Side Story (Part 7)

Lying down, Seowoo tossed and turned. She had been experiencing a dull ache for a while now, making her uncomfortable. 

The tightness in her stomach felt oddly different from usual, and she wondered if she had overexerted herself at the wedding.

“Ha.”

Feeling like she needed to change her position, Seowoo sat up. It had become difficult even to lie straight since entering the last month of pregnancy. She often leaned against a pillow and struggled to sleep. Although not being able to sleep for a day or two was nothing new, after several weeks of this, the accumulated fatigue was considerable.

Seowoo glanced at the adjacent side. Jiwook had finally fallen asleep after rubbing her legs until just a while ago. 

Should I wake him up?

Seowoo hesitated for a moment. Whenever her legs felt sore, Jiwook had been rubbing them every chance he got. 

“Ah…”

Groaning as her belly tightened again, Seowoo wrapped her arms around it. Seeing that the babies were still moving on both sides of her belly reassured her a bit. With a lingering sense of unease, Seowoo shook Jiwook’s arm.

“Jiwook.”

“…Hmm?”

Even though she called softly, Jiwook immediately opened his eyes. Seeing her sitting next to him, he bolted upright, looking surprised.

“What’s wrong? Are you in pain?”

“My belly hurts a bit.”

At her words, Jiwook’s expression hardened instantly. He reached up and brushed his hand across his rounded forehead, sweat dampening it.

“Since when have you been feeling like this?”

“Well, it’s not really uncomfortable, but something feels…”

“Let’s go to the hospital. Just wait a moment. I’ll get your clothes.”

As if there was no need for further discussion, Jiwook left the bedroom. Seeing him hurry off, Seowoo felt a slight relief. Although her due date was still a bit away, the obstetrician had mentioned that labor could start at any time.

“Phew.”

Seowoo breathed out, holding her belly.

“Shall we go? Can you get up?”

“Yes.”

“If it’s hard, just say so. I’ll carry you.”

“It’s not that bad.”

Despite her constant worries, Seowoo burst into laughter at Jiwook’s overly caring demeanor. With a gentle smile, she took Jiwook’s arm, and they left the house.

***

“The contractions have started. Were you able to endure the pain?”

The doctor asked Seowoo while staring at the monitor. Jiwook also focused on the doctor’s words with a worried expression.

“Yes. It hurts a bit, but…”

“Your cervix has also softened a lot, and you’re about 3cm dilated now. It’s probably because it’s your second childbirth; it will progress quickly.”

“Are the babies coming today?”

“Possibly?”

In response to Seowoo’s worried question, the doctor replied with a reassuring smile.

“But one of the babies is in a bit of an unfavorable position. Natural childbirth might be difficult.”

“Oh…”

“It would be better to do a C-section before the contractions get stronger.”

Seowoo’s expression darkened. She had really wanted a natural birth. She felt a bit disappointed. Sensing her thoughts, the doctor quickly continued.

“Even if you have a natural birth, with the babies’ positions and postures, the first one might be born first, and the second one could be at risk in the meantime. We might need to do a C-section then. Twins have too many variables. So don’t feel bad. The most important thing is the safety of both you and the babies.”

“I understand.”

“I’ll prepare for the surgery right away.”

After saying that, the doctor left the room. Jiwook took Seowoo’s small hand and sat beside her.

“It’s going to be okay.”

Seowoo nodded. As Jiwook said, nothing would go wrong. She was simply grateful to the babies for enduring until the end. Despite her anxiety and restlessness due to her previous miscarriage, she felt excited at the thought of meeting them soon. Jiwook gazed tenderly at Seowoo, whose eyes were moist with tears.

“My wife is going through a lot, and I can’t do anything to help. I’m sorry.”

He meant it sincerely.

When they had Byul, he had been too busy to even express such sentiments. He regretted not comforting her with warm words.

He felt sorry for leaving her alone at his parents’ house under the pretext of being busy. He had apologized to her countless times, but he still regretted everything.

Seeing her about to undergo surgery, all the past moments flashed before Jiwook’s eyes like a panorama. Jiwook wiped Seowoo’s wet eyes and smiled gently at her.

“Guardian, please come out for a moment, listen to the explanation, and sign the consent form for the surgery. We’ll prepare the mother now.”

At the nurse’s call, Jiwook stood up from his seat. He gently caressed Seowoo’s hand, lightly kissed her forehead, and said, 

“Don’t worry too much. I’ll be waiting outside.”

***

“Mommy!” 

A small girl came running and hugged her. She didn’t have to say who she was, but Seowoo knew at once. 

“Byul, my Byul.”

The little girl’s smile brought tears to her eyes. Seowoo held the child in her arms, stroking her face.

“You’re so beautiful, my daughter, and this dress fits you so well.”

Byul was wearing the dress that Seowoo had personally chosen. Seowoo looked at Byul’s face from every angle.

“…”

“Don’t cry, Mommy.”

Byul raised her little hand and wiped Seowoo’s face. With her hair tied in two buns, big eyes, cute facial features, and a smiling face, Byul’s face looked so comforting now that Seowoo felt relieved.

“Byul.”

Calling her name, Seowoo stroked her soft cheek, but her vision gradually blurred. Holding her small hand, Seowoo called out endlessly to the disappearing child.

“Sob… Byul.”

“Seowoo. Yoon Seowoo!”

Seowoo slowly opened her eyes at the sound of her name. The child from a moment ago was gone, and Jiwook was looking down at her with a worried face.

“Ha.”

“Are you okay?”

The corners of her eyes got wet again as she remembered the moment as if it were real. Still watching, Jiwook grabbed her hand.

“Sob.”

“The surgery went well. You did great.”

Jiwook said as he gently stroked her sweaty forehead.

The surgery hadn’t taken as long as expected. While waiting, Jiwook had been called in to briefly see the newborns.

After briefly checking their faces, the babies were immediately taken to the neonatal intensive care unit. Jiwook stayed by Seowoo’s side as she was moved from the recovery room to her hospital room.

Seeing her suddenly choked up, Jiwook looked at her with a worried expression.

“Jiwook.”

“Yeah.”

“Sob.”

Seowoo’s voice trailed off again. With her sobs growing louder, the nurse, who came to check on her condition, gently comforted her with a concerned voice.

“Ma’am, you mustn’t cry like this. Please try to calm down. Are you in any discomfort?”

Despite her sobbing, Seowoo nodded slightly. It felt like a part of her heart was crumbling, her chest aching.

“The newborn tests are still ongoing, but the babies are doing well. Fortunately, their weights are also good, but they’ll both be in incubators for now to monitor their self-respiration. Twins usually go through that, so you don’t need to worry too much.”

This was something Jiwook had heard earlier. Seeing Jiwook worrying, the doctor reassured them both that they were healthy and fine.

“Thank you.”

Seowoo opened her dry lips slightly to express her gratitude.

“I’ll administer a pain relief injection. If you feel too uncomfortable or in pain, please call me. Guardian, you stay with her and keep checking for any discomfort.”

“Okay.”

After explaining to Jiwook several times, the nurse left the room. Seowoo’s sobbing gradually subsided, perhaps feeling a bit calmer now.