Chapter Text
Prompt: Jeongwon: It’s okay, Gyeoul. I’m here. I’ll always be here
Topic: Thyroid Malignancy
Jang Gyeoul had gotten used to delivering bad news to patients for years now. While she empathizes with them, she also believes it is important to keep a stoic face and not let her emotions get the best of her. Instead of feeling helpless, she gives her all to save her patient and when there is nothing she can do anymore, she does not let herself linger in regret and sadness because there would be another patient that would need her to give her 100%. Winter, that’s what they call her. Rational and calm regardless of the situation. What she did not realize was that when she was situated on the receiving end of the conversation, she could not help but crumble on the inside.
“ Dr. Jang? The tumor found in your father’s thyroid gland has a high chance to be malignant based on his ultrasound findings and we need to…”
Gyeoul felt chills all of a sudden. A malignancy? She racked her brains for the possibilities of malignancy and the prognosis if her father will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She wanted to tell herself that nothing is definite for now and that the tumor can still be benign but all she can think of is of her father being pain, suffering and the possibility of him succumbing to the disease.
“ We need to admit your father for now so that we can proceed with the biopsy to classify this tumor and possibly discuss the treatment if the result comes out malignant.”
Gyeoul just nodded and said her thanks to Dr. Park. Her parents held her hands and telling her not to worry too much. Her dad smiled at her despite the news that was relayed few minutes ago, telling her not to be afraid and that things happen for a reason. Gyeoul simply nodded. There is nothing she can do for now. Stoic, rational and calm. Gyeoul keeps on telling herself to stay strong.
Jeongwon has not seen Gyeoul for a few hours now. She texted him that her parents came to Seoul for a consultation. He knows she is worried of the mass that was growing on her father’s neck but Gyeoul always tell him that she is alright. The diagnosis can be benign and there is always treatment for it if it turns out to be malignant. As always, his winter is logical when facing problems. He knew better though. Even the most logical person breaks down whenever bad news hit close to home.
1 PM
Winter: Gyosunim, my parents arrived and I’m with them right now for the consultation with Dr. Park. See you later!
4 PM
Garden: Gyeoul-ah? Are you still with your parents now? Is everything alright?
He checked the GS office to see if she is there and he went to the café and cafeteria as well in case she was eating with her parents. As he was leaving the cafeteria, his phone vibrated.
Winter: Sorry Gyosunim. I can’t eat dinner with you later. Uhm, I am currently at the front desk right now.
Huh? Isn’t Gyeoul supposed to be with her parents? Unless… Jeongwon’s heart ached at the realization that the results may not be good and that Gyeoul’s father need to be admitted to the hospital. Jeongwon walked as fast as he can towards admission and there he saw his winter. Her face betrays no emotions and she was just focused on filling up the forms in front of her. He did not dare go near her because he felt Gyeoul needs some time to herself. He has not seen her cry again since she confessed to him and he does not want Gyeoul to feel vulnerable in front of the hospital staff. She took her phone from her pocket and started calling someone.
Gyeoul was biting her lips and trying her best to stay composed. She cannot break down now. She slowly explained to her brother that he needs to go to the hospital tonight because their father still needs to undergo a few tests. She could not tell her brother yet what has happened as she does not want to shock him. As she ended the call, she received a text from her boyfriend.
Garden: Can you come to my office just for a bit? I just need to discuss the procedure we will be doing tomorrow.
Gyeoul sighed. Life continues despite receiving bad news.
When she reached his office, a pair of arms suddenly engulfed her. Hugging her tightly, Jeongwon whispered to her: “ You know you can depend on me right? It’s okay, Gyeoul. I’m here. I’ll always be here.”
Gyeoul burst into tears. As the eldest, she tries to carry the burden of handling everything on her own. But now, in the arms of the man she loves, she admits that she is scared of what can happen to her father. With Jeongwon beside her though, she is trying to gain the courage to face whatever the future may bring.