“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”

― Mahatma Gandhi, All Men are Brothers: Autobiographical Reflections

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eunji, Seunghyun and Joon were greeted by chaos in the ER as they entered.

 

Eunji's mind was spinning as she watched the medical team busy themselves around Seungho. The ward where Seungho was was covered by a curtain, so they can barely see what was happening inside. But the sound of the cardiac monitor beeping frantically was enough to make Eunji's anxiousness worse, making her tear-up as they waited outside while peeping through a small gap between the curtains. Seunghyun held Eunji close to him, while Joon sighed in frustration.

 

In the midst of the busy-bodies, her eyes came in contact with Seungho's pale, lifeless face that lay limply on the side. Even with an oxygen mask on, she could still see the blood that dripped from the side of his lips. Her sobs grew louder seeing Seungho in such state.

 

Please Seungho...please stay with us... Eunji thought as she stared at Seungho.

 

Suddenly, one of the nurses approached Joon and asked him to sit in one of the beds so that she can fix his wound. Eunji held onto Joon's arms, assisting him as he walked towards one of the beds; but Joon shook his head and gently took Eunji's hands away from his. “I'll be fine. Just stay with Seungho.”

 

Eunji shifted her teary eyes to Joon and nodded. She headed back beside Seunghyun, and continued to watch as the medical staff fumbled around.

 

A few minutes later, a voice of a frantic and desperate man filled the room. Eunji looked at the source and, to her surprise, saw the old man who visited Seungho before.

 

“Where is he?! Is he alright?? Please let me see him!!” The man demanded from one of the nurses in the reception area (which was just opposite the ER door).

 

“Sir?” Eunji called out, loud enough for the old man to hear, making him look at Eunji. The old man recognized her immediately, and sprinted towards her.

 

“Where is Seungho?” The old man asked, obviously anxious and desperate but tried to keep his calm.

 

Eunji was about to respond when the doctor aapproached them. “We'll be taking him to the operating room now to remove the bullets. The blood bank ran out of his blood type, so we would need donors. Is any of you type A+?”

 

“I am! Where do I go?” Eunji replied immediately.

 

“The nurse will accompany you to the laboratory for the blood extraction. For the rest of you, you could stay at the waiting area for the meantime if you want.”

 

“Is he gonna make it doc?” the old man suddenly asked.

 

“Honestly, because of his weak body right now, we cannot give a definite assessment on how good his prognosis will be until we see the actual damage made by the bullets inside his body. We'll keep you updated with his condition later.” The doctor replied.

 

“Please doctor, do your best to save him.” The old man's voice was shaking already.

 

“We'll do our best to save him.” The doctor tapped the old man's shoulder and gave them an assuring smile before he left.

 

The three of them just looked at the doctor, not sure how to respond. Suddenly, the curtains flew open revealing Seungho's lifeless body, with tubes and wires connected to him. The medical staff were pushing the stretcher out, making it's way to the operating room(OR), when Eunji ran towards the stretcher and stopped it while the two men following behind her.

 

She took Seungho's hand squeezed it lightly. She held it against her cheek, feeling his cold hands against her skin.

 

“Seungho....stay strong OK?” She whispered to his ear. She then kissed Seungho's forehead, hoping that he'll feel their presence and will be encouraged to win the battle to live.

 

After a while she placed Seungho's hand back to his sides as she sobbed and watched as Seungho was rushed to the OR, not minding the blood from Seungho's hand that stained her cheek.

 

Being too caught up in the moment, she and Seunghyun didn't notice the sobbing old man behind them, who just watched silently as Seungho's stretcher was being pushed towards the OR.

After donating her blood, Eunji immediately went to the waiting area where Seunghyun and the old man were. They were silent waiting, Eunji leaning against Seunghyun's shoulder while the old man sat opposite them. It hasn't been 30 minutes since the operation started when the doctor came out of the OR, his scrub suit covered in blood. His eyes conveyed dissapointment as he looked at the 3.

 

“Unfortunately, the bullets damaged his liver that made his condition worse. He needs a liver transplant as soon as possible, so we need a donor...”

