A/N: Without further adieu, here's installment # 15.
Love Conquers All Ways
Chapter 15
When an event occurs that defies explanation, it's tempting to try and rationalize it somehow. Yet, often times, it becomes nearly impossible to understand how it happened in the first place. Such is the mystery behind miracles. It's through this prism that we can begin to understand how both Mi Young and Joong Hee felt at the moment.
Once it was apparent that Joong Hee was able to understand everything around him, Mi Young started to fill him in on what's taken place the last few months.
"A coma? I've been in a coma? For how long?" Joong Hee asked incredulously.
"It's been exactly 1 year. I can't believe it either" Mi Young replied.
"How did this happen?"
"Do you really not remember, Joong Hee-shi? What's the last thing you do remember?"
"Well, I was in the car on my way to the studio. I was supposed to go to the script reading for 'Sign of the Times'. That's the last thing I remember" he said after some thought. This provided great relief to Mi Young who filled in the blanks for him.
"You were in an accident. Another car ran a red light and slammed right into you. The medical staff tried to revive him, but he died on the scene. You were transported here and have been in a coma until now. That's what has been the last year for us!" she said with strain in her voice.
"You mean that you've had to deal with seeing me like this for a whole year?" he asked.
"It wasn't so bad. I mean, you did wake up after all!" she said with a shy smile – the first smile that she'd shown in months.
"Mi Young-ah. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for putting you through this! I've been the reason you've been suffering so much!" Even after such a trauma, Joong Hee still felt angst and guilt at seeing the extent of her pain and anguish.
"Why would you apologize for something that's not your fault? You're back from the brink and that's all that matters." She felt that familiar urge to hold his hand for reassurance. "Joong Hee-shi, I won't lie to you. It hasn't always been easy these past 12 months. What's helped is knowing that you still had a chance to wake up one day. And I promised myself that I would be right here when it happened. My wish was finally granted today, so I won't ever forget this day for as long as I live!"
As they continued to catch up, it became apparent that their bond shone stronger than ever. With each passing moment came more smiles and laughter between this special couple. As the time neared for sleep, Mi Young suddenly felt a little anxious. After all, her husband had basically slept like a hibernated bear for a full year already. Still, she comforted herself with the knowledge that he was physically all right so there was no reason to worry about sleep. It was quite the sight to behold as she rested her head comfortably on him while he slept – both with smiles on their faces.
The next morning, they both woke up simultaneously from their slumber. Upon realizing the situation, they stared at each other with the same love that's been with them since before they got married.
"Good morning, my beautiful bride!" he said with a smile.
"Good morning, my handsome husband!" she replied with a smile. It had been a whole year since she heard that from him, and it melted her heart just the same as ever.
"So, it looks like we're going home, right?"
"Well, not quite."
"Why? What's going on?" he asked.
"I texted my family what's happened. Rather than come and visit here, I told them that we'd stop by to celebrate!" she said smilingly.
"Oh, that's very nice of them. I mean, it couldn't have been easy for them either!"
"They'll be so glad to see you just like I am. I'll go and see the doctor about getting you discharged" After undergoing one last exam and signing off on some paperwork, Ahn Joong Hee left the hospital one year after having survived a horrific car accident and a subsequent coma. He could be forgiven for believing he was unbreakable. Instead, he and Mi Young chose to enjoy their time together. He also felt extra excitement about paying his in-laws a visit.
As they finally arrived at their destination, they exchanged a brief glance and smile before heading upstairs. As Mi Young opened the door, she also felt a sense of new beginning in her soul.
"Hello, I'm home!" she happily announced.
"I'm here too!" he also announced.
"Joong Hee-ah! It's really you! You're back! And you look great! Welcome home!" Mrs. Lee said with delight.
"Welcome home, Joong Hee-ah. I'm so glad that you're Ok!" Mr. Lee said.
Soon, the rest of the family offered their individual welcomes to him. With each successive kind word, he couldn't help but feel humbled with the love being showered on him. Mi Young smiled brightly that her family continued to truly love him like their own.
