"The flower seeds that tickle the tip of her nose I don't know where you'll fly again But thanks to you, I can love the day"
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Christmas Eve transformed the village hospital into a vibrant haven. Decorations and fairy lights adorned the halls, infusing life into the typically sterile environment. Hospital staff bustled about, determined to bring joy to long-term patients and alleviate their own stress.
In the grand hall, patients gathered, watching as the intern team crafted gifts. Aera and Sulhee's playful bickering filled the air, until Jaemin gently scolded them with affectionate pats on the head. Beomgyu sighed, frustrated with his imperfect bow.
Meanwhile, Jiwon stood entranced, meticulously wrapping fairy lights around the towering Christmas tree. Her mind, however, was a tangled mess, disconnected from the joyful atmosphere. She felt present yet distant, like a ghost hovering on the periphery of happiness.
Jiwon had been dodging the hospital, unable to face the memories that lingered within its walls. Her mind was a tangled mess, worsened by the isolation of her room. The thought of encountering Eunseok terrified her; she couldn't bear the prospect of reliving the humiliation of their last meeting.
She recalled bursting into tears, her emotions raw and un-contained. The shame still lingered, making her cringe. If not for Beomgyu's gentle prodding, she'd still be hiding beneath her blankets, unable to confront reality.
Beomgyu's concern had coaxed her out of her solitude, but now, surrounded by the hospital's festive atmosphere, Jiwon felt like an imposter. Her heart wasn't in the celebrations; her thoughts remained trapped in the darkness she'd tried to escape.
As she decorated the Christmas tree, Jiwon's hands moved mechanically, her mind replaying the painful encounter with Eunseok.
Now that her emotions were no longer clouding her judgment, Jiwon reflected on the numerous miscommunications that had driven them apart. They had never truly listened to each other's reasons for leaving, yet Eunseok's actions spoke louder than words. Despite the pain and misunderstandings, he had continued to care for her.
She remembered the countless times he had been there for her, even when she thought he wasn't. His gentle gestures, his concerned gaze – all testified to his unwavering concern.
Jiwon couldn't shake off the memory of Eunseok's pleading gaze. It lingered in her mind, a haunting reminder of the vulnerability she'd seen in his eyes that day.
She sighed, stepping down from the stool, her movements mechanical as she struggled to process her emotions. The image of Eunseok's helpless expression had pierced her heart, leaving her wondering if she'd misjudged him.
As doubts swirled, Jiwon's patients waved enthusiastically, their innocent smiles a brief respite from her turmoil.
"Dr. Jiwon!" they chimed, their voices a gentle reminder of her responsibilities. She forced a weak smile, her eyes welling up as Eunseok's haunted expression continued to fuel her guilt.
Was she being cruel to him? The thought clenched her heart, making her question their past encounter.
The hospital's festive atmosphere, once a welcome distraction, now felt suffocating. Jiwon's mind was trapped in a cycle of regret and uncertainty. She couldn't help but wonder if she'd misunderstood Eunseok's intentions.
"Oh god"
Sulhee's eyes widened as she rummaged through the bag, only to find fewer gifts than expected for the older citizen patients. Their online order seemed incomplete. Beomgyu's frustration grew as he searched another bag, finding confetti and balloon packets instead.
Jiwon stepped in, calm and composed. "The gift shop is just two streets away. We can hurry and get the gifts." She grasped another bag, scanning its contents. "Who's coming with me?" she asked, seeking volunteers.
Sulhee smiled awkwardly. "I have another task, so maybe later, babe?" She glanced at Beomgyu, who nodded understandingly. Beomgyu began to join Jiwon but was interrupted by a nurse. "Gyu, patient 62 needs you right now."
Jiwon reassured him, "It's alright, I'll be fine." She clenched the plastic bag, determination etched on her face. Beomgyu hesitated, concern etched on his features, but Jiwon's firm tone brooked no argument.
"Besides what bad could happen?"
✗
Jiwon's confidence faltered as the familiar streets disappeared into darkness. The numerous turns had disoriented her, and the absence of streetlights made navigation impossible. She tightened her jacket, shielding herself from the biting wind and relentless snow.
Frustration swelled within her. "Why did I come alone at this hour?" she thought, regretting her impulsive decision. Leaving her phone at the hospital compounded her error, and she mentally cursed her carelessness.
As the snow swirled around her, Jiwon prayed for a glimpse of familiarity – a landmark, a sign, anything to guide her back. Her feet ached from trudging through the snow, her senses numbed by the cold.
Just as despair began to creep in, Jiwon spotted a faint light in the distance. She quickened her pace, hope reviving her chilled spirit.
As she drew closer, the light resolved into the glow of a torch, illuminating the faces of a group of men huddled together, smoking. Jiwon's feet instinctively retreated, her heart racing with caution.
She slowed her pace, careful not to draw attention to herself. The men's laughter and rough banter sent a shiver down her spine.
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