One Step Closer - PART 1

One Step Closer - 162💕

"I-I..." Mrs. Park looked pale. "W-What?" It was as if her worst fear had come true.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Park. You have nothing to fear about. You're about eight weeks along," Jia said, finally glancing at Mrs. Park. "You don't look too well. What is it?" There was another moment of silence again. "You can talk to me."

"Mom?" Jungkook urged her gently.

"When the symptoms started..." Mrs. Park trailed off. "I-I thought I was getting sick because of the weather. But then it became too specific and I...I was...I didn't know how to handle the possibility of another pregnancy. It-It didn't make any sense. How? Why now?" She began to sob. "I tried for years and nothing happened."

Dr. Jia was silent, listening to Mrs. Park intently as she put the probe away and began to clean her belly with a tissue.

"I'm over fifty years old." Mrs. Park sobbed, face scrunched in disbelief. "My heats stopped a decade ago. Doctors said I can't bear pups. T-This is...How is this possible?"

Jia's features softened. "I understand why this comes as a shock, but it happens," she said calmly. "I'm aware of your past medical history and this is definitely a miracle. You're indeed pregnant, Mrs. Park and I see no complications so far."

"N-No, you don't understand." Mrs. Park began to hyperventilate. "T-This can't be happening. I'm too old to have a baby." She sat up, pulling her gown down with a sob. "My son is twenty-eight. Jimin, oh my God! This...this is too much."

"So what?" Jungkook frowned.

She whipped her head toward him. "You don't understand." A few tears slipped down her pale cheeks. "How can I be pregnant when my son is about to get married? What will people say? He won't be able to show his face outside. The media...oh, god. This is bad. And what if...what if I fail? Again?"

Jia put a hand on her hands. "Mrs. Park, your baby is healthy. There's very less possibility of something worse happening. Besides, our medical technology has advanced a lot. There are far more advanced medications that will help you have a healthy pregnancy. You won't lose it this time."

She shook her head. "I-I can't face my son." She covered her face. "This is so...I don't know what to think about it. What should I tell my mate?"

Jungkook scoffed. "Jimin hyung loves pups. He's gonna be excited and spoil this pup rotten." He gripped her hand tight. "Mom, look at me." When she did, he continued, "You're married. You lead an honest life with your mate and you have a very protective son."

She blinked up at him.

"What is there to be embarrassed about? This pup is a product of love. Just because you're fifty doesn't mean you stop loving your husband and stop living your life. Why are you stressed about the public opinion? Why does it matter?" His frown deepened. "It should only matter how it makes you feel. Are you happy? Do you wish to become a mom again?"

She wiped her cheek and sniffled. "I-I'm scared."

Jia leaned forward. "There's more to this fear. Please tell me. What's scaring you?"

Mrs. Park took a deep breath. "I-I've been through similar symptoms and situations multiple times. Every single time..." She sobbed, taking a long pause. One shuddering breath after the other left her. "Only Jimin was strong enough to survive. I can't go through that again. I have had enough traumas that scarred me for a lifetime. I can't put my mate through that pain. Not again."

"Your fear is valid, Mrs. Park. But I assure you, myself and my team are going to do everything in our power so you don't have to face that pain again." Jia gently squeezed her hand. "Stressing is not good for the baby. Please calm down."