𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝐉𝐉𝐊

CHAPTER:09

"In the warmth of family, even the grandest dreams find their roots, nurtured by love, belief, and the quiet strength that comes from knowing you're never alone."

_______________________________________

AUTHOR'S POV

Seoul central mental
health clinic

At morning -

Dr. Hannah sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of patient files and reports. The ticking of the clock was the only sound in the room as she focused on the papers in front of her.

Just as she reached for another file, her phone buzzed on the desk, breaking her concentration. Glancing at the screen, she saw her sister-in-law's name flash across it. With a sigh, she picked up the call.

"Hannah! Finally, I've caught you," her sister-in-law's voice chimed brightly through the phone.

Hannah leaned back in her chair, already sensing where the conversation was heading.

"Well it should be me saying this Eonnie," she replied, a hint of weariness in her voice. "Anyways, What's up? Everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, but I was about to ask you the same thing. Are you ever coming home? It's been weeks, Hannah. Mom and I hardly see you anymore."

Hannah let out a small laugh, though it was tinged with guilt. "I know, I know. It's just... things have been hectic at the hospital. You know how it is."

"Hannah," her sister-in-law's tone softened, "I understand you're busy, and I know how much your work means to you, but you need to take care of yourself too. It's not healthy to be there all the time. We miss you."

Hannah felt a pang of guilt settle in her chest. She did miss them-her mother, her sister-in-law, the warmth of home-but the weight of her responsibilities always seemed to pull her back to the hospital.

"I miss you guys too. I just... there's a lot going on right now that I need to take care of. It's hard to step away."

"I know you care about your patients, but Hannah, you have a family who cares about you too. We don't want you to burn out. Can't you come home for just one night? We can have dinner together, catch up, just... be a family."

Hannah hesitated, the thought of leaving her work behind, even for a night, feeling almost impossible.

But the sincerity in her sister-in-law's voice was hard to ignore. "I'll try," she finally said, her voice softening. "I can't promise anything, but I'll try to make it home tonight."

"That's all I ask," her sister-in-law replied, relief evident in her voice. "We'll be waiting, and don't worry-we'll make sure it's a relaxing evening for you. No work talk, just good food and company."

Hannah smiled, the idea of a peaceful evening with her family sounding more appealing by the second. "Thanks, Eonnie. I'll do my best to be there. Just... don't wait up too long if I'm late."

"Deal. But if you don't show up, I'm coming to the hospital myself to drag you home," her sister-in-law teased.

Hannah chuckled, the weight on her shoulders feeling a little lighter. "I believe you. I'll see you tonight."

"Alright, see you soon. And Hannah... take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will. Thanks, Eonnie," Hannah said before hanging up. She set the phone down, her mind briefly drifting to thoughts of home before she forced herself to refocus on the documents in front of her.