 

“I'll do it! We have the same blood type, and I am his father, so I am most suited for this!” The old man said excitedly.

 

Eunji gasped hearing what the old man said...How can I be stupid enough not to realize that he is Seungho's dad?! She thought. Seunghyun just looked on as he listened to the conversation.

 

“Alright then. A nurse will accompany you to the laboratory for some tests. Seungho will be transferred to the recovery room for now while we wait. Unfortunately, you'll not be allowed to see him for the meantime, for it may compromise his health. Once the results are out, we'll proceed with the transplant right away. “

 

With that, the doctor left, and a nurse lead Mr. Yang to the laboratory, leaving Eunji and Seunghyun behind. After 2 hours, the doctor returned to talk to Eunji and Seunghyun.

 

“Mr.Yang turned out to be a suitable donor for Seungho, so we'll proceed with the transplant.”

 

“How's Seungho doc?”

 

“He's stable for now. But given his wounds and his immunocompromised state, I'd say he only has around 50-60% of chances of surviving the surgery. We have to take our chances though, and I assure you we'll do our best to save him. Let's all hope for the best.” The doctor said with his poker face on.

 

Hearing the terrible news, Eunji couldn't help but burst into tears. Seunghyun held Eunji tight as she burried her face in Seunghyun's chest while she sobbed.

 

“Thank you doctor. Please do your best to save him” Seunghyun pleaded. The doctor just tapped Seunghyun's shoulder then left.

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

Viri sumus.

L., We are men.
 

 

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

― Mother Teresa

 

Seungho opened his eyes and found himself sitting in a bench in the middle of a grassfield, small purple flowers accentuating the greenery. He smiled as he enjoyed the beauty of blue sky decorated by fluffy clouds, while the sound of the gentle winds blew past him. Despite the beautiful scenery, he could not help but wonder where he is.

 

He started to look around, hoping to get clues on where he is, when a man came from behind him all of a sudden and sat beside him. He looked at the man and, to his surprise, found his father looking at him with a big smile on his face.

 

“Son...It's been a while.”

 

Seungho looked down, then let out a mocking chuckle.

 

“It sure is.” Seungho replied. The two men looked forward, not bothering to look at each other. Feeling the awkward silence slowly eating them, his father broke the silence.

 

“I'm sorry son...I know it's not enough, but I want you to know how sorry I am for the things I've done...”

 

Seungho remained silent.

 

“I...I just couldn't bear to see her suffering like that...”

 

“And I can?!” Seungho bursted out in an anger as he looked at his father who was now looking at the ground.

 

Mr. Yang remained silent, making Seungho look away from his father.

 

Suddenly, Mr. Yang stood up from his seat, went in front of Seungho, and kneeled.

 

“I'm so sorry I left all the burden on your shoulders...I just couldn't bear to see the woman of my life suffering like that. Seeing her in such pain and torture ripped my heart vicously. I didn't have the courage to see her dying slowly, so I left...I let my fears take over my life...And that is one of the biggest regrets of my life....I thought running away would help me ease out the pain and move on...But I ended up making things worst...” Mr. Yang suddenly stopped and gulped, trying hard not to cry in front of Seungho.

 

“I am coward Seungho-ah...But I hope you'll still find it in your heart to forgive me...

 

Living without her and you was hell...

 

So please...PLEASE, give me another chance and let's start over....” Mr. Yang lost all control and let his tears fall out as he pleaded on his knees.

 

Seungho remained silent. He just didn't know how to respond. All this time, he thought his father was just an irresponsible jerk who was just after his mother's money. He didn't know that he loved his wife that much...So much, that it killed him inside seeing her suffer like that.

 

Seungho let out a deep sigh as he looked at his feet. Mr. Yang continued to sob, while Seungho remained silent for several minutes.

 

All of a sudden, Seungho kneeled in front of his dad and, with head bowed down, said:

 

“It was really difficult, dad..It was difficult without you...”

 

Mr. Yang's eyes widened as he looked at Seungho, who was still looking on the ground.

