Walk slowly (edited)

Chapter 15

I looked at the clinic sign before nodding to myself. I was getting closer to the answer I needed. But why are my steps feeling so heavy, as if it’s reluctant to step into the clinic? Mrs Tuan said she had met with Namjoon a few months ago. Namjoon, who was a good friend of Mark at University, has already opened his own clinic. Once I received the information from my mother-in-law, I kept track of Namjoon’s appearance here.

Yes…

Namjoon, I know that guy. How could I not know him, we have our own story between me and him. It was just that no one knew the story. Mark… Maybe he did not know anything either. It’s impossible for Namjoon to tell the matter to him. I began to feel weird, but since there was no other way, I had to meet him no matter what.

Once I stood in front of the clinic, I opened the glass door before stepping in. Not many patients were waiting, perhaps because it was still early morning. I went straight to the registration counter.

“Have you ever come to this clinic?” asked the nurse at the counter with a smile as soon as I arrived in front of her.

“No... I came not to do an inspection. I have personal matters to see Dr. Namjoon. Is Dr. Namjoon here?” I explained the purpose of my arrival.

“Oh.. I’m sorry, but Dr. Namjoon is not here right now. He will come back in two months.”

“Oh... Can I know where he went?” again I asked questions, starting to feel depressed. Where was Namjoon going?

“Hong Kong.”

“Erm... Can I leave a message?” I asked the nurse.

“Sure sir.”

“If Dr. Namjoon comes back later, can you ask him to call me? Tell him it is an important matter!” I give the nurse a small smile when I write my name and phone number on a memo pad that was given by the nurse.

“Please, miss. Thank you!” I thanked her, a sign of appreciation for the help.

Then I left the clinic. I looked at the watch on my wrist. 9.15 am. Still early, where should I go? I took a one day leave today...

Finally, I decided to drop by my parents’ house. It’s been almost a month that I have not met them, I also began to feel homesick. So it is better that I take this opportunity to spend time visiting my parents. At least, I will be able to smile sincerely when I see Mom’s and Father’s faces. And I’m sure they will also be happy to welcome my return.

“You do not have work today?” Mom asked the question every time I got home on weekdays.

“No, mom. I took one day off! How are you, mom?” I gently kissed mom's cheeks with a happy smile.

“I’m fine. Do you still have a migraine son? Why did you take a day off? Where’s my son-in-law? ” Mom questioned while accompanying my steps into the house.

Son-in-law? My heart now felt distracted. Have Mark ever considered himself as a son-in-law in this family? It seemed only father and mom saw him as son-in-law. While him? Certainly Mark did not want that title. If both my parents knew the truth, they would definitely be disappointed and hurt. Just like what I’m feeling now.

*****

The beautiful scenery at Yeouido Park made my mind feel calm. The wind caressed me as soon as I got out of my car that I parked in the visitors’ parking lot. Fortunately, it is a weekday. If not, it will be difficult to get a free space for parking.

I just stood at the side of the car waiting for Mark to park his car. We made a promise to meet here after I told him something about spending time together as brothers. From a distance, one can clearly see visitors doing various activities there. However, the most exciting one was the kites flying freely in the air. My heart felt really happy to see it. It felt like all the burden in my chest was blown away by the wind as the kites flew high and reached the sky.