"Get out of the way!" A tall man pushed through the crowd.
"Get out of the way!" As soon as he entered the ES, he quickly found an empty bed and set Minji down.
Ryujin, who was sitting at the nurse station, instantly stood up at the noise.
"It's Dr. Kim Minji!" Shouted the security guard.
Ryujin ran to Minji's bed. She gasped loudly looking at her best friend covered in blood. There were bruises and small cuts on her face. She was shaking and pale.
"Bring her to trauma two!"
A few residents and paramedics immediately moved as ordered.
"Ryu, what the hell? I heard Minji's name?" Haerin burst into the room.
"Oh my God!"
The medical team quickly ripped out Minji's clothes.
"Minji, hang on, okay? I need to see the wound." Ryujin spoke softly to console Minji.
"Lift her on my count. Gentle, people! One, two, three!"
Minji grunted loudly as the pain stabbed her whole body again.
"Right thigh, through and through, Dr. Shin."
"Abdomen through! And not through." Ryujin whispered the last part dejectedly.
"Ryu?" Haerin urged Ryujin to speak about the situation as she wore the gloves.
"Not through. The bullet is still in there."
"In the abdomen?"
Ryujin didn't have to answer that. Haerin already comprehended from the look on her face.
"Minji, look at me." The general surgeon shook Minji's shoulder.
"You're going to be fine, alright? We got you."
Minji shakily smiled. Her eyes were dim. "R-Ryu, my ring. Take my ring." She was choking for oxygen.
"G-give it back t- to my wife. Tell he-her, tell her I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. A and I love her. Tell her that. And tell urgh!" She growled at the extreme pain from somewhere on her body. Her body was not hers anymore. It felt alien. She didn't recognize it.
"Tell my- my Aorta, Artery, and Ve - Venous I'm sorry. I love them so so much. Tell them."
"No." Ryujin replied firmly.
"They're your family. They're not mine. You're going to say it yourself because you're going to be fine. You hear me? You're going to be fine."
"O okay. But- but tell them. Tell them I love them."
Then her smile faded.
******
"I know you're scared, Minji. I know your past makes you feel this way. I am, too. I don't think I'd be able to love someone this much but I do. I'm yours. Don't doubt what we have."
"This feels surreal, you know? What did I do to deserve someone like you?"
"You're moved my world to a better place. I'm not letting you go, Minji. Not now, not ever. I'm so crazy right now. You make me crazy."
"I've always been wondering how," Minji took Hanni's hand and held it gently.
"How can a smile, your smile, steal my breath away that easily?"
"And I also have always been wondering how your hug can give me eternal peace and a sense of safety? How did you do that?"
"I don't know." Minji whispered lowly. She pulled her fiancée closer, wrapping her arms around her, taking her time to savor her scent.
"Don't ever let your hold off of me, Minji. Don't ever do that."
*******
"No pulse. V-fib! She's crashing!"
Ryujin instinctively started cardiac compression while the others prepared for the defibrillator. She used all her energy to help Minji's heart pumping enough blood.
"Prepare for intubation." Yujin ordered her resident.
"Get me three bags of A neg., run the blood exam CITO."
"Charging to 200J, Dr. Shin."
"Everybody clear!" Ryujin announced before she pressed the button. Minji's whole body jolted up from the electric shock. After that, she did the compression for two minutes then focused her gaze on the monitor.
"Still V-fib!"
"Push 1 amp of epinephrine."
"Injected 1 amp of epi."
She started the CPR again then looked at the monitor. "V-fib. Charge to 200J! Everybody clear!" Ryujin was getting tired, but she refused to give up.
"Come on, Minji!"
Everybody in the room stared at the monitor expectantly. The silence was deafening.
"Sinus rhythm. She's back."
"Starting intubation," Yujin nodded to the male resident as he injected the drugs into Minji's system. Afterwards, Yujin skillfully inserted the endotracheal tube from Minji's mouth.
"Clear, Dr. An." The resident confirmed that the sound of air was rightfully placed in Minji's lung.
"OR is ready whenever we are, Dr. Shin," a nurse informed me.
"Page cardio and trauma. We're going to the OR! Be careful, people!
*******
"What are you doing?" Ryujin asked Haerin as she brushed her hands.
"I'm scrubbing in." Haerin replied shortly. Her eyes were set to the OR in front of her, watching Minji being transferred from the bed to the table by the anesthesiology team.
"No. You go get Hanni."
"You're not going to argue with me, Ryu."
