Liar//MYG✔️

Chapter 35//River of Tears

   Jinae wore her favorite lilac pullover, a gift from her friend Jin Myung, with jeans and sneakers for the meeting with her parents. Dr. Kim had told her to dress comfortably, and if possible, to wear things that boosted her confidence. Jinae had been skeptical about these pieces of advice but had decided to trust the doctor. 

    She found that Dr. Kim's mandate had in fact been helpful as she sat waiting on the leather couch in the psychologist's office. She clutched the hem of the sweater's fabric, nervous, stroking the soft material and allowing it to comfort her.  Her parents were both running behind, as their separate phone calls had informed her five minutes before the scheduled meeting-  her father's lecture had run slightly over its scheduled time, and her mother's appointment had finished late as well.

    The baby was a girl, her mother had told her so over the phone. Jinae had swallowed the lump in her throat and given polite congratulations, glad that the phone call could hide her frown. 

    All Jinae wanted at the moment was for her parents to arrive so that she could read her letters. Dr. Kim was in her office's small kitchenette, preparing refreshments for the meeting. The psychologist knew how much Jinae would appreciate a hot cup of coffee to help calm her. 

     Dr. Kim returned to the chair across from Jinae and sat a steaming cup of coffee on the table between them. Jinae gave her thanks softly and cradled the mug in her hands. Dr.Kim noticed her furrowed brow and the slight frown on her face, knowing instinctively that the young woman was perturbed, she sought to help calm her patient.

    "What's going through your mind right now, Jinae?" Dr. Kim questioned Jinae with a soft voice, tilting her head slightly to the side as she awaited Jinae's response. 

   "In my head, I know that my parents simply lead busy lives and that I shouldn't be upset with scheduling conflicts. They're both adults with careers and ultimately, families. However, for some reason, my heart still hurts. It still feels like the same old things, the same distractions, the same fears, are at play.  Dad's always put his career above me, above mom, and well, mom's replacing me," Jinae responded with a deepening frown and sad, heavy eyes. Dr. Kim nodded in understanding. 

    "I see where you would draw that conclusion. However, I don't think those things are being done by your parents intentionally. If you feel comfortable, I think that you should address those feelings today. Bring them out into the open." 

    "I'll try, thank you, Dr. Kim." Jinae nodded her head in an assurance, mostly for herself rather than for the woman sitting across from her. Dr. Kim responded with an encouraging nod and smile before a knock on the door startled the two. Dr. Kim laughed slightly in response to the start she made before looking over at Jinae. 

    "I think it's time dear." Jinae nodded in her response, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. Dr. Kim stood and walked over to the office's door, opening it slowly so that Jinae could collect herself. Mr. Yoon stood in the doorway, his black trench coat and thick woolen scarf still wrapped tightly around him. He gave Jinae an apologetic smile before introducing himself to Dr. Kim.  Almost immediately after his arrival, her mother came up behind. 

    She was smiling brightly from the news her doctor had given her, a thick, fluffy coat still zipped up to her chin and her round belly protruded cutely. She looked over at Jinae and waved before introducing herself as well. 

     "Hello, honey," her mother greeted her as she sat in the empty spot on the couch, angling her body towards her daughter. 

    "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad," Jinae greeted each of them in turn, locking her gaze with their own for a few moments. As Dr. Kim offered them both tea and coffee, Jinae studied the man and woman who had brought her into the world.