Page 44 of Scarbound

Duri looked at him before turning to the rest of the family.

“What matters is that the surgery went well,” he said calmly. “He’s in good hands. Monitoring takes time. Let’s wait until we hear from the doctors.”

His steady voice eased some of the tension settling over the room.

Half an hour later, a nurse finally appeared.

“Mr. Jung has been transferred to his VIP room,” she said. “Dr. Cho is waiting for you.”

The family followed her down the corridor.

Dr. Cho greeted them.

“The surgery went well,” he began. “We managed to repair the damage, but recovery will take longer than we’d originally hoped.”

He glanced around the room. “For the next few weeks, he’ll need to keep his arm elevated, avoid using it, and follow the rehabilitation plan carefully. He’ll need help with many everyday tasks for a while. The road ahead won’t be easy, but we’re optimistic. Having all of you here will make a difference.”

***

Noeul opened his eyes slowly. The familiar smell of disinfectant greeted him before anything else. Then came the sound of someone crying. “Eomma…” he whispered. His throat burned with every word. “Please don’t cry.”

Mrs. Jung immediately covered her mouth. “My boy…” Mr. Jung said softly, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Relief washed over his tired face. “You finally woke up.” He paused. “We love you. Never forget that.”

Duri turned toward the window. Only after composing himself did he walk over to the bed. “How are you feeling, hyung?” he asked. “Are you in pain?”

Surprise crossed Noeul’s face. The moment their eyes met, he wished they hadn’t. Those green eyes that had once looked at him with admiration now held something far more painful. Worry. Pity. Hurt. He lowered his gaze. He couldn’t bear it.

Ji-Woo reached over and gently rested a hand on his brother’s leg. “Hyung… why didn’t you tell us you were struggling?” Ji-Woo asked, concern and anger tangled in his voice.

Noeul had always been able to read his brother’s emotions. “I’m sorry, Ji-Woo…” The apology barely rose above a whisper. He looked at his younger brother with quiet tenderness. Only when he saw concern behind the anger did he find the courage to ask. “My hand…” He hesitated. “…is it okay?”

“Yes,” Chung-Hee answered before anyone else could. “The surgery went well. Your arm’s in a cast for extra protection, and you’ll need to avoid using it for at least a month.”

Relief escaped Noeul in a slow breath. “Good…” His eyes drifted to the cast. “I still have to work.” He looked up again. “How long was I unconscious?”

“A whole day,” Ji-Woo replied immediately. “I’ll get the doctor.” He left the room.

A few minutes later, Dr. Cho entered and examined Noeul’s arm. “How is he?” Duri asked when the examination was over.

Dr. Cho turned toward Noeul. “The repair looks stable for now, and there are no immediate signs of complications. That’s encouraging. You’ll still need plenty of rest. Don’t use the hand, keep it elevated, and let your body recover. We’ll continue monitoring your progress over the next few days.”

Noeul nodded automatically. The words reached him… but they didn’t stay. Seeing his family, and Duri, had awakened something far heavier than physical pain. Guilt. Shame. Regret. The room slowly blurred around him. Voices faded into indistinct murmurs. Thought slipped away. And, once again… sleep claimed him.

CHAPTER 19

Murmured voices stirred him from his stupor. Moonlight spilled through the window, bathing the quiet hospital room in a soft, silvery glow. The steady rhythm of the heart monitor echoed through the silence. Noeul kept his eyes closed. Ji-Woo and Duri spoke freely beside him, apparently believing he was still asleep.

“You should get some rest,” Duri said quietly.

Ji-Woo let out a tired sigh. “I can’t.”

“You’ve barely slept.”

“I know.”

The monitor filled the pause between them. After a while, Ji-Woo spoke again. “Just tell me…” The question came out low and tired. “How can someone abandon their family like that? How can someone just… disappear from the lives of the people who need them?”

Duri sighed. “Sometimes people have things going on inside them that they don’t know how to explain. They think leaving is the only way to stop hurting the people they love, to protect them.”