Wheein was missing. She has vanished into thin air. She didn’t turn up for classes; she skipped lectures; she didn’t return to their shared dorm; she didn’t pick up Yongsun’s calls; she didn’t reply to Yongsun’s messages – it was as though she has vanished from the face of this earth.

And it was not getting easier for Yongsun either. She was lost and confused. Those last messages that Wheein had sent to her were deeply etched on her mind. She was worried because she had no idea if Wheein was doing okay or somehow safe. But she chose to believe that Wheein was because she was certain that Wheein’s mother wouldn’t hurt her own daughter.

But her own condition worried her friends especially Irene and Moonbyul. Moonbyul’s girlfriend, Hyejin was also assisting them to locate Wheein but it was futile. She couldn’t find Wheein at her place either.

It was during their break time; the girls went to the cafeteria. Moonbyul was famished and Irene wanted to grab a bite, but they couldn’t leave Yongsun alone. The young woman was lifeless.

“Yongsun, you need to eat something.”

“I have no appetite.”

“But you’re getting thinner by the day. You will fall sick if you continue.”

“I can’t eat because I don’t know where Wheein is or how she is. How could she do this to me?”

Irene pulled Yongsun closer and hugged her tightly. She was extremely concerned with Yongsun’s health; and her mental condition. Love was such a , she deduced.

“We’ll help you to find Wheein after class. So, can you please get something to eat? You need the energy if you want to look for her.”

“But we have been searching for her for the last one week. Nothing, nothing appeared on our radar. She’s not even at her own house.”

Yongsun was losing hope for some reason. Moonbyul then pulled her best friend towards her; she held Yongsun’s arms tightly urging her to look at her.

“Look at me, Kim Yongsun.”

Yongsun looked up; expressionless.

“We will find Wheein. I’ll bring her to you. I promise.”

Yongsun teared up instantly but nodding her head eventually. It was not an easy task but Yongsun knew her friends were worried for her.

“I’ll get you a cup of hot tea. You haven’t been eating well. Is that okay?”

She nodded again and Moonbyul left to buy something to eat for Irene and Yongsun. Yongsun sat quietly; staring into space. Her broken heart couldn’t feel anymore. Wheein left her broken into pieces.

-

But Wheein was always nearby. She just hid from their view. Wheein was never far away from Yongsun; because she couldn’t keep herself away from her girlfriend. Wheein loves her and it hurts her a lot more to see Yongsun like that.

Often, she wanted to run and embrace Yongsun in her arms. She had the strongest urge to stay in Yongsun’s arms but for the girl’s sake, she refrained herself. Her ahjussi was standing behind her; he was always with her. He felt sorry for Wheein; he had often witnessed how Wheein broke down each time she saw Yongsun not eating or crying or just being lifeless like that.

Jessica had confiscated her phone. She couldn’t contact Yongsun or the rest of the girls. Fortunately, her ahjussi allowed Wheein to watch Yongsun from afar despite getting strict orders from his Madam. He just felt it was too much but he was in no position to argue with Jessica.

But this time, Wheein got her heart broken again and again. She saw Yongsun’s tears and her heartstrings were tugging. They would break and it would kill Wheein but she couldn’t do anything. She clenched her fists tightly; biting her lips to prevent herself from calling out to Yongsun.

“Missy…”

She shook her head; she turned away and walked off. It was just too much for her to handle the pain in her heart; let alone watching the love of her life struggling without her. Her ahjussi followed her from behind; Wheein walked straight back to their car and got in.

“Ahjussi, please drive to somewhere. I cannot take it anymore.”

“Alright, Missy.”

Ahjussi drove off almost immediately and they rode in silence. Wheein looked out of the window; tears fell profusely; heart breaking and Wheein’s hands were shaking so badly. She really wanted to hold Yongsun in her arms.

She needed to hold her but she just couldn’t.

“I’m such a coward.”

She suddenly spoke up softly.

“I couldn’t even protect my love; I couldn’t even keep her in my life. I regret telling her how much I love her yet, I’m hurting the most right now.”

“It’s not your fault, Missy. You tried your best.”

“No, I never try my best. I couldn’t even approach her because I’m so scared. She wanted to fight for me; fight for us but I let her down. I couldn’t even do anything for her. I’m not fit to be her girlfriend.”

Ahjussi could only look on from the rearview mirror. He couldn’t do anything either. But he watched Missy growing up so he cares a lot about his young mistress. He wanted to do something for her; at least to see her smile for once.

