Lilly in the grey

Conflict begins

Hours later, 

Night approached and nearly everyone paid the couple a visit and expressed their sympathy. Namjoon didn't leave Jisoo's side for a mere second, knowing her fractured condition. She constantly blamed herself and their accursed fate for this. "I am the one to BLAME! I couldn't manage her in my womb!" She ruptured into a sob, sinking in Namjoon's chest. Namjoon couldn't function his mind far less than providing her words of condolence. He interrogated the doctor about the baby's current situation and well-being but the doctor just gave a sigh, her complexion splashed dread on Namjoon. South Korea had remarkably progressed in childcare. But, a premature baby born 2 months earlier carried a risky mortality rate. Was it possible, he would have sacrificed his own life to save their daughter. 

"Eomma?!" Moonbin flung open the cabin door. Jisoo and Namjoon flinched out of stupor, snapping at the younger's intent stare. "Moonbin?" Namjoon hissed. 

"Is my little sister okay? Is she alright?" he dashed on the bed and flared his dragon eyes; a resemblance to his father's. 

Jisoo peeked at Namjoon who fumbled for a suitable response. Exposing the truth might shatter the little soul. Namjoon already noticed Moonbin's eyes start to water. 

"Okay, actually......Your little sister is a bit sick.....So, she has to stay here for a few days," Namjoon gulped down the heaviness in his throat.

Moonbin choked on a sob. Namjoon huffed in dismay. When they were dwelling at the fullest of lives, karma again tantalized their happiness. The mottled garden again countered a thunder. 

 Jisoo was discharged 2 days later but the baby wasn't. The doctor decided to keep her in keen observation, monitoring each change in her body. A week passed. Namjoon and Jisoo visited the NICU every day. There lay their little child, barely reaching the size of their forearms. She was so skinny and frail, that they could recognize blood vessels littered under skin. Numerous tubes were attached to her nose, mouth, veins-everywhere. 

Today, the doctor had called them to share an update. Namjoon and Jisoo awaited the doctor in her chamber, dreadful and clouded. Their stomach churned with each second passing, spreading chill through their spines. Jisoo pressed Namjoon's hand into hers, providing him strength. But, she herself was devoid of courage. How could she handle any possible bad news? 

The doctor lastly entered. "So, Mr and Mrs Kim, I have called you for something important regarding your baby." her lips pursed. 

Namjoon's grip tightened on Jisoo's hand. His eyes widened in anticipation, dreading some vile consequences. Jisoo slanted closer, her chest wriggling in an erratic motion. 

"You may take your child home," a smile lit on the doctor's face to their shock. 

It was a sunray after the way she muttered the first sentences. Jisoo exhaled with relief as Namjoon laughed in mirth. They couldn't thank God any less for this news. Namjoon could feel tears tripping over his eyelids. But, that didn't matter. Their lives were illuminated again with the arrival of this little princess. 

They brought her home and fostered her in warmth and gentleness. 6 Months passed. She gradually gained good health by everyone's affection and care. Though Moonbin envied her for the affection she received, deep down he had endless love in store, for her. One day, Jisoo grasped Moonbin singing her lullabies on the bed, caressing her tiny hair strands. He might smack her bum every second and now, managing to earn a grin from Namjoon, but he handled her with more diligence than anyone. Moonbin was a smaller version of Namjoon after all. His profile could remain unmoved, but his eyes spoke out the emotions writhing within.