Work Text:
Cha Eunjae was a dedicated and skilled cardiovascular surgeon at the prestigious Trauma Center of Doldam Hospital. Her passion for medicine knew no bounds, and she had earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Engaged to Seo Woojin, a talented general surgeon also working at Doldam, Eunjae had found happiness both in her professional and personal life.
However, Eunjae's tightly packed schedule often prevented her from spending quality time with her family. She had an older sister, Cha Eunji, whom she dearly loved but rarely saw due to their demanding professions. Additionally, her sister had a young daughter named Byeol, who was just 14 months old. Eunjae adored her niece even though she had barely spent any time with the little one.
One eventful day, Eunjae was diligently working at the trauma center when her phone suddenly rang. It was her sister, Eunji, desperately asking her to come outside the hospital. Wondering why her sister would ask her to meet outside, Eunjae quickly excused herself from the room and rushed out.
As Eunjae stepped outside, she saw her sister standing anxiously with baby Byeol in her arms.
Eunjae,running towards her sister “Eunji! What's wrong? Why did you ask me to meet you outside?”
Eunji anxiously responded “Eunjae, I'm sorry to bother you like this. It's just… My husband and I have so many operations scheduled for this week, and we couldn't find anyone to take care of Byeol. Can you please help us? Can you babysit her for us?”
Eunjae,concerned, replied “Of course, Eunji! Don't worry, I'll take care of Byeol for you. You know I'd do anything for you and my precious niece.”
Eunji,relieved,said “ Thank you, Eunjae. I know it's a lot to ask, but we've tried everything, and we didn't know who else to turn to. I promise it won't be for long.”
Eunjae,smiling, said “You don't have to apologize, Eunji. Family comes first, always. Besides, I've missed you and Byeol so much. It'll be a pleasure to spend time with her.”
Eunji tearfully replied “Thank you, Eunjae. You're a lifesaver. I promise we'll make it up to you somehow”.
Eunjae tenderly said “There's no need for that, Eunji. Just focus on your work, and I'll take good care of Byeol. Now, let's go back inside so I can get her settled.”
Eunji gratefully said “You're amazing, Eunjae. Byeol is lucky to have you as her aunt.”
Eunjae,hugging her sister tightly,said “And I'm lucky to have both of you in my life. Now, let's not waste any more time. I can't wait to spend these days with my adorable niece.”
As Eunjae reentered the trauma center, the busy atmosphere fell momentarily silent as her colleagues' eyes widened at the sight of her holding a baby in her arms. Confusion filled the air as whispers and curious glances were exchanged. People were eager to know who the little bundle of joy was, and Eunjae could feel their gazes fixed upon her.
With a warm smile, Eunjae proudly introduced her niece to her bewildered colleagues. "Everyone, meet Byeol. She's my adorable little niece," Eunjae explained, her voice filled with affection and joy. The room quickly erupted in soft coos and awws as Byeol woke up and hugged her "eomma" tightly. The sight of this heartwarming moment melted the hearts of everyone present.
Amidst the commotion, Woojin emerged from a surgery, his surgical mask still on. Hearing the joyful ruckus in the trauma center, his curiosity piqued, and he made his way towards Eunjae. His heart skipped a beat at the sight of Eunjae holding a baby who called her "eomma."
Confusion clouded Woojin's face as he approached Eunjae. "Eunjae, who is she?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the excitement in the room.
Eunjae, amused by Woojin's reaction, explained the situation to him with an adoring smile. She shared how her sister and brother-in-law had been overwhelmed with work, leading to her taking care of their daughter, Byeol. The realization slowly dawned on Woojin, and he couldn't help but laugh at himself.
Suddenly, Byeol turned her head and locked her innocent eyes with Woojin's. A sweet smile appeared on her face, and she called out, "Appa!" The room erupted in laughter and applause as everyone witnessed this heartwarming connection between Byeol and Woojin.
Woojin's heart swelled with love and affection for the little girl as he took her into his arms, showering her with cuddles and adoration. The room was filled with joy and warmth as Eunjae and Woojin introduced Byeol to their colleagues, who showered her with praises and affectionate gestures.