He stopped his car by the road side and turned over to look at his Missy. She was in her own thoughts; her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. Everything was too painful for her and the girl was losing weight every single day.

He smiled before he turned off his car engine. Then he got out and went over to open the door for his Missy. Wheein looked up at him.

“Let’s have a good walk.”

“Sure, I’d love that.”

“Come then. I’ll let you hold my arm like you used to when you were younger.”

Wheein smiled and nodded. She got out and her ahjussi lifted his left arm like a gentleman. Wheein wrapped her arm with his and both of them walked off from the car.

Ahjussi had stopped at some market. He used to take Wheein when she was younger, and he saw her smile for the first time. Wheein saw her favourite snack.

“Do you still remember this market?”

“Yeah, you used to buy for me.”

“I can get for you.”

“No, not now. I don’t have any appetite.”

“But you have to eat something. Let’s share a piece.”

He managed to persuade Wheein and the girl agreed. He bought a Chinese pancake and then split the snack into two. He gave the smaller piece to her and Wheein took a bite.

It was still as tasty as ever and Wheein was slowly enjoying the taste. Her heart was still aching but comforted because her ahjussi brought her back to her younger days. They continued to walk around the market; in silence. Ahjussi wanted Wheein to clear her mind; thus, he didn’t talk much.

Just then, Wheein saw something that triggered her memory of Yongsun. Tteokbokki was Yongsun’s favourite. Her heart hurt once again.

“She loves this?”

“This is her favourite food. She would eat it every single day. I would buy for her and she would be smiling like a fool.”

“She’s easy to love?”

“She is. It’s so easy to love her; she’s so simple and so caring. She doesn’t have anything bad on her.”

“You miss her?”

“I do. A lot. Like crazy.”

“Do you want to meet her?”

“I want to. But I cannot do it. I can’t hurt her anymore.”

“But she needs to know. You just left her without a word. She might be worried for you.”

“How can I meet her? Mommy confiscated my phone.”

“I can help you.”

Wheein abruptly turned to look at her ahjussi. She was toying with the idea but she couldn’t get him into trouble with her mother. But the old man just shook his head.

“I’ll deal with it. I want to help you. Once say you says yes, I’ll find a way for you to meet her.”

Wheein was hopeful.

-

Taeyeon was in Seoul when she decided to drop by at Yongsun’s university. The girl was too quiet; and her replies in her messages were depressing. Taeyeon felt uneasy when she called her last night and Yongsun sounded sad. But the girl refused to tell her anything.

Since she was nearby for some business call, she decided to visit her daughter since the university was nearby. But Taeyeon had to be careful too. She hasn’t been contacting her old friends and she learnt that Soo Young is now a course coordinator in that university.

Just then, she noticed a group of girls heading down her way. She recognised one of them. She was in the photo with Yongsun and she vaguely remembered her name, Moonbyul. Nevertheless, she approached the girl carefully.

“Hi?”

Moonbyul spun around and noticed an elderly woman was greeting her. She quickly bowed and acknowledge the greeting.

“Hello, can I help you?”

“Are you Moonbyul?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Do you know Yongsun?”

Moonbyul then realized that this woman might be Yongsun’s mother. She was even more polite than before.

“Auntie Kim?”

“Yes, I’m Yongsun’s mother.”

“Oh, hello!”

Moonbyul was nervous but Taeyeon thought she was cute. She then asked for Yongsun and Moonbyul led her to where Yongsun was. Irene was with her; waiting for Moonbyul at the nearby koi pond. Irene was puzzled to find Moonbyul leading an elderly lady towards them.

“Who is that?”

Irene voiced out while Yongsun slowly turned to look at Moonbyul’s direction. She was stunned to find her mother behind Moonbyul. She got up on her feet and screamed out.

“Omma?”

“Omma? Oh, she’s your mother?!”

“Yeah, what is she doing here?”

Irene quickly got up and bowed when Taeyeon came nearer. Moonbyul introduced Irene to her before the girls stepped aside. Yongsun was still rooted to the ground. And Taeyeon noticed her daughter’s condition.

Her daughter was not in her good condition – she looked sad.

“What happened to you? Why are your eyes so swollen? And have you not been eating? The last time I saw you, you weren’t this thin. Where your chubby cheeks go?”

