by the neighbor’s calm and steady demeanor. The streets were eerily quiet, the usual sounds of the city still hidden beneath the early morning stillness. The hospital, a modest building with a clean and professional exterior, soon came into view.

The neighbor led them to the entrance, where Sunoo was greeted by a friendly nurse at the reception desk. The nurse’s face shifted to one of immediate concern as she took in Sunjin’s condition and directed them to an examination room. The efficient handling of the situation by the hospital staff provided a small measure of reassurance amidst the chaos.

Sunoo sat in the examination room, his heart racing as he clung to Sunjin, trying to soothe him as best as he could. The neighbor stayed by Sunoo’s side, offering quiet words of comfort. “You’re doing great,” he said softly. “The doctors will be here soon, and they’ll take good care of him.”

Sunoo nodded, tears welling in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

The doctor arrived shortly, his demeanor calm and professional. He began examining Sunjin with skilled precision, asking questions about the baby’s symptoms and medical history. Sunoo provided as much information as he could, his voice trembling as he recounted Sunjin’s recent condition. The neighbor’s reassuring presence remained a constant source of comfort throughout the examination.

As the doctor worked, Sunoo’s mind was a whirlwind of worry and gratitude. The neighbor’s timely assistance had made a significant difference in this critical moment. Sunoo couldn’t help but reflect on the kindness of a stranger who had become a lifeline during his time of need.

After a thorough examination, the doctor reassured Sunoo that Sunjin’s fever was likely due to a common infection and was not immediately life-threatening. He prescribed medication to reduce the fever and advised Sunoo on how to monitor Sunjin’s condition at home. Sunoo’s relief was palpable, though he knew there would be more challenges ahead.

As they left the hospital, Sunoo felt a profound sense of gratitude towards the neighbor. The man’s unexpected support had provided both practical help and emotional solace during one of the most stressful moments of Sunoo’s life. Sunoo knew that he would never forget the kindness shown by someone who had gone out of their way to help a stranger in need.

Sunoo is now returning to his apartment, Sunjin now resting more comfortably. The neighbor’s support had been a crucial part of their journey, offering not just physical assistance but also a sense of community and hope. As Sunoo looked at Sunjin, he felt a renewed sense of determination to face the challenges ahead, bolstered by the kindness and generosity that had come into his life during a time of crisis.