As Eunjae, Woojin, and Byeol continued to giggle and play on the couch, their joyful noise caught the attention of Master Kim, the wise and respected head of Doldam Hospital. Intrigued, he made his way over to them, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
Master Kim couldn't help but smile as he saw Eunjae and Woojin fully engaged in play with the baby. He affectionately asked, "Who might this little one be?"
Eunjae, feeling a sense of comfort and trust towards Master Kim, explained the situation, sharing the story of her sister's demanding work schedule and their temporary caretaking responsibilities for Byeol.Master Kim's face softened as he listened attentively and observed the beautiful bond forming between Eunjae, Woojin, and Byeol. He reached out and gently picked up the little girl, joining in their laughter and play. The presence of the wise and caring Master Kim further delighted Byeol, who giggled even more joyfully.
Master Kim: Eunjae, I understand that taking care of Byeol while also attending to your work duties can be overwhelming. I think it would be best if you took the day off to fully focus on her.
Eunjae: But Master Kim, what about the patients? I can't leave them unattended.
Master Kim: Fear not, Eunjae. I will keep a close eye on things and handle any emergencies that may arise. Your patients will be well taken care of. This is an opportunity for you to be fully present with Byeol without any distractions.
Eunjae: Thank you, Master Kim, for your understanding. I appreciate your support.
Master Kim: It's my pleasure, Eunjae. Family is important, and sometimes, we need to prioritize our loved ones. Take this time to nurture your bond with Byeol, and remember, Doldam Hospital is a family too. We are here for one another.
Eunjae: Your words mean a lot, Master Kim. I am grateful for the compassion and guidance you always provide.
Master Kim: It is my duty, Eunjae. Enjoy your day with Byeol, knowing that you have my full support. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. Take care, my dear.
Eunjae: Thank you, Master Kim. I will make the most of this day and cherish the time I have with Byeol.
She informed him that she would be in the nearby staff room with Byeol, readily accessible if needed.
In the staff room, Eunjae settled Byeol into her arms, gently rocking her back and forth. The rhythmic motion soon lulled the little girl to sleep. Eunjae's heart filled with warmth and contentment as she watched Byeol's peaceful slumber.
As time passed, Woojin entered the staff room, silently approaching Eunjae and Byeol. A tender smile adorned his face as he noticed them together, cocooned in each other's embrace. Eunjae, unaware of his presence,felt someone covering Byeol and her with a blanket, ensuring her comfort.
In that sweet moment, filled with love and tranquility, Woojin's heart swelled with adoration for Eunjae. Unable to resist capturing the beauty of the scene before him, he discreetly took out his phone and snapped a photo. The image of Eunjae and Byeol, peacefully sleeping side by side, became his most cherished memory. He decided that this precious moment would be his phone's background photo, a constant reminder of the love and joy that surrounded him.
As Eunjae noticed the tears in Byeol's eyes, she immediately recognized the sign of hunger. Without hesitation, she quickly prepared a bottle of warm formula, making sure it was just the right temperature for the baby.
Sitting down on the couch, Eunjae cradled Byeol in her arms, offering the bottle with utmost care and tenderness. As Byeol eagerly latched onto the bottle, Eunjae felt a surge of love and protectiveness wash over her. She marveled at how this simple act of nourishment could create such a deep bond between them.
Time seemed to stand still as Eunjae gazed into Byeol's eyes, her heart swelling with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Each tiny sip brought reassurance that she was meeting Byeol's needs, providing her with the sustenance and love she deserved.
Throughout the feeding, Eunjae murmured soothing words and gently stroke Byeol's cheek, creating an environment of warmth and security. With each gentle burp, they shared a moment of connection, their spirits interweaving as Eunjae cared for her niece.
Gradually, Byeol's cries subsided as her hunger was satisfied. Eunjae couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. The bond between them grew stronger with each passing moment, and Eunjae knew that she was fulfilling her role as a loving and nurturing caregiver.
With a satisfied sigh, Byeol nestled comfortably in her arms, her little body feeling the warmth and love radiating from Eunjae's touch.
With Byeol content and nourished, Eunjae knew it was time to continue their journey home. She called out to Woojin, coordinating their departure, and ensuring that all of Byeol's belongings were packed and ready.
Their colleagues at the hospital couldn't help but smile and coo at the sight of Eunjae and Woojin, both exuding an air of undeniable parenthood. The bond they shared with Byeol seemed natural and effortless, touching the hearts of those who witnessed it.
