Chapter 15

“Mommyyyyy. Mommyyyyy…”

“Gasp!”

Without realizing it, I had become addicted to the plush comfort of the bed. So much so that I almost didn’t hear Ha-yeon calling me.

“Yes, Ha-yeon?”

“Mommy, which bed do you like?”

Ha-yeon and I had tried lying on every bed in this furniture store. We had to pick the best one.

I subtly glanced not at the bed but at the price tag. The price was staggering, probably because it was a bed. The cheaper beds were out of the question. There was a reason they were cheap—they were so small that Ha-yeon and I couldn’t even lie side by side.

It was impossible for Ha-yeon and me to sleep on such a bed. So, when I turned my attention to beds of a decent size, the price skyrocketed. The basic ones started at over 2 million won. Some were even more expensive. Who knew beds could cost so much…

“Uh… well…”

I quickly scanned the price tags on the beds. Of course, considering we spend a third of our lives in bed, it made sense to invest in a good one. A plush, comfortable bed guarantees better sleep quality.

Sleeping on a cheap, hard bed never felt like proper rest. As my rationality and instincts battled, Ha-yeon, noticing my expression, said:

“Mommy, we need to buy a good bed!”

Seeing Ha-yeon, who usually compromises, insist so strongly, I knew we had to get a good bed. Otherwise, she might get upset. Though, in all the time we’ve lived together, I’ve never seen her get angry.

First, we needed at least a queen-size bed. Even though Ha-yeon is small, we needed space for her teddy bear too. And since Ha-yeon won’t stay a child forever, she’ll grow, and the bed would inevitably feel smaller.

After much deliberation, we finally chose a bed.

“How about this one, Ha-yeon?”

It was a decent bed in the mid-2 million won range. When Ha-yeon and I lay on it, our eyes met. It was that good.

Ha-yeon nodded in approval.

“Let’s buy this one, Mommy!”

I nodded and called over a staff member. Soon, an employee approached us.

“How can I assist you, ma’am?”

“I’d like to purchase this bed…”

“Ah, I see. Let me prepare the contract.”

A contract for buying a bed? This was my first time buying a bed, so it felt unfamiliar. Was this some kind of scam to steal my personal information? I thought you just pay, and they deliver and install it. That’s how I’ve bought other things.

But my worries soon proved foolish. The employee kindly explained everything step by step. All I had to do was transfer the money to the correct account. Though I messed up the account number a few times, it didn’t go through since it was invalid. Thankfully, Ha-yeon entered the correct number. What a relief.

“Installation will be done next week by our technician. As for the details…”

I listened intently to the employee’s rapid-fire explanation, though it went in one ear and out the other. I found myself nodding unconsciously. After all, it was just about installing a bed—no need to overcomplicate things.

——————————————————–

“Wowww!”

“Mommy, it’s the bed!”

The installation technician quickly set up the bed and left. Ha-yeon and I marveled at the shiny new bed. I couldn’t resist diving into its plushness. Glancing up, I saw Ha-yeon smiling contentedly at me. I felt a bit embarrassed. Showing such a childish side in front of Ha-yeon…

But the bed was amazing. Thankfully, Ha-yeon dove in beside me. I hugged her tightly. We spent the whole day rolling around on our new bed. I wished we’d bought it sooner.

It was spacious enough for both of us, with room to spare. Now, even on stormy nights, I could confidently sleep with Ha-yeon. I used to be scared sleeping alone.

———————————

“Mommyyyyy… Aren’t you getting up?”

The sensation of being shaken woke me.

“Gasp!”

The new bed’s performance was incredible. Even on a weekday, I woke up later than Ha-yeon. I checked my phone. The alarm hadn’t gone off. I must have turned it off while adjusting the time yesterday. I hurriedly checked the time. Thankfully, I wasn’t late.

“Let’s… get ready!”

“Okay!”

And so, another busy morning began. But I felt a bit off. My head was spinning. I hadn’t eaten anything strange yesterday. Maybe I caught a cold?

“Ha-yeon… eat your breakfast…”

“Aren’t you eating, Mommy?”

Ha-yeon looked at me as she spoke. I should eat too, but I had no appetite, probably because I felt dizzy. They say when you’re sick, your appetite is the first to go. No matter how delicious the food, I couldn’t bring myself to eat.

“Mommy’s full just watching you eat.”

“Huh…”

Ha-yeon gave me a strange look. Normally, I’m the one with the bigger appetite. But forcing myself to eat when I had no appetite would only make me nauseous. So, I just watched Ha-yeon eat.

“Yummy!”

Ha-yeon finished her meal and smiled brightly. I patted her head. Now that Ha-yeon can prepare for kindergarten on her own, it’s less burdensome. I used to have to help her with everything.

We got ready to leave together. While Ha-yeon changed, I secretly took a painkiller. I didn’t want to worry her by taking medicine in front of her.

I didn’t want to unnecessarily worry Ha-yeon. I wanted to remain a strong mom in her eyes.

Holding Ha-yeon’s hand, we headed to kindergarten. After dropping her off, I walked further to the café where I work. Thankfully, it wasn’t in the opposite direction.

“Ha-yeon, listen to your teacher today! See you later!”

“Okay! I’ll listen, Mommy!”

Watching Ha-yeon enter kindergarten, I walked to the café. The staff were preparing for the day. I quickly joined in.

“Ha-yul, you’re here!”

“Hello!”

I greeted everyone cheerfully and started my shift. But even after taking the painkiller, I still felt unwell. I was sweating profusely. The café wasn’t that hot. My condition was really bad. I debated whether to tell the manager and go home to rest…

But if I left, it would disrupt the café’s operations. So, I decided to tough it out. Just one more day, and I could go to the hospital for medicine and a shot. Just six more hours.

“Ha-yul, are you okay?”

But my condition wasn’t improving. I thought I was hiding it well, but the staff noticed.

“Is it that time of the month?”

The manager whispered, not wanting others to hear. It wasn’t that. I shook my head. Even during my period, I never felt this bad. Just a bit off.

“No, Manager.”

“Really? Why are you sweating so much? Is it hot in here?”

I pushed through until 3 PM, but my willpower wasn’t enough. My vision blurred. Sweat poured down like rain. I could barely breathe, my chest tight.

Seeing my rapid decline, the staff rushed to me. They had noticed my poor condition from the start and acted quickly.

I wanted to make an Americano, but my body wouldn’t obey.

“Ha-yul! Snap out of it!”

“Call 119… call 119!”

I fainted. Just before the end of my shift.