Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Dad
As they rested under the tree, Seoyang looked at Seojun with a smile. "Isn't it funny? Isn't that where you recognized your dream, in the zoo?" she asked, laughing a little. She felt old thinking back on that time.
"A scary experience, Mom, yet beautiful," Seojun replied, closing his eyes as he remembered the day.
His mind took him back to when he was just 5 years old. It was a sunny day when his grandmother had taken him to the zoo without telling Seoyang. They were having so much fun, laughing and pointing at the animals, until suddenly, everything changed.
"Grandma!" Seojun had cried out, watching in horror as she suddenly clutched her chest and collapsed. They were far from other people, and little Seojun felt terrified. He didn't know what to do, so he just hugged her tightly as she lay on the ground.
Panic washed over him as he stood frozen, unable to understand what was happening. His heart raced as he rushed to her side, hugging her tightly while tears streamed down his cheeks. He felt so small and scared, unsure of what to do as he watched his beloved grandmother lying on the ground.
But then, something extraordinary occurred. The animals in the nearby enclosures began to stir and make their way toward them. At first, Seojun was terrified; he thought they might eat his grandma. He watched as a massive elephant approached, its large frame looming over him. He cried even harder, fearing for his grandmother's safety.
In a miraculous moment, the elephant extended its trunk and gently wiped the tears from Seojun's face. The warmth of the gesture brought a flicker of comfort amidst the chaos. The elephant then wrapped its trunk around his grandmother, lifting her effortlessly and placing her on the back of a waiting tiger.
As he watched, a flurry of smaller animals—squirrels, birds, and rabbits—gathered around him, providing an unexpected source of comfort. Seojun felt a strange calm wash over him as he followed the tiger, which carried his grandmother closer to the nearby crowd of people.
When they finally reached a group of people, the tiger lowered his grandmother gently to the ground. Seojun wasted no time in rushing to her side, wrapping his arms around her tightly. The tiger let out a loud roar, startling everyone nearby. Seojun covered his ears, overwhelmed by the noise, but he felt a rush of relief knowing that help had arrived.
Seojun looked at his mother and said, "After that, Grandma said that her kindness toward animals had paid off. She wanted me to become like her—a vet doctor." He stopped and continue
"That moment made me realize how important it is to care for animals, just like Grandma cared for them. I want to be there for them when they're sick or in trouble to give them the love and care they deserve."
Seoyang pouted, her brow furrowing. "How come I never knew that happened?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. Seojun laughed softly as he settled down beside her.
"Because Grandma knew you would get angry that she took me to the zoo without your permission," he explained. "After the incident, she was rushed to the hospital, and when she woke up, it was as if nothing had happened. She drag me home right away."
"Tsk! You two were so lucky that day. My work extended," Seoyang said, flicking Seojun's forehead playfully. He laughed again but then sighed, the mood shifting slightly.
"I miss Grandma, Mom," Seojun said, his voice quieter. He felt a wave of sadness wash over him, remembering how his grandmother had passed away just a year after that day.
"I miss her too," Seoyang replied, her tone softening. "But look up here, Seojun. Mom is happy in heaven, watching us. She would be really glad that you grew up to be a fine man and that you'll finally be able to fulfill her death wish, to become a Vet doctor."
As she hugged Seojun tightly and patted his back, he felt comforted. He knew she was right. His grandmother had always believed in him, and now, with his dreams within reach,
After a moment of silence, Seoyang spoke softly, "Don't you miss your dad?"
Seojun let go of the hug and asked, "Why are you suddenly asking, Mom?"
"I've been thinking. You never ask where your dad is. Why is that?" Seoyang replied, her voice gentle but serious.
Seojun went quiet, his mind drifting back to a night when he was very sick, a little child. He couldn't go to the hospital because they don't have the money to pay. After his mother fed him, she went to the kitchen and took a long time to come back. Worried, he pushed himself up and peeked outside.
What he saw broke his heart. His mother was kneeling on the ground, crying hard. "Mom, I know you're watching us! Please don't take my son away from me!" she begged, her voice full of desperation. "Ethan, please help us!"
Little Seojun's heart sank as he heard the name "Ethan." He knew that name, his hearing it to her mom while looking at a picture. He felt tears streaming down his face as he watched his mother in such pain, begging for help.
He couldn't help but cry, seeing her so heartbroken. The sight of her desperation made him feel helpless. In that moment.
"Mom…" Little Seojun whispered, his voice trembling. He didn't know what to say, but he wanted to comfort her. He felt a mixture of sadness and confusion, wishing he could take away her pain.
Little Seojun turned around and walked slowly to the kitchen. He grabbed a stool and used it to reach the shelf where the soup was. As he stood there, tears still rolling down his cheeks and took the bowl.
While eating, he muttered to himself, "I don't want to get sick again. I'm going to eat vegetables and all I can so my sickness will go away." Each spoonful felt like a promise to himself. He wanted to feel strong and healthy.
Seojun smiled softly and said, "I know he's dead, Mom."
Seoyang was about to speak, but Seojun quickly added, "I don't want to talk about him." Hearing this made Seoyang sad, but she managed to smile.
They both understood it was a difficult topic. Instead of dwelling on it, they continued to enjoy their time together, laughing and sharing stories.
After they got home, Seojun could smell delicious food wafting through the air. The living room was decorated with balloons and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere. Seoyang's brother, Alex, Alexa, their grandpa, and the butler were all there, waiting to celebrate Seoyang's birthday.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" they all shouted as Seoyang walked in. Her eyes widened in joy.
"Thank you, everyone! and Chairman!" Seoyang bowed, her face lighting up with happiness. Seojun watched with a smile as his mom hugged everyone, feeling grateful for this special moment.
They all gathered around the table filled with food: cakes, pastries, and her favorite dishes. As they celebrated, laughter filled the room, and Seojun felt a warmth in his heart. This was a day of happiness, surrounded by family and love.
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