When they arrived at their home, Byeol had peacefully fallen asleep in the car. Eunjae and Woojin carefully carried her to their bedroom, placing her on their bed to ensure her comfort. They marveled at the sheer innocence and beauty of the sleeping child, feeling a sense of responsibility and love wash over them.
Knowing that they needed to take care of themselves as well, Eunjae and Woojin swiftly had dinner and took refreshing showers. The events of the day had brought them immeasurable joy, but they understood the importance of rest.
Lying side by side next to Byeol, Eunjae and Woojin felt an overwhelming sense of contentment. As they drifted off to sleep, their hearts were filled with gratitude for the unexpected arrival of Byeol and the precious moments they had shared.
The next day, Eunjae and Woojin both had a well-deserved day off from work. Excited to spend quality time with Byeol, they decided to take her to the park to enjoy the fresh air and nature's beauty.
Eunjae carefully dressed Byeol in a cute little outfit, making sure she was protected from the sun with a hat and sunscreen. They packed a baby bag filled with essentials - diapers, wipes, snacks, and a blanket.
As they arrived at the park, Byeol's eyes grew wide with wonder, taking in the vibrant colors of the surrounding flowers and the joyful sounds of children playing. Eunjae and Woojin found a shady spot under a large tree, spreading out the blanket for Byeol to explore and play on.
Eunjae placed Byeol on the blanket, allowing her to freely kick her little legs and grasp at the grass. The soft breeze gently caressed their faces, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. It was a perfect moment of peace and serenity.
Together, they watched as Byeol delighted in the simple joys of being outdoors. Eunjae and Woojin took turns pushing her on the swing, their laughter filling the air with pure happiness. They walked hand in hand, guiding Byeol's tiny steps as she explored the playground with curious eyes.
As other families noticed the gentle trio, they couldn't help but smile at the picture of love and happiness that Eunjae, Woojin, and Byeol painted. Strangers became enchanted by Byeol's contagious laughter and innocent wonder, and their hearts were warmed witnessing the love radiating from her aunt and uncle.
Throughout their time at the park, Eunjae and Woojin ensured Byeol's safety and comfort, constantly keeping a watchful eye on her. They took breaks to feed her, change her diaper, and offer her gentle cuddles and kisses. Every action was filled with unconditional love and devotion.
As the day drew to a close, Eunjae and Woojin packed up their belongings, their hearts filled with gratitude for the precious moments shared. They knew that although their journey as parents had just begun, their love for Byeol would continue to grow, shaping their lives with joy and purpose.
Leaving the park hand in hand, they couldn't wait to return to the sanctuary of their home, where they would continue to nurture and care for the little girl who had brought immeasurable love and light into their lives.
As the week came to an end, the inevitable moment of farewell arrived. Eunjae's heart felt heavy as she held Byeol close, cherishing every precious second of their final cuddle. Tears welled up in Eunjae's eyes as she whispered words of love and reassurance into Byeol's ear.
Knowing that Byeol was in good hands with her sister brought some comfort, but it didn't make saying goodbye any easier. Eunjae's heart ached with the knowledge that it would be a while before they could be together again.
With a mix of sadness and hope, Eunjae gently handed Byeol over to her sister's waiting arms. They exchanged a look filled with understanding and gratitude, acknowledging the love and care that Eunjae had provided to Byeol during their time together.
Eunjae took a deep breath, forcing a smile through her tears. She silently promised herself that she would continue to be there for Byeol, even from a distance. She would eagerly await the days they could reunite, embracing their precious moments together once more.
As she watched her sister and Byeol walk away, Eunjae held onto the memories they had shared. She knew that this temporary farewell was not the end, but a new chapter in their journey as a family. The love they had cultivated would remain strong, no matter the distance that separated them.
Eunjae left with a sense of bittersweetness, knowing that she had made a profound impact on Byeol's life. She carried the lessons, the love, and the cherished bond within her, ready to embrace the future and all the moments they still had to share.
As she walked away, Eunjae reminded herself that love knows no boundaries. She held onto the hope that, one day, they would be reunited and continue their journey together, their bond stronger than ever before. Until then, she would carry the memory of Byeol with her, keeping her close in her heart, and forever cherishing the time they had spent as a family.