"Come on, let's sit down." Mr. Lee said. With that, the family sat at their familiar positions around the kitchen table. Joong Hee and Mi Young shared a smile sitting next to each other.
"Are you really Ok? You're not having any side effects, are you?" Jun Young asked.
"No. I'm really feeling fine." He replied.
"That's great, Ahn oppa! I'm ashamed to admit this, but I wasn't always sure if you'd make it through. I'm really sorry about that. I should have known that Unni's love for you would make all the difference in the world" Ra Young said with a smile.
"In any case, it's great that you're here. It really felt empty when you were in the hospital" Yoo Joo offered.
"Well, I hope you're hungry Joong Hee because I've made all of your favorite dishes!" Mr. Lee said. As proof, Mrs. Lee set all of the foods that Joong Hee particular liked one by one on the table. After saying thanks for the meal, the family began to eat just as in times past. It was truly a wonderful sight to see them laughing and enjoying each other's company just like before.
After spending a few more hours, it came time for Joong Hee and Mi Young to go back to his place. Upon saying their goodbyes, everyone felt slightly disappointed yet their hearts grew more joyous at the same time. After a year of stress and gloom, it's as though a black ominous cloud finally lifted from their collective psyche once and for all.
Upon reaching his place, both Joong Hee and Mi Young felt pure, unadulterated happiness. After opening the door, they walked arm in arm until they sat on the couch. Then, they stayed in their embrace for quite a while longer. It didn't matter if they weren't being overly productive at the moment. After all, it had been a while since they had experienced the bliss that they currently felt. It took some time before Joong Hee finally broke the silence.
"Mi Young-ah. I've been wondering something"
"What's that?"
"How have you managed to keep this place afloat? I mean, are we still with Mark One? How were you able to pay the bills and things like that?"
"Director Choi has kept both of us on. It's true that 'Sign of the Times' had to hire another actor for your role. But, Mr. Choi said he didn't have the heart to let us go with what you were going through. So, he insisted that you and I both get monthly allowances even if we weren't working. He felt it's the least he could do."
"Really? Wow, I'm . . . we're really indebted to Director Choi, aren't we?"
"Yes, indeed. But, let's not worry about that now."
"By the way, thank you"
"For what?"
"For going to see me every day for the last year. Like you said, it had to be torture for you"
As she stared at him, she gave him a quick kiss. "It's Ok. You're my husband – the love of my life. I would do anything for you! Anything. Because I love you!"
"Besides, I seem to remember that you came to visit me when I was sick. My family told me that you didn't leave for hours even though I was asleep. So, I could certainly stay with you every day at the hospital if it meant that you'd be all right"
Upon hearing her words, he felt the urge to kiss her back. Then, they resumed their former loving embrace.
"So, what do you want to do now?" he asked.
"Well, I have an idea" she said.
"What?" She took his hands into hers, and she said, "Let's dance"
"Which song?" he asked.
"No music. It's just us today!" He immediately understood and soon they danced with the same unison and love as their previous dances. After a few more minutes, he leaned in and they shared another kiss as they moved to the groove. The passion of their kisses certainly hadn't diminished with time.
They spent the rest of the afternoon doing various things outside. As they walked hand in hand, it felt like they were reestablishing their rhythm as a married couple. As evening neared, they went back home and enjoyed a simple dinner together. Then, they spent the rest of the night watching fun movies.
Finally, the time came for them to go to sleep. There's a saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder. This adage certainly applied to Joong Hee and Mi Young. Without saying a word, they both had the same thought. Having been separated for one long year, they would share a new level of intimacy even for them. They would make each other feel even more special than before. Most importantly, they would hold each other tight and not let go. After all, second chances don't come around often in life. But, for this remarkable couple, tonight was more than just a second chance. It was a new life – a life of hope, a life of promise, and a life of love. And they were in this new life together – for better, for worse, and for keeps.
A/N: As usual, any and all reviews are welcome!
