The world outside the hospital felt distant.
The hum of the city, the traffic, even the warmth of sunlight — everything blurred as Aera walked out in silence, clutching her bag like it might crumble between her fingers.
She dialed Seongmin's number, her hands trembling.
"Seongmin-"
"Aera, are you okay?"
His voice was soft, almost too sweet.
"You should go home quickly," he added. "Your stepmother must be worried sick."
Aera frowned.
"How do you know that?"
There was a pause. Then his calm reply:
"Minseo told me. She was crying when she called — said you went to the hospital alone. You know how soft-hearted your sister is… I'm comforting her right now. Don't worry, I'll drop her home once she's fine."
Aera's fingers tightened around her phone as she whispered, "Yeah."
In the background, she heard Minseo's voice.
Her throat felt dry.
"You're… with Minseo?"
"Just until she calms down, darling. Don't worry about her. I'll take care of her."
Then the call ended.
By the time Aera reached home, Mrs. Kim was already at the door, with concern.
"Oh, my poor child," she cooed, waving the maids over. "Take Miss Aera to her room. She must rest. Don't let her step out."
Aera blinked, surprised by the sudden affection.
Mrs. Kim even fed her soup with her own hands — something she hadn't done in years.
"Eat, dear. Is it good? I made it for you. You must keep your strength up."
Aera nodded while eating.
The warmth almost made her believe it was real. She was finally getting what she had longed for years.
After giving her medicines, Mrs. Kim told her to rest.
Her eyelids grew heavy, and before she knew it, she was drifting into sleep.
After a few hours, she woke up when she sensed some soft lips brushing her forehead.
A familiar cologne lingered — Seongmin.
"You're awake," he whispered, sitting beside her bed.
Minseo stood next to him, her eyes glistening with worry and concern.
"Unnie, please rest well. You scared us all, most of all, you scared me the most," she said sweetly.
Seongmin smiled down at Aera.
"Dr. Lee said you'll be taken to the hospital tomorrow for monitoring. So behave like a good girl, okay?"
Aera frowned, trying to sit up.
"Hospital? Will he keep me in the hospital now?"
Before she could ask more, Mrs. Kim entered with a tray.
"He's right, dear. You need supervision. Dr. Lee already arranged everything. And don't worry — Minseo will handle your business until you recover."
Aera hesitated, but their care felt comforting.
Maybe for once, her family was truly there for her.
Mrs. Kim fed her medicine, humming softly.
Aera's vision blurred again.
"Sleep, my child," she said, brushing her hair. "You'll feel better in the morning."
Aera drifted back to sleep.
When Aera opened her eyes again, sunlight filtered through pale curtains.
She blinked at the sterile white walls — hospital walls.
Confused, she turned to the nurse, adjusting her IV.
"When did I come here?"
The nurse smiled.
"You arrived early this morning. Mrs. Kim arranged everything. You're lucky to have such a caring family."
Family.
The word that felt like a thorn earlier started getting warm now.
Aera nodded in response, as she whispered, fiddling her fingers, "I have a caring family, I'm lucky."
Moments later, Mrs. Kim entered, all grace and concern, stuck on her face.
She took Aera's hand gently.
"Aera, are you okay? You are feeling no trouble here, right?"
Aera nodded in response.
"Don't think of anything else, okay?"
Aera smiled as she took in Mrs. Kim's words.
"Aera, I've got a nice idea for you to don't worry too much. I know how workaholic you are; you must have half of your mind on the business. And Minseo can't handle things properly without legal rights. Why don't you… transfer your shares and authority to her for now?"
Aera's chest tightened.
Mrs. Kim brushed Aera's hair to the side, "If you don't want to, I won't force you. I thought it would be good for you. Foolish me. Excuse me," Mrs. Kim turned to the other side, as she started crying, "I just wanted to be a good mother."
Good mother
The love in her stepmother's care and concern was enough to blind her. And now she was crying for her.
She nodded weakly.
"You already are a good mother. If it'll help Minseo… I'll do anything."
Mrs. Kim turned to see Aera as she hugged her. Her lips curved in satisfaction.
"You too are such a good daughter," she whispered, then, parting away, she kissed Aera's forehead. "I'll have the papers ready soon."
Aera smiled faintly.
"Mom, I can't see my phone here?"
Mrs. Kim shook her head.
"No phone. Rest. Whatever you need, I'll take care of it. After all… You might not have much time to worry about worldly things."
Aera's eyes welled up.
She hugged her stepmother, sobbing softly.
"I'm sorry… for being a burden."
"Hush," Mrs. Kim murmured. "I'm doing this as your mother, not your stepmother."
Hours later, the room was quiet again.
Aera stirred in her sleep, a faint whisper brushing past her ear.
"Noona…"
Her eyes opened.
In the corner, a small figure stood — Subin.
He looked different this time. Almost pale and transparent, his lips moved silently as if trying to tell her something.
Aera frowned, trying to read his words.
Just as she swung her legs off the bed—
"What are you doing?"
Seongmin burst into the room, rushing to her side.
"Lie down, Aera. You shouldn't move."
"I… I saw Subin," she said shakily.
He smiled softly, brushing her hair back.
"It's the medicine. You're hallucinating, definitely. How can you see a dead person?"
Dr. Lee entered just then, holding a folder.
"Miss Kim, there's good news. With a surgery, we might be able to extend your life by a few months."
Aera's eyes lit up — a fragile hope flickering.
"Really?"
Before she could say more, Minseo entered, holding documents.
"Unnie, I will inform mom about the surgery. You just focus on getting better."
Seongmin stood up, ready to leave, but Aera reached for his hand.
"Stay… just for a bit."
He hesitated — then gently pulled away.
Minseo stepped closer, tears glistening.
"Don't hope too much, unnie. I lost a friend once, too… she didn't make it either."
Seongmin wrapped an arm around crying Minseo, patting her back.
Aera stared blankly, her hand still suspended in the air.
Even though she was receiving the warm, but somehow in this warmth, she felt colder.