Even though I drove nonstop after crossing Panmunjom, it was already past midnight by the time I arrived at Korea University Hospital. As soon as I got out of the car, I hurried into the hospital. The employees who saw me getting off the elevator looked surprised, but I had no time to explain the situation.
“Where’s Manager Ha?”
Manager Ha was coming out of the room where the family members were staying. When he saw me, he flinched.
“Boss, when did you—” “What happened?”
“Well…”
After glancing around at the employees, Manager Ha led me into the family room. He had dark circles under his eyes, as though he had been suffering terribly.
“Please explain what happened. Is this even possible?”
“…The hospital director said he had never seen a case like this before.”
“Is Grandfather sleeping right now?”
“Yes. He just fell asleep.”
Manager Ha’s face was dark as he answered in a quiet voice.
“What did the hospital director say, Manager Ha?”
“He said… it would be difficult for him to make it through the day.”
“…”
My heart sank at Manager Ha’s hesitant words. I had sensed that something was wrong when I spoke to Grandfather on the phone, which was why I had forced myself to return first. But he might not even make it through the day.
When I stood there silently, Manager Ha lowered his eyes and spoke as though he had given up hope.