Yongsun was slightly embarrassed. Taeyeon was cupping her palms on her cheeks; treating her like a little child. But Yongsun felt relieved to see her mother. She broke down and cried. She hugged her mother tightly.

Taeyeon was stunned and concerned. She had not seen Yongsun like this before. Moonbyul and Irene explained the situation to her; Taeyeon listened attentively with Yongsun still hugging her mother tightly.

Taeyeon’s heart sank. Her daughter was hurt because of a forbidden relationship. Wheein’s parents might have protested their relationship and the younger girl had no choice but to stay away from Yongsun.

She gently caressed her daughter’s back and then kissed her daughter’s forehead. She pulled her daughter away from her and smiled gently at her precious baby.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want you to worry about me.”

“You silly girl. I could sense it. Your voice sounded so sad yesterday.”

“So, you came here to visit me?”

“I was out for a business meeting and it was just nearby. So, I thought I should drop by and visit you.”

“I miss her, Omma.”

“I know.”

“What am I going to do?”

“Broken heart can be healed. You can take your time, okay?”

“But I don’t want to be healed. I want Wheein.”

Taeyeon couldn’t say anything much. She understood her daughter’s pain; she went through it before. So, she just hugged her daughter and hoped for the best. Somehow, time could heal all pain but it would just take longer for some.

“Cry all you want. I’ll be here for you.”

Yongsun poured out her sorrows to her mother.

-

Jessica was sitting at the dining table; looking through her proposals. Soo Jung has dropped by and left some files to her. Soo Jung found out what happened. She had also tried to talk sense to her sister but to no avail.

“Unnie, you know it hurts to be away from the one you love.”

“Don’t. I’m not going to change my mind.”

“If Wheein falls into depression, I’ll blame you.”

“You and Oppa are the same. Fine, I’ll take responsible for that.”

“Unnie, did you remember those times when you tried to kill yourself?”

Jessica paused for a second. She remembered. Of course, she would.

“If Wheein does the same thing as what you did, please don’t be alarmed.”

Ever since then, Jessica couldn’t concentrate on her proposals. She had been staring at them for the last hour but all she could think of is Wheein.

Was she tough on Wheein? Was it a wrong move to confiscate her phone; took away her freedom and controlling Wheein like as though she was a child?

Taecyeon was away for a business meeting. But she knew he had been checking on Wheein every now and then. They had a fall-out and Jessica has not been talking to him for the longest time.

Her two step-sons had a word with her before they left. They couldn’t stand seeing Wheein like this. They weren’t pissed at her like their father; but they wished she would be a little more understanding and accommodating to Wheein since she’s now an adult.

Everybody was against her. She didn’t dare to talk to her parents because she knew, her father would scream at her again. But Jessica was over-possessive and over-protective of her daughter.

She felt like it was okay for Wheein to fall now than to destroy herself later. But she has been observing her daughter; she was quiet; hardly eat; hardly talk and she was hiding in her room all the time.

Jessica felt a headache coming on. She was perplexed. Just then, the front door opened and Wheein was dragging her feet up to her room. Jessica quickly ran to the living room and was about to call out to her; but she stopped.

She couldn’t recognize Wheein. This girl in front of her wasn’t her daughter. She has lost her daughter and Jessica only had herself to blame.

“Wheein?”

The girl turned to look at her; a weak smile appeared.

“Have you eaten?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Wheein ah, you look thinner now.”

“I’m fine, Mommy. I’ll get some sleep.”

Wheein turned around and disappeared into her room. Jessica felt guilty. She hates this. She was hating this moment.

Her selfishness broke her daughter.

-

Taeyeon stayed for the night at the dorm. She learnt that Wheein hasn’t been coming around anymore and Yongsun felt lonely. So, she decided to stay for the night. She squeezed together with Yongsun on the bed; the girl was clinging on her like a koala bear.

“Baby, do you want to return home?”

“But you have paid for this room.”

“Come back for a week. I’ll write a letter to your school. Once you’re feeling better, you can come back here.”

“I don’t think I want to come back without Wheein.”

Taeyeon sighed. Her baby girl was besotted with Wheein. This would take a toll on Yongsun if Wheein never turn up at all.

“What can Omma do for baby?”

“Just hug me to sleep. I haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Okay, baby. Close your eyes.”

“Omma, can you sing a song for me?”

“What do you want to hear?”

“Anything. Omma has a good voice.”

