Hyunki’s POV

­It started out like a normal morning. Sayuri and I made breakfast, while Haneul would watch cartoons until breakfast was ready. The smell of delicious food was making me even hungrier. “Sayuri, how’s breakfast coming along?”

“Should be done in a few minutes!” She replied happily.

“Awesome! Haneul, could you go and wake up mom? I need to make sure she takes her medication with breakfast!”

“Okay, oppa!” She gave me one of her dazzling eye-smiles and dashed up the stairs carrying her teddy bear.

Suddenly, we heard Haneul yell out. “OPPA, SAYURI!”

Hearing her scream, we dropped everything we were doing, turned off the stove, and ran up the stairs. There’s only one reason why Haneul would scream like this. Today is the day, isn’t it God? You’re taking our mom to heaven, aren’t you?  

As we walked into the room, I could clearly see that our mom was dying. Her breathing sounded difficult, she looked tired, and was barely moving. I yelled at Sayuri to call an ambulance and immediately knelt at my mother’s side, holding her hand.

Her voice as soft as a whisper Sayuri said, “The ambulance said they’d be here as soon as they can.” She then stepped out of the room and slightly closed the door after her and waited silently with Hanuel.

As I looked down at her sweet, weary, pale face; she slowly opened her eyes and could hardly speak. I leaned in with her whispering into my ear letting me know that everything will be alright. A flashback came to me from the back of my mind.

Flashback of Hyunki sitting at the side of the bed and his mother sitting up right holding his hand

 “Hyunki, this is a difficult time but I need to tell you my final wishes before this condition becomes worse. Firstly, when I die, you and your sisters will move in with your father. It’s in my written will. *I sighed* I know that you and your father don’t see eye to eye, but please try to show him a bit of respect. On the other hand, don’t be a fool. You know as well as I do how he feels about all this and how he treats Haneul. If you need to take measures into your own hands, do it. Secondly, Sayuri is more than just your best friend, she is family and you must treat her as such. Remember that if you need someone to confide in, she will be there to share your pain. Third, I know Haneul is very precious to you, so this next part will not be hard. But, you must promise me to look after your sister, no matter what. Fourth, I want to look down from heaven and see you happy. You have a very cold demure, but let people in once in a while, they might surprise you. Once you find the right girl and fall madly in love with her, marry her. Lastly, don’t ever give up anything you think is important, fight as hard as you can for it. Do you understand? *I nodded* Good. Also, always remember that I love you.” She then kissed me on the cheek. End of Flashback

She had been healthy, and strong just a few months ago and now she is small, weak and frail. I gave her hand a tiny squeeze to let her know I was still there. Saying I love you to her as reality hits me. Tears started to build up into my eyes when I leaned in to kiss her cheek. I then soon after called Sayuri to come into the room as I stepped out.

Sayuri’s POV

Tears were streaming down my face as I saw Hyunki and Hanuel’s mother getting closer to death. She wasn’t my mom, but she was the closest thing I had to one and I also couldn’t bear to lose her. I walked my way to her bed and sat in the chair while Hyunki and Hanuel stood in the next room.

Surprised, I made my way to her quickly and instantly held her hand. “Mrs. Lee, it’s me Sayuri.”

She looked at me and gave a weak chuckle and with a broken voice, I leaned in as she said. “Sayuri, what did we talk about when you first moved in with us?”

I smiled through my tears. “Sorry. Ye