In Ten Universes (Catnipz)

Universe 2.8

After finishing the examination, Dr. Lee closed her clipboard and looked at Minji. "Her vitals are stable, and there's no immediate concern. But I think some fresh air would do her good." She turned to Haerin, who was still clutching onto Minji's sleeve. "The custodians will be cleaning your room, so in the meantime, why don't you and Minji take a walk outside?"

Haerin didn't respond, only lowering her gaze as her fingers curled tighter around Minji's arm. Minji hesitated, unsure if Haerin would be comfortable going outside, but she nodded anyway. "Alright," she said, her voice gentle. "We'll go for a short walk."

Dr. Lee gave them a small nod before stepping out, leaving the two alone. Minji glanced at Haerin, whose grip on her hadn't loosened in the slightest.

"Come on," Minji coaxed softly. "We'll just walk around the garden for a bit. If you don't like it, we can come right back."

Haerin still didn't say anything, but when Minji slowly led the way out of the room, she followed, sticking close to her side.

As they stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted them. The hospital's garden was quiet, the scent of flowers mixing with the faint smell of rain from the night before. Sunlight streamed through the branches of tall trees, casting dappled shadows across the stone path.

Haerin held onto Minji's arm tightly, as if afraid that if she let go, she would disappear. Minji didn't say anything about it, allowing Haerin to cling to her as much as she needed. They walked in silence, the only sounds being the rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

Minji glanced at Haerin from the corner of her eye. The girl's expression remained blank, but her shoulders were slightly less tense than before. Maybe the fresh air really was helping.

"Is this okay?" Minji finally asked, her voice quiet.

Haerin didn't answer immediately, but after a moment, she gave the faintest nod.

Minji smiled slightly, adjusting her pace to match Haerin's. "Good."

They continued walking slowly, neither of them speaking, but for the first time since they met, Minji felt like they were beginning to understand each other in a way that didn't require words.

As they returned to Haerin's room, Minji guided her inside before stepping out briefly. When she returned, she was holding a tray of food; simple, warm dishes that were easy on the stomach. She carefully placed the tray on the small table in front of Haerin, pulling up a chair beside her.

"You should eat," Minji said gently, nudging the tray slightly closer.

Haerin, still sitting on the bed, barely spared the food a glance. She pulled her knees to her chest, resting her chin on them as she stared at the floor.

Minji sighed softly. She had expected this. "I know you might not feel like eating, but you need to," she tried again, her voice calm, patient.

Haerin remained unresponsive, her fingers gripping the fabric of her hospital gown. She looked smaller like this; fragile, closed off, retreating into herself.

Minji didn't push. Instead, she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. "Alright," she said, her tone light, as if she wasn't bothered. "I'll just sit here until you change your mind."

Silence filled the room. The only sound was the faint hum of the air conditioner.

Minutes passed, and Haerin still didn't move toward the tray. Minji didn't say anything else, keeping her presence steady beside her.

She knew that forcing Haerin wouldn't help. She would just have to wait.

Minji watched Haerin for a while, noticing how her grip on her gown remained tight, her breathing slow but uneven. With a quiet sigh, she reached for the spoon, scooping up a small portion of the warm porridge.