하얀 밤 아름답지만
더 차가운 밤 오늘
한 번만 다시 눈 맞춰줘 나를
좀 더
푸르게 번져가던 맘이 어느새
시들어버린 향기가 된 채
불러도 대답 없는 네 이름이
메아리처럼 울려

넌 나의 blue
늘 그랬듯이
넌 나의 blue
그리움만 가득 채워
번져도 아름다워

사랑이라는 말
너를 닮은 그 말

여전해 나의 하루는
너로 가득한 미로
한 걸음씩 멀어지면 더
유난히 깊어지는 한숨 (한숨)

느리게 흘러가는 숨 사이로
네가 있을 것 같아

넌 나의 blue
늘 그랬듯이
넌 나의 blue
그리움만 가득 채워
번져도 아름다워

사랑이라는 말
너를 닮은 그 말
사랑이라는 말 (말 말 말 말 말)
닿지 못할 그 말 (말 말 말 말 말)

잊을 수가 없는 온기
따스하던
그 기억에 울까
난 아직도 겁나
애써 괜찮은 척
안 되잖아
난 여전히 겁나

넌 나만의 blue
늘 그랬듯이
넌 나만의 blue
넌 나의 blue
넌 나의 blue yeah

사랑이라는 말 (말 말 말 말 말)
너를 닮은 그 말 oh
사랑이라는 말 (말 말 말 말 말)
닿지 못할 그 말 (말 말 말 말 말)

지나간 마음이란 건
잡을 수 없어

White night is beautiful but
It’s even colder tonight
Match my gaze one more time
A bit more

My heart that was turning blue
Became a wilted scent
There’s no response when I call your name
It rings out like an echo

You are my blue ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
As if it was always like this
You are my blue ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Fills me with longing
It’s beautiful even when it spreads

The word ‘love’
That word that resembles you

My day remains the same
A maze filled with you
As I get one step farther
My sighs get exceptionally deeper

Between the breaths that passes slowly
I feel like you will be there

You are my blue ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
As if it was always like this
You are my blue ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Fills me with longing
It’s beautiful even when it spreads

The word ‘love’
That word that resembles you
The word ‘love’
That word that can’t be reached

Warmth that can’t be forgotten
Should I cry at the
Warm memories?
I’m still afraid
Pretending to be okay
I can’t do this
I’m still afraid

You are my blue
As if it was always like this
You are my blue
You are my blue
You are my blue

The word ‘love’
That word that resembles you
The word ‘love’
That word that can’t be reached

Heart that has passed by
It can’t be caught

 

Taeyeon sang heartily; with feelings and emotions that brought out sadness from one’s heart deep from within. Yongsun was sobbing as she listened to her mother’s soothing voice. Things could never the same again.

But Yongsun knew she would be fine just if her mother was by her side. For some reason, Taeyeon’s soothing voice lulled her to a deep slumber. It was the same as before; just like how it was when she was a child. Her mother’s singing voice would calm her down.

She had the same effect and Yongsun was soon fast asleep. Taeyeon watched her daughter’s facial expression. She wiped off the tear’s streaks on the corner of her baby’s cheeks. She then kissed her forehead gently.

“I’m sorry, baby. I can’t do anything to alleviate your pain, but I’ll always be here for you. I promise you.”

That was Taeyeon’s heartfelt promise she has made for her daughter.

-

Meanwhile, Jessica was standing outside of Wheein’s room. Just like the usual, Wheein was stuck in her room. She skipped her dinner; and was hiding inside her room all the time.

And Jessica couldn’t eat either. Not when her daughter was feeling like this. There were only 2 of them in the house. Ahjussi and ahjumma have returned to their house which Jessica had bought for them to stay together. It was not far off from them though.

She contemplated where she should knock but Jessica couldn’t bring herself to do it. How could she face her daughter when she was the one who caused Wheein to be so upset like this?

But she had enough. It had been almost 2 weeks and it was driving her crazy. She needed to talk to Wheein. She knocked softly on the door.

“Wheein ah?”

Only silence greeted her. She tried again; calling out to her daughter softly and waited. But after 10 minutes, Jessica decided that she should just enter. She gently turned the doorknob and pushed the door softly.

Wheein was on the bed; snuggled under her blanket. Tear streaks were evident at the corner of her eyes. Jessica’s heart was aching so badly. It throbbed so much that Jessica’s heart was halved.

She tiptoed gently to Wheein’s bed and pulled out the blanket. She climbed in softly; and then carefully wrapped her arm around her daughter. Wheein stirred for a second but then she went still. She was still sleeping.

