Save Me

06

You loved being on top.

You loved it because when you were on the top, everything seemed to be so...

Small.

It's like you never had to think about other people's feelings because you only saw them in bird's-eye view—like none of them was important because they all functioned in the same way.

Just imagine staring at the tall and shining skyscrapers from above. Obviously, you wouldn't have to care if one of the buildings wasn't shining since the others were already enough to light your world.

This was the perspective of a selfish person. You realized that you should have just stuck with this kind of mindset, at least this way you wouldn't have to deal with so much guilt.

You used to look at your patients in the same way. You didn't have any favorites. Aiding them simply boosted your ego. If you could perform a complicated kind of surgery, then that meant you were a hero.

When Cha Areum became your patient, your perspective changed.

Areum was someone who was close to your heart. You could never forget the conversation you had with her before she died.

"I know you're there, Areum." You raised a brow when you heard movements near the door of the rooftop.

You always went on the rooftop of Cornelia Hospital during your break.

"Hi, doctor..."Areum smiled sheepishly. She stopped hiding since she knew there was no point in doing so.

"Did you sneak out again?" You crossed your arms.

It was already ten pm and it meant lights off for some inpatients. Areum was supposed to be in bed by now; however, she couldn't help but follow you up here.

This was a routine. Areum would always sneak out just to hang out with you.

"It's 9:58! I still have time!" She took tiny steps towards you; it was as though she was testing the waters.

You chuckled.

"It's fine. You can sit with me," you even welcomed her with open arms.

You were seated on the edge of the roof. There was a certain part of this place that didn't have any railings.

This was a dangerous spot and you knew it. One wrong move and you could fall and die.

As Areum ran into your arms, you realized you hadn't really voice out the question you had been meaning to ask her ever since she started meeting you here.

So you did.

You finally asked her this: "aren't you scared to fall?"

Most kids would be, even adults. Those who valued their lives wouldn't dare to sit on this spot.

Areum wasn't like most kids.

"Why should I? I'm dying, anyway." She was different.

She understood how shitty life was. She lived in reality when most kids her age dwelled on happy ending and fantasy worlds.

You chose to be like the other kids. You chose to ignore the fact that what Areum said was right.

"Says who?" You arched your brow as you tightened you embrace on her. She felt light. It was as if no one was sitting on your lap. "You are not going to die, my love."