“KIM YOONG! COME BACK HERE!”

Taeng ran after his son who has achieved better mobility – walking & running. The little boy screamed happily as he ran towards Tiffany.

“MOMMY!”

Tiffany caught hold of him and lifted Yoongie up. The boy then leapt forward and kissed her on the lips. The bond between Yoongie and Tiffany was unbreakable. Ever since Yoongie entered her life, Tiffany found the reason to smile every day. A promise she has made towards Jessica was something she was going to hold on forever.

“Yoongie, what did you do?”

The little boy has yet to speak proper words. But he was able to mutter a few words.

“Dunno.”

He shrugged his shoulders. His father was infuriated with him.

“Kim Yoong! I told you not to run, didn’t I?!”

Taeng was a little bit fierce towards Yoongie. The boy was a little afraid of him but he knew his father loves him more than his own life.

“What did he do, Taeng?”

“I was washing my hands when he slipped away and ran out of the public toilet. He gave me a shock!”

Taeng was glaring at his son; the boy finally understood that his father was actually angry at him for running away. He looked down and hid his face behind Tiffany’s neck. He sobbed quietly as he pouted his lips together.

Tiffany felt wetness on her shoulder. She glanced slightly to find Yoongie crying softly. Her heart melted.

“Aw, don’t cry. Daddy’s not angry. He’s just worried.”

Taeng’s glare softened. He walked behind Tiffany and saw her son’s tears trickling down from the corner of his eyes. His mouth was pouting. Taeng sighed as he admitted defeat. His heart was actually soft-hearted. He couldn’t bear to watch his little baby boy in tears.

He signalled to Tiffany and took Yoongie into his arms. The little boy didn’t protest. He immediately wrapped his arms around his Daddy’s neck and rested his head on his father’s shoulder.

“Papa loves you, Yoongie. Don’t cry.”

The little boy nodded his head softly. Taeng smiled as he patted on his son’s back gently. He rocked his body side to side and Yoongie soon fell asleep in his father’s sways.

“He’s asleep.”

Tiffany informed Taeng before putting the toddler back into his pram. Tiffany pulled his little blanket up to his chest and kissed his forehead.

“Sweet dreams, little prince.”

Taeng smiled as he watched Tiffany singing softly in Little Yoongie’s ears.

*

“KWON SOO JUNG!”

Yul was screaming his lungs out. His daughter was driving him crazy. He was trying to feed her but Soo Jung kept running around.

“What’s happening, darling?”

Sunny was in the bathroom and stumbled upon her husband chasing after her daughter with a bowl of porridge in his hand and a spoon in his finger.

“I’m trying to feed your daughter but she chose to exercise instead.”

Yul was sarcastic. Soo Jung ran towards Sunny and hid behind her back. She was teasing her father. 

“Soo Jung, you have to eat. We’re going out soon. If you don’t eat, you will stay with Nanny, okay?”

The girl quickly shook her head. She ran towards her father and took his finger with the spoon. She opened and shoved the spoon in. Yul was rolling his eyes.

“Why are the babies born nowadays too smart for comfort?”

“It’s their generation, Yul. Do you want me to take over?”

“Nah, it’s okay. You go and prepare. I think she will eat properly now after that brief threat you threw at her.”

Yul winked at her before picking up his daughter. She was obedient now. Sunny went back into her room and got changed. The couple has been married for two years now and having Soo Jung was the best thing ever happened to Sunny. 
She married a wonderful husband and came along a beautiful daughter. She took her family portrait from her dressing table and smiled widely. She never regretted marrying Yul and she felt like she was given the best in her life. Then she saw a photo of Yul and Taeng standing side by side with a bright smile on their faces.

That was taken years ago when they were still bachelors. Sunny couldn’t help but feeling sorry for Taeng. He has been raising his son all by himself. He was devastated but he kept his strength together for the sake of Yoong. He couldn’t break down and he could never afford to do so. Yoong needs him.

“Why are your eyes red?”

Yul was carrying Soo Jung in his arms when he saw his wife’s eyes. He quickly put the girl down and knelt down in front of Sunny. The girl climbed on her mother’s lap and hugged her. Sunny gave her a quick kiss before shaking her head.

“It’s nothing, Yul. I was just reminiscing about our past. I saw your photo with Taeng.”

Yul smiled and then kissed her forehead. He knew what his wife was thinking about. 

“At least Taeng is strong enough to move on.”

“Why must this happen, Yul? Taeng’s a nice man.”

“I guess it’s all just God’s will.”

Sunny nodded her head and then hugged Soo Jung tightly. She felt like hugging Yoongie too. 

“Let’s get ready. They’re waiting for us.”

Yul took Soo Jung in his arms and brought her to the bathroom. He’s a dedicated father who took over his wife’s duties when it comes to his daughter. He bathes her, he feeds her, he plays with her and he will put the little girl to sleep. 

