My Lifeline - Jaywon Shortstories

The Grandson Pt 5

No, Jay's grandma was staying in the intensive care section now.

Jungwon felt more and more pressure on his hand as Jay got more nervous. He gently squeezed it twice, trying to show his support.

The elevator opened up and the couple found itself in front of a big "intensive care" sign. A nurse came to welcome and guide them towards the right room.

Last time the two men had seen Mrs Park, she was full of life and cheerful. She didn't look at all like the woman in front of them. She seemed to have aged ten years, when only three had passed. Pain deformed the features of her face and she had lost weight as well as hair.

As soon as he saw her, Jay felt tears forming in his eyes.

"Hi grandma" he whispered.

Jungwon stayed back a bit. He wanted to give Jay and his grandmother the space they needed.

"Jay?" she asked, blinking several times. "Is that really you?"
"It is" he replied, taking her hands in his.

She smiled the purest smile Jungwon had ever seen. For a second, it was as if Jungwon had read the comics she liked three years ago.

"I'm sorry" she said, looking at him. "I forced you to change your plans."
"You have nothing to be sorry about" whispered Jay. "I'm the one who's never around. My plans can be delayed."

Tears had broken free from his eyes.

"You are here now" she said. "Nothing else matters."

Her eyes left Jay for a moment, as if she was looking for something, until she finally recognized what was missing.

"Jungwon" she said with a weak yet enthusiastic voice. "You came too."
"Of course I did" replied Jungwon, coming closer.
"How is life in Washington?" she asked, her hands still in Jay's.
"I've been working at the same dojang for two years now! I'm a taekwondo instructor" explained Jungwon.
"Oh, yes, Jay told me about it" she confirmed.
"How are you feeling?" asked Jungwon, more concerned about her than anything else.

Her expression changed.

"Well, as you know, the doctor said my cancer spread beyond any cure.." she said. "I really didn't think I'd make it until your arrival."

That last sentence broke the two men's hearts. She had waited for them.

"To be honest, I kinda want to go" she whispered. "I don't want this pain anymore."

Jay nodded, trying to stay strong. Of course, he wanted his grandmother to be painless. Of course, he understood that she wanted to be free from her cancer. Of course, he just wanted her to be happy.
However, the little boy inside of him wasn't ready to let his grandma go. Not after having lost his parents last year.
He needed her.
She was the last family he had.

How could he be ready to say Goodbye?

"Oh Jongseongie, I'm sorry" she added, before coughing. "I shouldn't have said it like that."
"I understand" whispered Jay.
"You know I'm not leaving you alone, right?" she asked.

Jay looked to Jungwon next to him. It was true. He wasn't alone. Jungwon had given everything to Jay for the past three years. He had moved across the world, had learnt a new language, had found a job and more importantly, had supported Jay though every horrible day he had had.
They had been living a tough but good and happy  life together.
Two weeks ago, the hospital  had called to let him know that his grandmother's health had been going downhill fast.
Jay knew that he needed to see her before it was too late. He thought he had more time to prepare the trip but unfortunately things hadn't gone that way. After the call he had received the day before, Jay had left everything behind to go see his grandmother one last time.
He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that this was the end.

"I'm so happy you two have found each other" she added, bringing Jay back to reality. "I was right to follow my guts three years ago."

Jay frowned. Yes, he had met Jungwon through her, but what did her guts had to do with anything?

"Your guts?" asked Jay, looking at her. 
"Who do you think bought that plane ticket for Jungwon to go to the US with you?" she asked, a last sparkle shining in her eyes.

Jay looked at Jungwon, who was blushing.

"She insisted" he whispered, getting closer. "Who was I to say no?"

She started laughing, but it turned into a cough.

"Biology has given me the best grandchild" she said, looking at Jay.

She closed her eyes, loosening the grip on Jay's hands.

"I'm so grateful that life gave me a second one" she whispered to Jungwon, before falling asleep forever.

The End