Jessica then tucked her daughter under her chin; tears fell from the corner of her eyes as her lips lingered on her daughter’s forehead. Gosh, nobody knew how much her heart hurt. The squeezes were so tight that Jessica found it hard to breathe.

She then whispered softly.

“I didn’t mean to be harsh towards you. But I have been through worse than this and I don’t wish to see you going through it as well. It might hurt now but time will heal the pain because it’s still new. If you ended up like me; breaking up after 4 years of love – it will kill you softly and you could never get back to where you are.”

Jessica paused for a second.  Then she continued.

“I left your mother, Wheein ah. And I regretted it. It was never easy for me and I could never recover from this pain I have built over the years. And I don’t want to lose you the way I lost my mother. But watching you like this is not easy for me too, sweetheart. It is killing me even more.”

Jessica laid in silence; Wheein was breathing steadily; she snuggled closer to her mother. Jessica pulled her closer to her. She watched closely then she traced her index finger on Wheein’s face.

“You’re everything like your mother, Wheein ah. I love you so much.”

And Wheein mumbled in her sleep. And Jessica heard it clearly.

“Yongsun, I miss you. I love you. I love you so much. Please forgive me.”

Jessica felt like .

-

Yongsun was waking up; she hasn’t slept for the longest time and she felt a lot better. Mom is always the best. She sat up on her bed but her mother was nowhere in sight. Then she looked around and found some food on her study table. She smiled.

“Oh, you’re awake?”

“Omma?”

“Yeah, what’s wrong?”

Yongsun found her mother; she was in the bathroom. Her mother was washing the toilet seat.

“Omma, what are you doing?”

“Cleaning up your place. You’re a girl but your room looks like a pig sty.”

Yongsun pouted her lips; but she was grateful. She was glad that her mother was here with her. The pain didn’t feel so bad unlike the days before.

“AUNTIE KIM! WE BOUGHT A TOILET BRUSH!”

Moonbyul burst into the room with Irene behind her. Yongsun was staring at them; suspiciously.

“What are you two doing?”

“Your mom called me. She said she needed a toilet brush. So Irene drove me to the nearest hardware stall and we bought one for her.”

Taeyeon took the toilet brush from Moonbyul and then ushered the 3 girls to the table. She has gone out early in the morning to buy breakfast. The girls salivated when they saw the food.

“OH MY GOD! STREET SNACKS!”

“You girls must be too lazy to go out, right?”

“More like we’re too lazy to do so.”

“I should have guessed. Kim Yongsun, you’re the same, aren’t you?”

“Omma, it’s too far away!”

Yongsun was whining and Irene saw the different side of her friend. She gagged. Moonbyul was flabbergasted; was wide open. Yongsun noticed.

“What?”

“Auntie Kim, is this how Yongsun behave at home?”

Irene had to ask.

“She’s worse than this.”

“No, I’m not!”

“I’m totally judging you now.”

“Shut up, Moonbyul!”

The 3 girls argued among themselves while Taeyeon looked on. Her baby girl seemed better today. And Yongsun was happily biting into the snacks but still maintained the argument with Irene and Moonbyul.

Taeyeon was slightly relieved that Yongsun was eating something. Then Irene also noticed it but she didn’t say it. She turned to look at Taeyeon and smiled widely. Taeyeon understood that smile. It was a smile of relief. Irene must be glad to see Yongsun behaving the way she had always been. But of course, Moonbyul was still blindly fighting with Yongsun over everything. The last straw was the receipt of the toilet brush. She was claiming the money from Yongsun.

“Why are you asking me for the money?!”

“Should you reimburse the cost? It’s expensive, you know!”

“Ya, Moon Byulyi! It’s only $1.50!”

“$1.50 can buy me one stick of fishcake!”

“You’re kidding, right?!”

“Anyway, shouldn’t you pay for your mother? She cleans your bathroom for you!”

“Fine, I’ll pay. But you’re not allowed to use my bathroom!”

“What?! WHY?!”

“My mom cleaned it for me. Only I have the privilege to use it!”

“NOT FAIR!”

“SHUTUP!”

Irene and Taeyeon could only shake their heads. These two monkeys were best friends after all.

After the ruckus, Yongsun decided to head home with her mother. She decided to take up her mother’s suggestion to stay at their apartment for the time being. Staying here alone in the room where it was once filled with Wheein’s memories were poisoning her mind.