 

“But then again, at the end of the day, you're my father and I am your son. That wouldn't change.”

 

Seungho slowly lifted his head and looked at his father's eyes.

 

“I would still forgive you at the end...” Seungho gave Mr. Yang a big smile as his tears fell down on his cheeks.

 

Mr. Yang couldn't help but smile and cry hearing those words from the person he hurt so much. He immediately held Seungho close to him and hugged him tight, savoring that spectacular moment between them. The two men let their tears overflow as they savored that long-awaited reunion.

 

“I could not take the years back, Seungho...But I'm here now. Let''s make things work, OK?” Mr. Yang whispered into Seungho's ears while hey hugged.

 

Seungho smiled and sobbed harder hearing his dad's pledge. He hummed in response and hugged his dad tighter, sealing his end of the pledge.

 

After letting their hearts out, Mr. Yang let go of the hug and looked at Seungho in the eye. With a big smile on his face and tears of joy in his eyes, he said:

 

“Be strong Seungho-ah...We still have a lot to do when you get well. So please son, don't give up and stay strong...Please come back to us...”

 

But Seungho just remained silent. He just bowed down as he tried to find words to assure his dad of his wellness.

 

After a while, he lifted his head and, to his surprise, his dad was gone. He turned left and right, but he was nowhere to be found...He stood up, and looked around, but Mr. Yang was gone already.

 

Confused and lost, Seungho just walked along the fields, trying to figure out his way back...

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puer puellam amat.

L., The boy loves the girl.

After a 4-hour operation, the doctor came out of the operating room.

 

“The liver transplant was succesful, and thankfully Mr. Yang is in good shape.” The doctor paused and sighed, making Eunji, Seunghyun and Joon more anxious.

 

“On the other hand, Seungho barely made it out alive...He is very unstable at the moment, so he'll be sent in the ICU for further observation. Let's just pray for his fast and complete recovery.” With that, the doctor left them.

 

It took Eunji a lot of energy to control herself from breaking down; but her tears were too elusive for her. Seunghyun gave Eunji a side hug as he tried to comfort her. After a while, a nurse came out telling them that Seungho was transferred to the ICU already. Seunghyun assisted Eunji as they walked towards the room where Seungho was in, with Joon following behind them.

 

 

After making sure that Eunji and Seungho were settled, Seunghyun and Joon asked permission to go home to their wives to which Eunji gladly agreed.

 

When they left, Eunji settled herself in the chair beside Seungho's bed, her tears continuously flowing out as she watched Seungho. She cried until she fell asleep, her head resting in Seungho's arms while her hand interlocked with his.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Eunji opened her eyes, she found herself standing behind a man that was looking towards the horizon.

 

“Seungho?”

 

The man turned to her and smiled. Seungho...

 

He walked towards Eunji and hugged her tight. Eunji hugged him back, tears flowing uncontrolably as she savored that moment that they are both in love – and healthy.

 

As they let go of the hug, they looked at each others' eyes deeply, then gave each other a big smile. Seungho then wiped Eunji's tears with his thumb, then took her hand and led her to a bench where they sat.

 

Eunji was surprised when she saw where they were: in the middle of the prairie, embezzled by small yellow flowers. In front of them was the round, big sun, radiating its majesty across the sky with its orange rays piercing thru the clouds that were accentuating it as it slowly sets.

 

They both sat ther in sillence, Eunji's head leaning in Seungho's shoulder while Seungho's arms rested around Eunji's shoulders making sure that they are as close as they could ever be.

 

“Breath-taking...” Seungho muttered after a while.

 

“It is.” Eunji replied, lifting her head and looking at Seungho. To her surprise, Seungho was looking at her all this time.

 

“Breath-taking.” He repeated, scanning Eunji's features.

 

Eunji just smiled, then cupped Seungho's face. “No, you are breath-taking.”

 

Seungho frowned then took Eunji's hand away from his face and ranted. “Yah! Is that the way to despcribe a man's divine handsomeness?!!”

 

Eunji laughed as she nodded, making Seungho burst into a chuckle as well.

