alleviate | banglo

prologue | junhong

"Mom, I'm fine."

My mother gripped me by the arm, dragging me while she walked. The way her nails dug into my skin kind of hurt but I decided to shrug it off. I knew she was only acting like this because she cared. She was worried sick about me.

"Really, Mom. I'm okay."

When we had finally reached the end of the parking lot, we walked under the shaded arches that led to the doors of the hospital. They provided temporary comfort from the blazing summer heat. My mother's hold was still uncomfortable and in an attempt to wiggle from her grasp, she suddenly flashed a glare at me. I let out a heavy sigh.

"Why does she continue to treat me like  such a child." I thought to myself.

"Mom, it was just an accident."

"Choi Junhong, I had received a phone call from Jongup's mother stating that you had passed out in the middle of the skatepark for no apparent reason," she retorted.

"Yep, she was worried shitless."

Another heavy sigh escaped from my lungs as something red entered my field of vision causing me to stop dead in my tracks. I had to catch my mother from nearly falling. Due to my sudden growth spurt, I was a lot taller and stronger than her. I reached down to pick the object from its base. I carefully cupped it in my hands as she continued to pull me with her.

Just as we walked through the hospital doors my mother had shoved me down into a wheel chair.

"Is this really necessary?"

"What if you faint again?" She replied.

"I told you that I am fine!"

"Something worse could happen next time. You're lucky that you only have a knot on your forehead."

"But mom-"

"No buts, Jello."

Being called by the pet name she had given me put an end to my protest. She preceded to push me through the lobby of the hospital. I looked in awe at everything surrounding me. Any normal person would associate this place with death, however, I found it strangely appealing and beautiful. The freshly painted walls and modern furnishings held a sort of elegance. My attention was then redirected to the flower I picked from outside. Running my fingertips along the silky exterior of its petals, I smiled to myself. Then gently pushing strands of hair behind my ear, I placed the rose there.

"Mom, look at me! Am I pretty?"

My mother chuckled as she looked down at me.

"My precious Jello, you're beautiful."

A grin spread across my lips. It made me happy that I was able to provide her with some sort of comfort. I didn't want her to worry about me too much.

My mother started pushing me towards the check-in desk when all of the sudden someone darted past us. The flower swished out of my hair and slowly drifted to the tiles below. Almost instantly the object had been stomped on by the sole of someone's shoe. Although I didn't seem to notice because I was watching the stranger sprint out the doors.

"Is it just me or was he crying?"