"I'm the lead surgeon on this case, Dr. Kang. You're not joining in."
Haerin punched the sink harshly. "She's my best friend, damn it, Ryu!" She shouted frustratingly.
Ryujin clenched her jaw, ignoring Haerin's objection. This was not the case, Minji, her best friend, was lying on the OR table. She had to open her up, exploring her stomach, fixing whatever damage she might find in there. Picturing it in her head made her nausea.
"I talked to her this morning now she's in there whatever... how's that even possible?" Haerin leaned by the wall. She didn't know what to think anymore.
"Go get Hanni, Haerin, and help me."
"Help you?"
"We're operating on Minji without her consent. Minji might not be able to make it. Explain it to her. I don't think I..." The doctor took a deep, long breath while she scrubbed her nails with a sponge.
"It's all on me now, Haerin. If I fail, Hanni will hate me. Her children will resent me. And I lost my best friend. Make her understand. Please help me."
"Ryu..."
"And check on Karina. I need her. The bullet is really close to the diaphragm." Ryujin lifted her arms and walked into the OR.
"Get Hanni and let her in later."
*******
"I give up!" The 26-year-old Kang Haerin slumped on the couch.
"I can't do this anymore."
The same old Minji glanced at her side then pulled Haerin by the collar, forcing her to sit straight.
"Three chapters to go, Hae. Get your priority right."
"My priority is my sanity. My brain can't process the shunting procedure anymore. You know what? I'm going to take plastic."
"Why?"
"I'm an artist. Like Picasso, I'm Haecasso."
"The hell?" Minji laughed out loud.
"Haecasso is not suitable for branding."
Haerin shrugged easily. "Whatever you say. I'm taking plastic."
Minji shook her head with a small smile on her face. "For the record, you'll be a great plastic surgeon. But before that, pass your neuro exam first."
"No-"
The taller girl shoved the thick textbook to her lap. "Study. Now."
*******
Haerin's grip on the steering wheel tightened.
She somehow survived the residency because of Minji. Back then, she was a game addict. All she did, night and day was play video games. Ryujin was not better than her.
Minji stuck the three of them together. Not because Minji was the smartest. She was heartbroken that time so all she did was study, surgery, study, and surgery.
She owed Minji a lot.
Now her best friend was helplessly lying on the OR table. Never in her wildest dream Ryujin would perform the surgery. Should it not working.. Haerin didn't dare to imagine it.
Minji had to make it. She had to.
*******
Hanni buried her face in her hands. The papers on her desk were messy. She had been searching any regulations, articles, whatever documents out there to prepare for the worst should Mr. Park insist to bring this case to the court. She had discussed it with Danielle and Yeji. They both had agreed to defend Minji since it was impossible for Hanni to assist her own wife. She'd do anything to make sure Minji was safe even if she had to run to the end of the earth.
One knock on her office's door then Danielle walked in with a bundle of files in one hand and her purse in the other. She put the purse on the couch then approached Hanni's desk.
"These are what we need." Danielle squeezed Hanni's shoulder.
"We got this, Han. Don't worry."
"This is Minji we're talking about. This is... this is not just about her. I mean, this is about me too, and my children, my family." Hanni stroked her head desperately.
"I - I can't just... I can't think anymore."
"She'll be fine. Have you talked to her?"
"I don't know how," she shook her head.
"I've been lying to her, pushing her away. I have no idea what to tell her when the time comes."
The only thing that could make Minji crazy angry was dishonesty. When she stated she had court all day this morning, Hanni felt like nauseating. She refused to take the triplets to her office because of their safety. She didn't want Mr. Park to see them.
"I think it's better if you tell her the truth. She needs to be prepared too."
Without knocking, Yeji entered the room. "I brought you cake. For Hanni, not you, Dani." She opened the box and presented it in front of her friend.
"Eat."
"I don't-"
Yeji ignored her protest and shoved a piece of the sweet treat to Hanni's mouth.
"You need glucose to think. Stop being so stubborn."
"Unnie-"
"Minji will be fine. We'll take care of her. Now take care of yourself."
*******
"How old are you?"
"She's twelve." A mischievous grin formed upon the brunette woman's face.
"Shut it, Yujin." The girl scowled irritatingly.
"Are you even allowed to be in this class?"
"I'm eighteen." The girl withdrew her ID card and put it on the desk.
"And I am a medical student."
"Cool. Kang Haerin, and this," Haerin pulled the girl whom was sitting beside her,
"Is Shin Ryujin. you are?"
