il mio primo e ultimo amore

Svegliati

She wakes up with a sudden stomach ache and bile rising up her throat. Her eyes open, pierced by the sunlight, and she barely hisses and closes her eyes as the queasiness increases. She gets up, sits straight, but it only gets worse. Dazed and still hazy, she rushes to the bathroom, crouching down on the floor, vomiting. Morning, it has been.

She breathes in and out, mind processing slowly.

And then a sudden ache blooms in her already heavy heart.

Vincenzo.

She heaves, breathes in and out, as her eyes sting, the queasiness in her stomach returns and she's back to throwing up, sitting on the cold tiles.

That is how her day begins.

She acts strong when she comes back to seeing him lay straight, tangled with tubes.

She mutters a cheerful good morning as she gets ready, roaming around here and there to grab the items Maria had brought from home.

Her incessant chatter fills the room, with her only hope that he can hear her.

Breakfast comes with Maria holding a tray of some good and warm Korean breakfast.

Cha Young beams at her, and they both have breakfast together.

The afternoon is spent going through some files with the help of Marco and Alfonso.
Luca is gone to cater a half-way done deal.

The boys assist her on matters and she gets hand of them quickly, belatedly realizing how flawless the whole structure of business is, credit to her husband.

Maria brings some coffee for everyone and the doctor follows for the routine-check up shortly.

Evening, and Cha Young is left alone to read some contracts.

She moves to a chair close to him, an attempt to feel his warmth.

She moves every now and then and when her eyes have had enough, she places the tablet and looks at him.

Her sleeping beauty.

The ache is still there but her plan is working.

"What are you dreaming of?" She asks.

"About me? Or about the three of us?"

Silence.

"Somebody was unhappy you weren't there to sing lullabies last night."

She blinks, while his eyes remain close and he breathes slowly.

She crosses her arms on her chest and squints her eyes.

"Get up, will you now?"

There is only the sound of machines beeping.

"It's only been a day and I keep glancing at you like a mad woman hoping that you'll look back at me and tell me this is all a joke."

Wet, her eyes sting and she rubs them furiously.

Damn hormones.

Cha Young sighs.

"Jagiya..." She whispers quietly.

"You out of all people know how impatient I am, and yet." She shakes her head.

All this time, she's been holding his burly hand in her small ones.

She strokes the veins, scribbling on his palm.

Day two and in the early morning, Cassandra comes, followed by Maria.

There are tears in the younger one's eyes as she hugs her tight and Cha Young smiles.