Locked Away

•33•

That was the longest flight in my life.

It was no longer than the one I took 3 days prior yet it felt like it took years more.

I spent the whole time wondering if she is okay. Wondering if Hongbin is okay.

I push past the people who get in my way as I run off the plane and out of the airport.

I didn't bring my suitcase. There was not enough time. All I have is my phone and wallet, filled with American notes.

There are three taxis inn the rank outside and I run to get into the first one.

I instruct the driver to take me to the hospital and tell him to get there fast.

The ride comes to a close and I mutter something about coming back to pay before getting out of the car.

I run into the hospital and by pass the elevator, taking the stairs three at a time.

I arrive at the room to see Hongbin and Taekwoon standing next to each other.

Hongbin's lip is quivering and he is trembling. They stand in the way of the bed.

Taekwoon notices me and frowns as he steps to the side, clearing the view.

The bed is empty.

"Where is she?" I exclaim and Hongbin just walks over to me and wraps his arms around me.

"Where is she?" I repeat as I slowly hug him back.

"She's gone Hakyeon. Your too late."

—

Both of my mothers are dead. I truly have no parents left. Hongbin and I are the only ones left.

I stare at the bed where So Hee once slept. The bed where she once gave us advice when we sought her out for it.

She will never help us with anything again. She is truly gone.

Hongbin looks shattered. It's barely been a month since Hyuk died and now his mother? I can't imagine how awful he would be feeling right now.

He's remained silent since we embraced earlier. He keeps his hands in his pockets and his gaze low. He is crying silently.

I go to comfort him but Taekwoon steps before me. "I'm so sorry Hakyeon."

"What the hell happened? She was fine four days ago" I frown as I speak.

"The medication just stopped working. Just as the doctors said it would" Hongbin explains softly.

Taekwoon pulls me into his warm embrace and just holds me against him as I cry.

"We should go home. Yeah?" I suggest and Taekwoon nods. He lets go of me and grabs my hand.

"Hongbin" I call his name softly. He doesn't look at me but I know he is listening.
"Lets go."

He gets up and pushes past me, making his way out. Taekwoon and I follow and we make our way to the house.

As soon as we arrive, Hongbin doesn't bother holding his tears in anymore. He lets out a heart wrenching sob and falls onto the ground.

I pull myself from Taekwoon's grip and rush over to his side. Tears stream down my cheeks as I hold him against me.

He punches my chest weakly as he sobs.
"Why did she have to die?" He leans back and looks me in the eye as he hits me again.

"Why weren't you here?"

I don't know what to say. Why was I not here? The one time that I should've been here, I was in another country.

"Why weren't you here Hakyeon? The one time I needed you. The one time mother needed you." He says sourly.