"An Yujin." The brunette girl threw her hand happily.
"Nice to finally meet another med student who is loud and not grumpy." Ryujin grinned extensively.
"What's your name, kiddo?"
"I'm not a kid."
"You look like one." Haerin, Yujin, and Ryujin high-fived.
"..."
"So what's your name, Minji?" Ryujin read the card.
"Your name is Kim Minji?"
"Please don't talk to me."
Ryujin never stopped talking to Minji since then.
*******
"Ten blade," said Ryujin through the mask. Her heart skipped a beat when the instrument was in her grip. She was about to open Minji up. She had to cut Minji in order to get the bullet out. Never in her entire career her hand trembled when she was about to perform a surgery.
As the tip of the blade made a contact on Minji's skin, Ryujin could feel the rush of adrenaline in her system.
"Work with me, Min. Don't you die on me."
*******
"Any word from Mr. Park?" Yeji flipped another page of the magazine.
"No. I've been trying to call him, he didn't answer his phone." Hanni stood by the window, staring at the busy road. Her mind was a mess. She was stress, confused, and anxious. It felt like she lost her ability in her element. In time like this, she should be confident and calm, not the other way around.
Sighing, Hanni turned at her back. The first thing she saw was Minji's picture on her display cabinet. Minji didn't look directly at the camera. Hanni took it when Minji was driving after Yujin's wedding party. She didn't exactly smiling but Hanni knew Minji was filled with joy.
She suddenly got the urge to call Minji. Perhaps, she could help to ease this tension.
First ring.
Second ring.
Third ring.
The last ring, then, "the number you are calling is not answering. Please try again in a few minutes."
So Hanni tried again. The same stranger's voice said the same exact statement.
"Maybe she's in the surgery, Han."
"Yeah. She must be in the surgery."
*******
"What do you get?"
"It's really close to-" Ryujin explored deeper.
"Damn it, more laps." Ryujin frantically stuffed the gauze to stop the bleeding.
"More!"
"Dr. Shin-"
"Damn it, Minji. More!"
*******
"Where is Mrs. Hanni Pham's office?" Haerin asked the receptionist while catching her breath.
"Good morning, I'm Yunghe. How can I help you?"
"Hanni Pham's office."
"Have you made an appointment?"
"I need to see her now." Haerin spoke firmly.
"I'm sorry but-"
"You're useless." Haerin left the woman and called Danielle. She hadn't thought to call her fiancée. It'd save so much time.
"Where are you?"
"In Hanni's office. What happen to hello darling?" Danielle replied from the other side.
"Why did you sound so out of breath?"
"Where's Hanni's office?"
"Third floor-"
"Thanks." Haerin ended the call. Danielle would be really mad at her later but she was running out of time now. She had to bring Hanni to the hospital. Pressing the elevator button violently wouldn't make it descend faster, Haerin acknowledged that, nevertheless, she still did that. As Hanni's name on the thick door came to her sight, Haerin exhaled a calming breath. She had delivered bad news for years. She was an expert.
"Don't be reckless, Haerin. You got this."
The woman finally tapped the door.
"Come in." She heard a voice from inside.
Haerin cracked the door open slowly. Her heart was raging inside her chest.
"What are you doing here?" Danielle frowned. She was obviously unhappy. Haerin looked at Danielle with pleading eyes. She then bit her lip, trying to take control over herself.
"Hanni," she started with a small voice.
"Han, Minji is in the surgery."
Hanni furrowed her brows together.
"Of course she's in the surgery."
"No." Haerin shook her head as a tear escaped from her the corner of her eye.
"Minji is in the surgery. Ryujin is operating on her now."
*******
Nothing made sense. She was confused. She lost everything in a short amount of time. Her chest was hurting so bad. The tears. couldn't stop flowing even if she tried. Her legs almost gave up - but they didn't. They couldn't give up now. They had to keep on walking and walking and walking.
She never put a thought on how big the hospital was. The road seemed to no end.
"Hanni, I need you to change to these scrubs, okay?" It was Haerin's voice. She recognized it.
"I'll help her. You can wait outside."
Danielle answered for her. Then she heard the sound of the door closing. Danielle led her to the nearest couch then guided her to sit down.
"I ne need to see her now, Danielle p- please." Hanni managed to say between the sobs.
"You will." The taller girl swiftly pulled up her top.
"You just need to change first. You will see her soon. Can you get up a little?"
