Time flies quickly, not minding the agony of losing a loved one nor the happiness of the two sources of happiness in Kim's family.
Morning dawned one morning and he is back as a bachelor. Kim dressed up and prepared for work.
"Hannah, I'm set to go. The kids are still sleeping. Tell them daddy loves them when they wake up."
"Ok boss... come and eat your breakfast. I'm done cooking."
"Ohh! Have you dished it?"
"Yes, master... I'm done dishing it. Come and eat."
"OI... I can only eat a little because I don't have much appetite this morning." Kim replied and walked to the dining table. He opened the food and the sweet aroma made his mouth drool.
He ate a spoon of rice and drank a little soup, wiped his mouth, and picked up his suitcase.
"Master... are you going already?" Hannah, who stood at the side waiting for her master to finish eating so she could pack the plate, was surprised to see her master leaving after taking a spoon of rice and some soup.
"Ah Yes... I don't have much appetite... I'm sorry."
"But you did not eat last night. You should at least eat a little today for your health, master."
"Ummm... Hannah, I will make sure I eat immediately when I get hungry at work. I won't starve myself, I promise. So don't worry as I will be fine. Ok?"
"Alright master... that's ok then."
"Thank you."
"Bye master and take care."
"You too... take care of the kids too."
"Sure, master."
And he left the house in a hurry.
"Please master, you have to stay strong. No matter how hard it is, you must stay strong for the sake of the kids and your late wife. I know it's hard but we must all survive this.'
*****************
On getting to the office, Kim met his friend Doctor Da won sitting cross-legged in his office, pressing his phone with full focus.
Kim smiled and cleared his throat to alert his lost friend.
"Oh, you're here?" Da Won said immediately that he noticed Kim's arrival. He stood up and gave him a brotherly hug.
"Yes... I'm kinda late today. I had to collect some files from a client."
"I haven't waited for too long here too."
"Oh! Well... seeing you today makes the day look like Christmas day. What brings you here?".
"I came to say hi to my best friend of course."
"I really can't remember the last time you came to visit me like this. Something is fishy. What's it?"
"Nothing really. I'm less busy today so I decided to see your handsome face again as I have missed you so much!" Da Won said and slapped Kim's cheek.
"Ouch!" Kim shouted and rubbed his cheek." How dare you slap my cheek? Are you trying to put a scar on my pretty face?"
"Pretty my ass! I can treat it if I give you any scar. I'm a medical doctor, you know?"
Kim pouted and they both burst out laughing.
Da won was still giggling along with Kim when his phone suddenly rang
"Hello!" he picked up the call
"Hello, doctor... There is an emergency! Come back please!" A voice over the phone sounded panicked
"Emergency?? I'm coming right away!"
" Ok doctor." the voice replied and the call ended
" What's that again?" Kim asked when he saw the frustrated look on Da won handsome face
"There is an emergency in the hospital... I must go back right away." Da won replied clearly not pleased with the situation.
"Ohh! Doctor's life. Always stressful. Sorry, buddy but you've got to go save a life." Kim said and patted Da won shoulder
Da won sighed and hugged Kim
"I wanted to play with you and catch up on everything we've missed but job calls again."
"That's life, bro,"
"Ok... Let's meet at the bar tonight. Shall we?"
"The bar?? Ok.. sure!" Kim wanted to reject the offer but he couldn't afford to make his friend sadder. He too misses his best friend. So he reluctantly agreed.
"Our usual bar, is it?"
"Sure. I will be there!"
"Thanks, bro. I love you!" Da Won blew a flying kiss to him and ran away.
Kim sighed "I really miss you too buddy and I wish we will meet tonight being happy like before. I know you still feel guilty about my wife but I hope you get over it and be yourself again because I truly miss the real you. Tonight should favor our friendship!" He made a praying posture and looked up.
*******************
Later that night, Kim entered the bar and saw Da won sitting down alone in a far corner.
"Da won!" He shouted and Da won immediately looked in his direction
"Kim! You're here! Welcome, bro!" He stood up, walked to him, and hugged him.
"I'm sorry I kept you waiting."
"Nah! I came earlier than I planned myself. I was too bored and stressed up in the hospital."
"Ohh... What are you drinking?"
"Soju and sikhye."
"Weird." Kim replied and laughed
"How was work today?"
"It was better today as the almighty doctor Da won came over to say hi,"
"Sweet talk! Remember you ain't talking to a lady here but a doctor who could inject your ass!"
"Ouch! That'd hurt doctor! Please don't inject my fine ass." he pleaded childishly and they both laughed
"How about yours? How was work today Doctor Da won?"
"Stressful as usual... I'm thinking I should stop working in a year's time. I'm going to get old before 50!"
"Hahahahahaha... white hair at 40 will look really good on you tho."