The Old and The New

Chapter 6

Lisa was done for the day. She was looking forward to spend the rest of her free time with Chaeyoung. She was informed by her colleague, Dr Son, the doctor in charge of Chaeyoung that the lady was allowed to be discharged. But she needed constant care and Lisa volunteered to look after her. The hospital knew about the two ladies' friendship and Dr Son gave the permission to Lisa.

"Dr Manoban, you're here."

Dr Wendy Son was in the room with Chaeyoung and a nurse. She was doing her checks on Chaeyoung.

"Good to see you, Dr Son. Is she alright?"

"Her health seems to be improving but of course, you're aware that her condition might deteriorate if she's not taking care of herself, right?"

"Yes, I'm fully aware of that. Don't worry; I'll take good care of her."

"Great, she can leave today. But do remember to take her medicine at the pharmacy. She has to come back every week for further treatments."

"Thanks, Wendy unnie."

She left the room with the nurse. Chaeyoung was keeping silent most of the time. She wasn't too interested to know about her condition. She just couldn't stop thinking of Jennie and wondered how the lady was doing now.

"Chaeng?"

Lisa noticed Chaeyoung was in deep thoughts. She went over to her and took Chaeyoung's hands. She squeezed them lightly.

"Hmm?"

"What are you thinking of?"

"Nothing, I was just stoning."

"Okay, you can be discharged now. I'm taking you home with me."

"Huh? Why?"

"So that I can look after you?"

"Oh, that's right. Can I leave now?"

"Yeah, let me help you change out."

Lisa was aware that Chaeyoung was thinking of her ex-girlfriend. There were times when she visited Chaeyoung while she was sleeping at night; the poor lady was calling out Jennie's name every single night. Strangely it didn't hurt Lisa that much; it just prompted her to hug Chaeyoung tighter in her arms.

Nevertheless, she didn't want to make a huge fuss over it so she just let Chaeyoung be. She helped Chaeyoung to change and also settled her discharge papers. She then gently hoisted Chaeyoung to her wheelchair and took her bag of clothes along.

"Let's go home."

Lisa smiled warmly and Chaeyoung returned it with an eye-smile. Lisa then walked behind her and slowly pushed the wheelchair towards the exit. Chaeyoung was holding on to her bag and occasionally squeezed Lisa's hand that was conveniently placed behind her.

"I'll take good care of you, okay?"

Lisa leaned forward and kissed the back of Chaeyoung's head. The other lady nodded.

"I promise you. I won't leave you anymore."

And both ladies left the hospital with a lighter heart.

-

"Chaeyoung, do you want to grab a bite somewhere?"

Lisa was driving with Chaeyoung in her passenger seat. The other girl turned to look at her.

"You're hungry?"

"Yeah, a little."

"Did you skip breakfast this morning?"