After the fastest changing clothes in history. Hanni found herself being hugged tightly by Haerin. The latter was trembling it made her horrified even more.
She was not ready to lose Minji. Or she ever will.
Hanni grip on Haerin's hand was excruciating. She was desperate to seek assurance and hope from her wife's best friend. Sadly, there was none of that Haerin could provide. She couldn't promise anything.
"Look at me," Haerin wiped Hanni's tears.
"I know how hard this is for you but Ryujin and everyone in there are doing their best work." She pointed to the thick, cold door.
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Hanni nodded but she didn't understand. She just needed to see Minji.
"Alright, let me put on this cap and mask for you. Don't take it off, okay?"
"L-let me take a breath first." She inhaled deeply, taking some short time to recover from overwhelming feeling. Minji was just a room away. She was within her reach. Minji had professional medics with her. They'd help. Minji would be okay. A couple of hours, maybe, were all she needed to finish the surgery. After that, Minji would get better then they'd go home and everything would be back to normal again - just like the way it was supposed to be.
"Ready? Wait a sec." Haerin opened the door, she then said, "Dr. Shin, Mrs. Pham is here."
"Let her in." Came reply from inside.
Hanni never really liked hospital. But she certainly disliked this very place the most the operation room. It was freezing and unwelcoming. The constant beeping from the monitor freaked her out. She wondered how Minji survived to work in here every single day. She had seen operation room once many years ago but she didn't remember much. Maybe because she was in intense pain that she couldn't careless where she was at that moment or maybe because she was thrilled to finally meet her children - she had no idea.
One thing she knew for sure, Minji was there, holding her hand and kept on telling her that everything was okay. Today, her wife was the one on the table. Today, her arrogant, confident, brilliant surgeon was on the table with people's hands inside her tiny body.
Hanni understood Minji the most. Hanni understood Minji's exasperation is she wasn't in charge. Because Minji was always the person in control.
She couldn't imagine how frustrated Minji was right now. How terrified herself at this moment because her wife was there - lying helplessly, with people's hands in her. Haerin ushered her closer to the operation table.
"Do you want to see her?" Haerin whispered.
"I must warn you, she's not in her best condition-"
"I want to, Haerin. I - I need to."
"Alright." Haerin stopped near the anesthesia machine and let go of her hand. She carefully lifted up the green sheet and set it just under Minji's chin.
Her world collapsed. Her knees gave up on bearing the unbearable weight.
Her remaining strength was gone in an instant when she saw her soul mate with her eyes closed. breathing through a pipe that was inserted into her mouth. Her lips were so pale. She touched Minji's cheek and flinched at the cold sensation against the tips of her fingers.
"Oh God." Endless tears ran down her cheeks.
"Minji..." She whispered.
"Minji. you promise. You p- promise me." She stuttered. Her nightmare had come to reality. Who did this to her Minji? Who would've had the heart to do this cruel thing? Her heart was being ripped out brutally.
"Ryu... Ryujin, help her, help Minji." Hanni said between the tears.
"I'm doing it right now." Ryujin replied without taking her eyes off of the organ before her.
"You've seen her, now I need you to wait outside."
"No-"
"My hand are in my best friend's stomach, Hanni." Ryujin clenched her jaw behind the mask.
"You're sitting down there is not going to give me any benefit. Don't make it harder for me than it already is. I can't work and look at you looking at me, begging me for something that may not happen. Get out."
"Han," Haerin tugged Hanni's arm, asking her to stand up.
"Let's go."
"Haerin, no. Minji- she need me. I have to stay."
The monitor beeped noisily.
"BP is dropping, Dr. Shin." Yujin notified the lead surgeon.
"Hanni, come on." Haerin didn't have a choice but to drag her.
"We can't stay here."
Hanni wept in silence. "No, Haerin, please no."
"Hanni, get out!" Ryujin shouted harshly.
"Get the hell out!"
"BP is dropping, Dr. Shin!"
"Damn it, laps! I got bleeding, damn it! More laps."
"I got no visual, suction." Karina started to fret.
"Suction!"
"No, Minji, no!" Hanni reached for her wife in vain. It was useless, Haerin's grip was impossible to resist. She witness Yujin jumped on the side of the table, doing something she was unable to see.
"Ryu, we're losing her!" was the last declaration Hanni heard.
Then the automatic door closed with a soft click... leaving Hanni wailing loudly in grief.
Fin.
.
.
.
Fine.
She had to be fine.