She was almost falling into depression because she was caught in Wheein’s shadow. Moonbyul and Irene assisted to pack up her stuffs. Taeyeon suggested that the girls should come over to her place during the holidays.

“We will! Just take care of Yongsun. We will visit her soon.”

So, Yongsun left with Taeyeon. Taeyeon took her daughter’s car since she came by taxi yesterday. She drove the car and her daughter was sitting in front with her. They had a lot of fun; singing in the car; screaming and shouting at rock music.

Yongsun relived her moments as a child. Her mother would allow her to do everything she wanted. And Yongsun wanted to go to a food market. Taeyeon gladly took up her suggestion.

They ate; play and even fooled around. There was a mini funfair at the end of the market; the mother-daughter pair were having so much fun. Yongsun was visibly happy and Taeyeon felt relieved.

“Omma, thank you.”

“Anything for my precious baby.”

“I love you, Omma.”

That was enough for Taeyeon. Her daughter’s happiness is her ultimate priority.

-

But for Jessica, it was a different situation. It felt like a silent treatment. Wheein wasn’t talking; wasn’t eating – she was always hiding in the room. And Jessica missed her daughter’s voice. She couldn’t take it any longer.

However, pride was in the way. Jessica couldn’t concede defeat. She got her ahjumma to check on her daughter.

“Ahjumma, can you check on Wheein?”

“Yes, Madam.”

The old lady disappeared up to the second level while Jessica waited in the kitchen. Lunch was served but Jessica couldn’t stand eating alone. Wheein might listen to her ahjumma.

Just then, Taecyeon returned home. He was all smiles and walked in through the kitchen doorway. The food smelt good.

“WOW! LUNCH!”

“Oppa?”

“Hi! Are we eating now?”

“Er, yeah. I thought you will only return this Friday?”

Taecyeon sighed before sitting opposite Jessica.

“Laura asked me to come home earlier.”

Laura was Taecyeon’s ex-wife.

“She was worried about Wheein and you. Is Wheein okay? And how are you doing?”

“I’m not good. Wheein’s probably worse off than me.”

“What happened? Where is Wheein anyway?”

“She has been hiding in the room. She hardly eats and she doesn’t even come out of the room to eat or do anything.”

Taecyeon was frowning away. Wheein didn’t mention anything about this whenever he called her.

“Is she in her room now?”

“Yeah, I just sent Ahjumma to check on her. She will listen to her more than me. And I don’t want to upset her further.”

“Oh okay, I will go up and check on her too.”

Taecyeon patted on Jessica’s shoulder. He could see his wife was concerned and worrisome was written all over her face.

“Oppa, please talk to Wheein.”

“I will. Stay here.”

Taecyeon also disappeared upstairs while Jessica put her palms together. She was glad Taecyeon was home, but she was stunned when Ahjumma came running down. She ran to the side of the house and pulled out a bunch of keys.

“Jessica, come up here now!”

Taecyeon was screaming upstairs; Jessica didn’t wait any longer. She ran up the stairs and Ahjumma was struggling to find the key to the room.

“What’s happening?!”

“The door is locked.”

“That’s impossible. I slept in her room last night. When I left the door was unlocked.”

“Then Wheein must have woken up and locked it.”

“Ahjumma, quick!”

Jessica’s heart was thumping so hard. God, Soo Jung’s words rang in her ears. What if it was the last straw for Wheein? What if Wheein decided that she shouldn’t live anymore?

Tears fell quickly and Jessica was getting worried sick. Ahjumma finally located the key and Taecyeon opened it quickly. Wheein was in bed; just like she was last night. Jessica was the first to run to her side and touched her daughter’s face.

She was alarmed. She was frighteningly alarmed. Wheein’s skin was burning.

“She’s burning up!”

Taecyeon had touched her forehead as well. He scooped Wheein up in his arms and ran towards the front door. Jessica followed behind; Ahjumma had already called Ahjussi. He was waiting in his car.

“Sir, here! I will drive. You hold her.”

“Okay! Jessica, get in!”

As soon as the door was closed; Ahjussi sped off. He was driving so fast that Taecyeon had to hold on to the side door for balance.

“Wheein! Wheein!”

Jessica was calling out desperately for her daughter. Wheein was fine last night; or maybe she didn’t realize that Wheein was falling sick. She blamed herself.

