Arms of The Angels || Book 2 (HOME )

c22

The patient nodded understandingly. "How are you?”

"I've been better," her lips trembled. So she tightened her grip, assuring Hanni that she was not going anywhere.

"I'm here, Baby. I'll always be here."

"B- but you're almost..."

"Even a bullet can't stop me from being with you." Minji stated as a matter of fact.

"Literally speaking."

"Please just... don't say that word. I don't want to hear it."

"Okay," Minji replied softly.

"How are the triplets?"

"They're your parents. They miss you and I don't know how to explain this whole thing. I feel like I'm the worst mother. I never meant to neglect them," her voice cracked as a tear descended.

"I can't stop crying whenever I see them cause this... images of losing you and raising them alone by myself are too much for me to handle."

"We're going to grow old together, I prom-"

"Don't say things you can't keep." She wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

"You said it before and I've died holding onto that. I'm selfish, I know, but Minji, I'd blame you, with every cell in my body, I'd blame you should you... should you move on without me."

Minji took a deep breath. She knew Hanni didn't mean that. She was emotional, upset and unquestionably not in her right mind. Just after the night she stated those comforting words of never leaving her wife behind no matter what, she metaphorically gone.

"Thank you for hanging in there. I'm sorry I made you wait too long."

"Tell me one possible way to not hold onto you." Hanni closed the distance between them, and leaned in.

"It's impossible, Minji. It is impossible when my soul relies on you.”

********

After endless nagging and constant lecturing from the cardio surgeon, Yujin finally agreed to transfer Minji to the ward as she also felt that her condition was good enough. It never occurred to her before, but staying in the ICU was indeed a spine-chilling experience.

Minji was still weak and sleepy all the time. However, she never misses the chance to video call her children whenever she's awake. This was the only way she could lessen the longing. They were not allowed to be in her room and Ryujin had sternly forbidden her to do extreme moves, including standing or walking.

Hanni and Minji's parents took turns to look after her. Every now and then, the lawyer had to go back home to take some clothes and other necessities. Not to mention, she had three children who needed her attention as well.

Minji had asked Hanni to stay at home and accompany the triplets. She had reassured her wife that she was fine and she had nothing to worry about.

"I almost lost you, Minji. Ive spent days by myself in our room, thinking for the best yet the worse never leave me alone. I'm not going home without you."

Thousands of regrets would never erase the horrible memory from Hanni's brain. A mountain of promises wouldn't be able to remove her fear. She could've gone and everything was over for her. It was an easy exit. But it'd be contrary to Hanni. The one who got left behind was always the one to suffer, to bear the great burden.

This was the way Hanni coped up with the terrible situation. She had to be close to Minji to be sure that this was real, that she wouldn't wake up some day, finding this was all just a dream.