Chapter 22: A Guilt Awakens

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The faint memory of her mother lying on the floor lingered in Soobin's mind as she scrolled through her phone the next morning. She brushed it off at first, trying to convince herself it was just another overreaction. But deep down, something gnawed at her. She remembered Haein's pale face, the way her voice had cracked when she had asked for help. Soobin frowned and shook her head, forcing the thoughts away. Guilt wasn't something she had time for.

Later that day, as Soobin glanced toward the kitchen where her mother quietly worked, her chest tightened with an unfamiliar feeling. She didn't want to admit it, but she was starting to realise the toll her reckless behaviour had taken on Haein. The image of her mother collapsing replayed in her mind, and for a moment, Soobin felt a pang of concern.

But almost as quickly as it had come, she dismissed it. Haein was strong, always had been. She'd get through it, like she always did. Soobin convinced herself that her mother's collapse was just stress from overworking, nothing more. She refused to let guilt settle in.

Meanwhile, Hyunwoo had been quietly observing from the background. He hadn't said much since returning home, but the signs were clear to him. Haein's condition was worse than she let on, and Soobin's indifference only made it harder for her. He couldn't stand by any longer.

One evening, as Haein sat at the dining table, her face drawn with fatigue, Hyunwoo approached her gently. "You need more help, Haein," he said, his tone firm but kind. "I'm staying longer. I'll help you manage things."

Haein looked up at him, her expression guarded, but beneath the surface, the cracks in her strength were beginning to show. She was tired, both physically and emotionally, and as much as she hated to admit it, Hyunwoo's offer was a lifeline. She nodded, unable to muster the energy to argue.

As the days went on, Hyunwoo's presence became a constant in the house. He took on more responsibilities, trying to ease the burden on Haein. But while his support was helpful, it couldn't erase the growing distance between mother and daughter, or the guilt Soobin was trying so hard to ignore.

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