“She was fine last night. She wasn’t burning up when I slept with her last night. I should have checked on her this morning. It’s all my fault.”

“Don’t blame yourself. She’s going to be fine.”

“Wheein has never fallen sick before. She seldom runs a temperature. She takes good care of herself all the time.”

“Maybe she’s stressed out.”

Of course, she was. Who wouldn’t? And Jessica started to think twice. Was she doing the right thing for breaking Wheein and her girlfriend up?

She cupped her daughter’s cheeks and spoke soflty.

“Wheein ah, please be okay. I’ll let you do anything you want. Just be safe, okay?”

Jessica relented. She was going to stop being selfish. Wheein’s happiness is also her ultimate priority.

If Wheein’s smiling again, Jessica would let her do anything she wants. Because she would never want to lose Wheein to death.

-

“Thank goodness, you brought her here in time. She’s severely dehydrated and her temperature was raging hot. It almost hit the dangerous level. She needs plenty of rest. And it is advisable for her to be admitted for a couple of days.”

God, this was disastrous. Wheein was lucky that they discovered her earlier. The doctor was concerned because Wheein’s temperature was almost hitting 40 degrees. It could lead to brain damage or even death if the fever wasn’t treated quickly.

Jessica held her daughter’s hand tightly. She could have lost her daughter. That fear in her heart was amounting and it didn’t ease the pain when she saw Wheein’s pale face and cracked lip. And she lost 5 kg in the span of 2 weeks.

Taecyeon felt sorry for Jessica. He knew Jessica loves Wheein the most. But the way she expressed her love was something he didn’t agree upon. He squeezed her shoulders tightly. He hoped it would comfort her. It did but it would be better if Wheein was awake now.

“Let her sleep. The doctor has put her on drip; she would be fine as he promised.”

“It’s my fault. I failed as a mother.”

“Jessica, it’s not your fault. It’s just an unfortunate mishap. You didn’t ask for this to happen.”

“I was stubborn and harsh towards her. She must have hated me.”

“I don’t think Wheein will hate you.”

“Whatever is, from today onwards, I’m going to let Wheein do whatever she wants.”

Jessica meant every single word she said.

-

Wheein woke up in the middle of the night. Her head spun so badly that she vomited the moment she sat up. But someone was there.

“Wheein, are you okay??”

Wheein was still grouchy and it gave her the worst migrane as she tried to register that voice to a recognizable face. But the pain was too excruciating, so she ended up whining.

“Oh my god, does it hurt badly?”

Wheein managed to nod as she held her hand against her forehead. Someone was already massaging the sides of her forehead. It felt good and Wheein let out a sigh of relief.

“Are you okay, sweetie?”

Wheein finally managed to recognize the voice – it was her mother. She slowly opened her eyes and her mother was already peering into her face.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, Mommy’s here.”

“I’m thirty.”

“I have a bottle of water for you here. It has a straw so it’s easy for you to take a sip. Can you sit up?”

“My head feels so heavy.”

“I’ll support you. Here, Mommy’s holding you.”

Wheein felt her arms being supported as her mother gently pulled her up. She was then leaning against her mother’s frame; the straw was close to her lips. Wheein took a sip.

Her body was still warm; and her lips were dry. But she was shivering. She felt her mother’s arms enveloped her tightly in her embrace.

“My poor baby.”

Wheein was a little awkward. She had never been this close to her mother; she glanced upwards and her mother’s eyebrows were distorted with worries. She could see the wrinkles on her mother’s face; her heart sank.

Her mother must be worried sick for her.

“I’m sorry, Mommy.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize to you.”

Wheein shook her head. She didn’t reply. She really needed a lot of rest. She just leaned completely on her mother’s small frame.

“Are you feeling cold?”

“Yeah, I’m hot and cold. It’s so uncomfortable.”

“Then get some rest. I’ll be here.”

Wheein felt herself being laid down on the bed and her mother adjusted her position. She was lying next to Wheein; tucking the younger woman under her chin. Wheein welcomed this closeness.

“Mommy?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I hug you?”

“You can do anything you like, baby.”

Wheein wrapped her arms quickly around her mother’s stomach.

“From today onwards, you can do anything. I’ll be supportive of you.”

But Wheein couldn’t hear well. She just wanted to rest her tired body. She soon drifted off to sleep; with her mother next to her.

And she managed to speak softly.

“I just want to stay like this with you.”

Her mother felt like dying.

-