A Chance Encounter

Chapter 7: Longing for Her Presence

Maya POV

"Oh, why are you okay? Is everything alright?" I asked, starting to feel worried.

"Yeah, I'm okay. Just come here," Inah exclaimed. "I also already called Cherrie. Be safe, you both."

"Huh? Are the kids okay?"

"Yes, Maya, the kids are fine, but I need you to come here because I can't explain everything just over the phone. It's about Kim Ajusshi (Uncle Kim)."

"Oh, okay. I'm on my way." After the call, I asked my secretary, Ana, to cancel all my meetings because I had important errands to run. As I was leaving my office, I saw Cherrie approaching me and asking, "She called you?" I nodded.

"Okay, let's go!" she replied.

Kim Ajusshi (Uncle Kim) is a successful Korean businessman and the owner of Grey's Sloan Memorial Hospital. He saved my life years ago when I was in an accident, so I owe my second chance at life to him. I became close to him over the years, to the point where he became like a father to me and Cherrie after we got married. He was actually the one who introduced me to Cherrie. Cherrie is half Filipino and half Korean, so they kind of share the same language. They are both involved with the same orphanage, which is why they were already close before I met him. He has been such a father figure to me that whenever Cherrie and I have a misunderstanding, I would go to his home to have a beer and talk it out. I truly appreciate the way he treats me like his own daughter.Cherrie and I felt nervous arriving at Grey's Sloan. When we got there, Inah was already in the lobby waiting for us.

"Okay, Inah, you really need to tell us what is happening," I exclaimed.

"Let's go to my office." In Inah's office, Cherrie and I sat on the sofa. Inah is a Hematologist/Oncologist at Grey's Sloan.

"Okay, I don't know how to say this easily, but... Doctor Kim has lung cancer."

Cherrie and I were both speechless after hearing what Inah said.

"What? When? Is this new? Wait, what stage?" So many questions raced through my mind, while Cherrie stood by my side, trying not to cry.

"It's been a while now, and it's already stage 4, and he is refusing treatment."

"What do you mean, 'it's been a while now'? So you already know about it?" I turned to Cherrie. "You know about this too?" I asked her.

"I... yeah, I know about this, but Doctor Kim didn't want me to tell you both, which answers your other question. Cherrie also doesn't know about this. It's just me, Dr. Bailey, Dr. Altman, and some nurses, including Head Nurse Oh."

"What? Unbelievable! I... what the heck." I said, getting worked up. I took a deep breath in and out to avoid a panic attack.

"I need to go. I have to run." I started to get up from the sofa, but Cherrie stopped me, tears already in her eyes. "Please stay. Don't make us worry about you too," she pleaded.

"I need to go. Don't worry, I'll be back." I kissed her forehead, then kissed Inah's forehead, who also had tears in her eyes.

I know we need to comfort each other, but it's all overwhelming. I can't breathe, so I need to go somewhere-I need to run. I need a drink. I went to the nearby bar by the hospital, Joe's Bar, where most of the doctors and firefighters hang out.

As I walked in, I approached Joe and said, "Hi Joe, can I get something strong?"

"Tough night, huh?" Joe replied.

"Yeah, something like that," I said as he poured me a shot.

"Take this; it's on me," Joe offered. I nodded and smiled at him in appreciation.