Having been away from office for a week, her table was filled with documents awaiting for her review and approval.
She settled her bag on the chair, and took a look at one of the documents. Then, there was a knock on the door. Looking up, Syun was standing by the door, dressed with a black jacket over her navy blue jumpsuit.
"May I?" She asked, smiling. Jihyo nodded.
Syun stepped inside, closed the door and walked towards her.
"I hope you're better now. Everything's settled?" She asked.
"Yes. Thank you for being so understanding, Syun ssi."
Syun waved off her remark and glanced at the group of designers sitting at their cubicles outside her office. "It's good to see you back. The entire team was in a chaotic mess when you weren't around." Syun said.
"It can't be that bad. I heard Ju Won ssi did a good job as a temporary team leader."
"Well, there were a few hiccups but in all, she did managed to guide the others." Syun replied. After a short pause, she continued, "by the way, congratulations. I met your husband at the lift lobby. He told me about it."
Jihyo smiled, and then thanked her.
"If the workload is too much for you to handle, let me know."
"I will." Jihyo replied. Syun gave her a light pat on her shoulder before leaving.
As the door closed, she reached for the calendar and flipped the page over to the new month. October.
Eight months and three weeks to go before she gets to meet her little one.
She touched her tummy, which was still flat. Despite telling herself to think positive and not to worry too much, every now and then, her mind would wander back to that particular day; the darkest period of her life. The day where she felt time had come to a standstill.
She put the calendar down, and sat at her table, preparing herself for what would seem to be a busy day. She pored over the documents, occasionally looking up at her computer to check on her emails, which she hasn't been able to do so in the last few days. As she scrolled down the list of unread emails, she discovered a email from Gwon, stating that he had already arranged a meeting with the manufacturing team, and that they had agreed to start on the furniture production. She immediately picked up her phone and dialed Gwon.
After a few rings, the call was answered.
"You read the email?" Gwon said in a tone as though he had already expected, and was just waiting for her to call.
"Yes. I didn't expect that you will do it." She replied.
She heard a soft scoff on the other end.
"I wouldn't have done that if I'm not involve in this project. Besides, I'm not as cold blooded as you think I am." He said.
"Thank you for helping out."
There was a short silence, and then Gwon spoke again, "instead of wasting time here, it would be better if you start working on the next proposal. I'll see you next week. Bye."
And the call ended.
Jihyo pulled her phone away from her ear and stared at it. She has already become immune to the way he speaks. Whether was it his harsh tone, or the way he carry a conversation - it no longer intimidate her.
She has been working with him for a little over a month and for some reason, she felt he is someone whose bark is worse than his bite.
She put away her phone and continued working until it was time to knock off. As usual, Gary went down to her office and waited for her before going back together.
***
After dinner, Gary found her sitting in front of the dressing table, staring at the cloud plush that was leaning against the mirror. It was something that she has been doing for the past few nights, and every time, he would just give her some time alone. As much as he wanted to tell her to stop thinking about it, he couldn't.
Instead of leaving quietly like what he always did, this time, he chose to enter and stood behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders with a gentle and firm grip, and looked at her reflection in the mirror.
"Appa had always wanted a grandchild." She said softly. Regret filled her voice.
"But now.." her voice trailed off, and he could hear her sniffling.
"He will be happy to know this." He said, squeezing her shoulders softly. "I'm sure of it."
"I know he will. It just pains me to know that he won't be around to watch our child grow up." She turned around and looked at him.
He took her hands and pulled her up from the chair.
"Up there, he will be able to watch our child grow and looked after our child too." He said, looking into her eyes.
She stared at him, quietly pondering over his words. She understood what he meant by that. Her dad and their first child - reunited and having fun together. She could imagine him giving their unfated child a nickname. And perhaps, they could be watching them now, from above.
She turned away from him, but not before he saw the tears in her eyes, which she wiped off with the back of her hand.
A gentle stroke down her head, and a little tug on her arm. He pulled her in and silently hugged her. No words needed as he knew that what she needed was just him to be there to reassure her.