Soo Jung’s closer to him.

“I’ll bathe Soo Jung.”

He reminded Sunny before leaving the room.

*

Soo Young was in his office. He just had a meeting with Dr Seo and Dr Kim. They were preparing for something. They even got a neurosurgeon on board to assist them. 

“Let’s work together. This is our only chance.”

The two doctors nodded their heads and they left his room. Soo Young leaned against his armchair and turned around. 

He was looking out of the window. He tried all his best and now it has all boiled to this moment. 

He felt like a failure at the first attempt and almost lost. He didn’t want to do that again so this time, he did plenty of research before embarking on this operation.

He couldn’t afford to fail anymore.

“Jebal..”

He prayed really hard.

*

Tiffany was pushing the pram with Taeng behind her. She looked over her shoulder and saw the drooping shoulders on Taeng’s back. He looked tired. Tiffany felt sorry for him. 

“Taeng, are you tired?”

“Hmm?”

Taeng looked up, taken aback at Tiffany’s sudden intrusion of his thoughts.

“You look tired.”

“Oh, I’m alright.”

“Yoongie’s sleeping. Do you want to grab something to eat?”

“Okay sure.”

Taeng stood beside Tiffany and held on to the pram’s handles. He took over the pushing and Tiffany followed along. They stopped at an eatery. They took their orders and waited. 

Taeng was staring blankly at the table cloth. His body was here but his mind was somewhere else. Tiffany knew he was worried.

“Taeng, the food’s here.”

He looked up and apologised to the waiter for blocking his way. He didn’t eat immediately. He turned around to look at his son. Miraculously, Yoongie was up. Taeng rolled his eyes.

“This boy cannot smell food.”

Tiffany looked down and saw Yoongie with his eyes wide open. He was already grabbing the corner of the table cloth. He wanted to stand up. Tiffany chuckled.

“Take him out then. Maybe he’s hungry too.”

Taeng took out his belt and the boy was already clamping on his father’s arms. Tiffany took him and put him into the baby chair provided by the waiter.

“Yoongie, sit here. Mommy will feed you.”

He had his mouth wide open.

“Fany, why is my son a shikshin?”

Tiffany was amused.

*

Soo Young was looking through the medical records when Taeng and Tiffany stepped into the ward. He looked up and smiled widely. He wrapped his arms around Tiffany and hugged her tightly.

“I miss you.”

“I miss you too.”

“You had fun with Yoongie?”

“I did but his father was having a mini war with him just now.”

“Oh?”

Soo Young turned to look at Taeng who was holding Yoongie in his arms and focused on the little boy immediately.

“Yoongie, have you been a naughty boy?”

The boy shook his head.

“But Mommy said you have.”

He nodded his head.

“What did you do?”

“Yoongie make Papa angry.”

He spoke up in his soft voice. Taeng smiled slyly. His son was the cutest when he tried to play the good boy with his god-father.

“Did you say sorry?”

Yoongie nodded his head.

“Good.”

Yoongie smiled widely. He kissed his father on his cheek and then turned to Tiffany. 

“Mommy, pee-pee.”

“Why are you asking your mommy to bring you to the toilet?”

Taeng frowned.

“Mama miss Papa. Papa stay.”

His voice was innocent but the words held a lot of meaning. It brought tears to Taeng’s eyes instantly. Yoongie might be young but he was thoughtful.

“Come, Yoongie. Daddy brings you to the bathroom.”

Soo Young took over and he left his girlfriend and Taeng alone in the room. Taeng was grateful that his friends were always there for him. He turned to look at Jessica who was in coma for two years now. Yoongie has already turned 15 months old a week ago.

“Taeng, be patient. Soo Young has brought in a well-known neuro-surgeon from USA to help him in this operation this time.”

Tiffany tried to console him. Taeng nodded his head.

“I miss her, Tiffany. I miss her so much.”

Taeng took Jessica’s hand and held on tightly.

“Don’t give up yet, Taeng. You have done it for so long now. Just a little bit more.”

Tiffany encouraged him to hang in there.

*

Sunny, Yul, Tiffany and Taeng were waiting outside the operating theatre. The children with the old folks who offered to look after them. So Soo Jung and Yoong followed Yoong’s grandparents. They brought them to the playground.

Taeng was grateful for that. It wasn’t because his son was annoying but he didn’t want to let Yoong to see his tears. His son should never see his father cry. 

“Taeng, have faith.”

Yul patted him on the back. Taeng nodded his head. Sunny and Tiffany were in a deep conversation. It has already been 4 hours for now.

The time suddenly went really slow for Taeng. He couldn’t believe all the time he waited for Jessica; this was the most nerve-wrecking and the longest period he had ever been. He wasn’t too sure if this operation was going to be a success.

He was getting weary. He was getting exhausted. He tried to put on a smile on his fa