Gio ’s reflexes went to work before his brain took over. He caught the woman-child, preventing her head from smacking on the floor. Her pallid face made him double-take. How sick is she? He hates inconvenience. For a moment he thought of leaving. But he used her to escape from Jessica’s claws. Though she’s not willing, somehow she let him manipulate her without saying a word.

It’s the least you can do for her, Taeyang’s voice rang in his head. An unbidden memory reared it’s ugly head, threatening to resurface. He’ll be damned if he’d let it loose. With a sigh, he picked her up. He was even surprised at how light she was. Does she even eat? She doesn’t seem to have much meat in her body though.

Four men in black suits came rushing when he emerged from the hallway leading to the restrooms. Of course, the area abounds with CCTV that’s not surprising. Security staffs will always be the first people to know.

“Call an ambulance,” Gio ordered.

“We already did sir. They’re on their way.” The tallest among them started barking orders to his team. Then they left to do the leader’s bidding.

“I think she has a bag somewhere, I forgot to take it with me.”

“It’s been taken cared of sir. But you might need to put her down first,” he gestured to a plush sofa a few paces away.

Gio was relieved. His arms were starting to feel numb. The woman’s delicate frame was deceiving. It was unexpected, she weighed like feathers at first. Or was it his body was telling him he’s out of shape? He felt like he’s carrying a boulder. Even his shoulders cried in protest.

It wasn’t long before he heard the distant screaming of the ambulance’s siren. One of the three security personnel came back, the woman’s bag in hand. The leader rummage through it, trying to find something to identify her. He pulled out an authentic LV yellow passport holder.

“Sandy Park, twenty four. She listed Bom Park as the contact person in case of emergency.” The leader then turned to his subordinate. “Call the number listed and notify this person. We’ll take Miss Park to Southern Cross Medical City.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you Mr…” The head security extended his hand to Gio.

“Gio Kwon.”

“Thank you Mr. Kwon. We’ll take it from here.”

**********

Sandy opened her eyes to Bommie’s long red hair spilling on her bed. The red strands looked like strands of silk fire against the white covers. She’s sound asleep judging by her soft snoring. It didn’t take long for Sandy to realize she’s in the hospital. The smell of antiseptic was too strong to ignore,  triggering memories of Nana’s last moments. Has it really been nine years? It doesn’t feel like it. But she’s past her grief now. Her tears were replaced with small smiles whenever she remembers Nana.

Even beyond death, her grandmother took care of her. Nana didn’t let her grieve for long. The old woman’s bucket list kept her looking forward to a new day.  All her assets even after liquidation were beyond her expectations. Sandy had literally no idea how rich her grandmother was until her lawyer came to see her for the reading of the old woman’s last will.

“Bommie,” she called. Bommie didn’t stir, heavy sleeper that she was. It took Sandy a couple of pinches on her arm before her friend opened her eyes.

“Wut?”

“How long have I been here?”

Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Bommie checked her phone. “More or less eleven hours. You were admitted around past eight last night. You’re over fatigue. What have you been doing to yourself?”

“Ah. It must be the extra hours at work.”

“Shall I call Mr. Yang and tell him you need a week’s off? Your doctor said you need at least two days to rest.” Bommie held her phone. “Or better yet hand in your resignation. God knows you don’t have to break your back working.”

“No. We’re short on staff, one of our cashiers is on maternity leave,” Sandy protested.

“It’s not your problem, Dee. You need to rest,” Bommie insisted.

Just then, the nurse came in with her doctor.  “Good morning Miss Park, how are you feeling?”

Her doctor is a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed mustache and bushy eyebrows. His black hair were peppered with glistening silver, not a single strand out of place. His powder blue shirt stood out underneath his white coat and stethoscope hanging on his neck.

“Never better, doc” she answered with a smile.

“You may go home after breakfast. Rest for a couple of days, get enough sleep. You have anemia. I also suggest a complete blood work if symptoms