 

“It's more suited for you...Breath-taking.” Seungho lifted Eunji's face to face his and looked deep into her eyes. After a while Seungho burrowed her in his embrace again, his one arm slung across her shoulders while they rested their backs on the bench, with Eunji's head finding it's way in Seungho's chest as they watched the sun that doesn't seem to move from it's setting position in the horizon.

 

“Did I ever told you how grateful I am for your help for making me a better man?” Seungho suddenly asked.

 

“Huh?” Eunji replied, obviously confused.

 

“If not for you, I wouldn't learn how to forgive...Thank you for enlightening me...”

 

Eunji suddenly looked at Seungho face to face, “No Seungho...”

 

She cupped his face and said, “...YOU helped yourself to get out of your prison. I was just an instrument to your realization.”
 

Seungho took her hands away from his face and enclosed them in his. “Still, thank you. Thank you for everything. For taking care of me, for be-friending me, for loving me... I know 'thank you' is not enough but-Mpff!” Seungho was cut-off when Eunji suddenly locked her lips with his.

 

”Thank you for loving me too...” Eunji said as she let go of the kiss, looking deeply into Seungho's eyes.

 

Seungho smiled and hugged her again.

 

Suddenly, a soft and gentle female voice started calling Seungho. He looked to where the voice was coming from, but Eunji didn't see anything. Suddenly, an image of a female woman, probably in her 50's, standing in the middle of the horizon (t=with the setting sun as her background) started to form before them. Seungho smiled as he looked at the woman, then he looked back at Eunji.

 

“Eunji-ah, I gotta go now. I love you very much ok?”

 

Eunji, surprised by his actions, just looked hopelessly as Seungho stood up and walked towards the woman. Her tears started to gush out watching Seungho walk away, but all the parts of her body were too numb to move...

 

“Seungho, where are you going?!Please, stay...” Eunji's voice was too faint for Seungho to hear.

 

He continued to walk towards the woman, until they caught each others arms and hugged. Seungho rested his arms on the older woman's shoulder, then turned back to Eunji and waved as he smiled.

 

Then they started walking away...

 

”No, Seungho! Come back! Come back!”

 

This time, Eunji stood up and tried to run after the 2 who were slowly fading away into the light.

 

Suddenly, Eunji heard an alarming sound...

 

“beep beep beep...beep beep beep...”

 

She looked around to where it was coming from, but all she saw was the meadows..

 

“beep beep beep...”

 

When she looked to where Seungho and the older woman was, they were gone. She burried her face in her hands and wailed.

 

“Seungho, please! Stay...” She muttered as she wailed.

 

 

 

 

 

Her body shot up when she heard the beeping sound again.

 

It was Seungho's cardiac monitor, showing unstable heartbeat pattern.

 

She haven't even mentally processed what she saw when the nurses and doctors came storming in. Eunji was pushed to the side, as the medical staff worked on Seungho. She watched silently as another suspense act unfold before her, with Seungho as the lead. She covered as she cried, her devastation flowing out of control as she watched.

 

The doctor started defibrilating Seungho...once...thrice...up to the 6^th time, but it was still a flat line.

 

He took out a syringe and stabbed Seungho's chest with it.

 

Everyone in the room was tense and quiet as they observed for any changes in Seungho....

 

1 second...

 

2 seconds...

 

3 seconds...

 

4 seconds...

 

5 seconds...

 

 

---

 

 

 

 

 

Seungho just stood silently as he watched Eunji and Mr.Yang busy themselves with preparing food for the gathering. They were so busy, not bothered by his presence at all....

 

He was non-existent to them.

 

Suddenly, Joon and his wife with their baby arrived with a basket of food at hand. Eunji happily greeted the couple and took the baby to her arms to play with him. Seunghyun and his wife came just a few minutes later, with wine at hand. Joon and Mr. Yang greeted them happily, as Eunji and the other women chat happily on the side. It was a joyful reunion for everyone, and Seungho just smiled as he watched them enjoying each others' company, as if they haven't seen each other in years.

 

No one bothered to look his way....He was non-existent to them all.