Missing The Sun

Chapter XIX: Take Care

Sun sat motionless, her gaze bitterly fixed on the crowd moving in front of her. A heavy weight pressed down on her mind as vivid memories surged back, particularly the haunting image of Moon's arms, marked by sharp cuts that formed a grotesque tapestry of pain.

Each scar seemed to tell a story, leading Sun to a troubling realization: Was Ongsa truly responsible for this suffering? Was it Ongsa or the Earth that consistently chose to evade the consequences of the problems left in their wake? This thought gnawed at Sun, compelling her to reflect on the deeper connections and the relentless cycle of avoidance that bound them all.

When Ongsa entered the room, their eyes met for the first time. Anxious, Ongsa stepped toward Moon, who was receiving treatment, and Sun allowed it, needing her own moment of peace. Though uncertain about the situation, she was too scared to uncover details that might complicate matters.

As the minutes passed, Sun remained quiet and uneasy. She recalled how Moon's parents had thanked her for her swift action in getting Moon to the hospital, claiming it had 'saved' her. Moon had suffered an acute panic attack, leaving her unconscious, and Sun couldn't help but wonder why it had happened and what the troubled girl had endured.

Sun glanced and saw Ongsa facing her.

"Thank you for calling me."

Sun stayed silent.

"Are you okay?"

"What did you do to her, Ongsa?"

Perhaps it was too harsh, but Sun didn't care.

"I did... a lot of bad things, Sun."

"What has she endured for you?"

"Many painful days she should never have lived through."

"Are you redeeming yourself now?"

"Maybe, but it will never be enough."

"How is she now?"

"The doctor said she will be okay," Ongsa replied. "We still don't know why her panic attack led to her fainting, and we don't think we need to ask just yet since her condition is still unstable. What's important is that she's in good hands now, all thanks to you, Sun."

Sun made the decision to stand tall. She realized she didn't need to dig deeper into the situation. Ongsa had betrayed her and hurt Moon, and while it was difficult to accept, she understood that Ongsa had chosen to mend what she had broken with her. The pain that had marked Moon also left scars on Sun. Just as she longed for a love that would nurture her, she wished for Moon to find the love she truly deserved, even if that meant saying goodbye to Ongsa. Once more, she found herself letting go.

"I'm sorry, Sun."

"So, Moon and I are in the same book..." Sun stared blankly. "But in a different chapter to your story?"

"Sun—"

"You can't have it all, Ongsa."

"Please hate me, Sun. Hate me all you want."

Sun gently touched Ongsa's cheek while looking at her face. "I never wanted to hate you, Ongsa, and honestly, I couldn't even if I tried. Maybe I should be angry with myself for that, but that's my issue, not yours. Regardless of what you've done, and no matter how much pain you've caused Moon, you need to take responsibility for it."