Chapter 122: Chapter 122: Finally...

Seojun lay in darkness, feeling warm and safe. A soft voice called his name over and over again.

"Seojun... Seojun..." story-at-NovelFire

The voice was familiar. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a face he hadn't seen in a long time. Tears filled his eyes as he realized who it was.

It was his mother.

Her hair once brown, was now white with age. Her face had deep lines, showing the years that had passed But her eyes were still warm and loving, the same as he remembered. She smiled gently and touched his face, wiping away his tears with a soft, wrinkled hand.

"Mom…"

She didn't speak, just kept caressing his face. Seojun's head rested in her lap, and he could feel her hand trembling slightly. He reached up, took her hand, and held it tight, his eyes closing as more tears slipped down his cheeks.

"I'm glad you visited me in my dream, Mom," he said softly.

His mother kept stroking his cheek, her thumb moving in slow, calming circles. Her other hand squeezed his, holding on like she never wanted to let go. He could hear her breathing, slow and a little shaky, like she was trying not to cry, too.

After a moment, she spoke, her voice soft and full of love. "My dear Seojun… I've missed you so much."

Seojun's heart ached at her words. He held her hand tighter, feeling the rough and soft parts that were so familiar to him. His lips trembled, but he couldn't find the words to say. All he could do was cry.

She leaned down and kissed his forehead gently, her breath warm against his skin. He felt a calmness come over him, easing the pain he had carried for so long.

"It's okay, my son," she whispered. "I'm here now."

Tears kept rolling down Seojun's face, but he felt some peace now. For a moment, he felt like he was home. He closed his eyes again, holding her hand close, trying to hold on to this moment as long as he could.

"Just a little longer..." he murmured, feeling himself drifting back into darkness, still holding his mother's hand. "Stay with me a little longer, Mom..."

Seojun drifted back into sleep, feeling the warmth of his mother's presence fading away. But then, his eyes snapped open. He sat up quickly, his breathing uneven, and looked around. He was in a hotel room, Confusion and disappointment washed over him as he realized it had all been a dream. His hands gripped his hair, and he looked down, muttering sadly, "Mom…" Sёarch* The NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Yes?"

His head shot up. His eyes widened at the familiar voice. A woman was approaching him from across the room.

Seojun stared at her, unable to believe what he was seeing. She had the same kind eyes, the same gentle smile. She put a tray of food on the table in front of him, then sat down beside him, her smile widening as she noticed his stunned expression.

"Why is my son crying again?" she asked softly. "Did you have a bad dream?"

Seojun's lips trembled, his heart racing in his chest. He stammered, "Am… am I still dreaming?"

His mother chuckled lightly. "Of course not, Seojun. I'm real."

Seojun's eyes widened further. He hesitated then reached out with shaky hands cupping her face She felt warm, alive. His fingers brushed over her cheeks, feeling the smoothness of her skin. She didn't look old like she did in his dream—she looked younger, just as he remembered her from years ago.

"Are you… for real?" he whispered, his voice cracking. "B-but you… you don't look old…"

She smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth and love. "It's not important Seojun. The important is Mommy's alive."

For a moment, Seojun just stared at her, trying to process what was happening. Tears filled his eyes again, and he didn't hesitate any longer. He lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder.

"Mom…" he sobbed, his voice muffled against her. "Mom, you're really here… I thought… I thought I lost you…"

His mother held him close, her hand gently stroking his hair. "Shh, it's okay, my baby boy," she whispered soothingly. "I'm here now. I've missed you so much."

Seojun clung to her like he was afraid she might disappear if he let go. "I've missed you too, Mom… so much… You don't know how much I've wanted to see you."

She continued to hold him, rocking him gently back and forth. "I'm here now, Seojun. You don't have to worry anymore."

Seojun wiped his tears away and slowly pulled back from the hug, looking at his mother with a mix of confusion and concern. "But… what about that old woman?" he asked quietly. "She said you gave her your heart. A-And I could hear the heartbeat… I knew it was yours."

His mother's smile remained gentle as she nodded. "I was declared brain dead, Seojun," she explained softly. "But I suddenly woke up in the hospital room."

Seojun listened closely, his heart still pounding with uncertainty. "I was here in a US hospital," she continued. "And your uncle saved me."

"Uncle Shaun?" Seojun asked, his eyes widening in surprise.

His mother nodded, her smile fading a bit as she spoke more seriously. "Yes, brother Shaun. When he came to visit he couldn't find me. And when he learned I was brain dead and that my heart was going to be transplanted to an old woman, he immediately begged the god who blessed him for a miracle. I came back to life… but at a cost. Half of your uncle's remaining lifetime was taken away."

Seojun's eyes filled with worry. "S-so, Uncle Shaun is dead?"

His mother chuckled, unable to hold back a laugh. "Of course not! I got you there, didn't I?"

Seojun pouted, his cheeks puffing out in frustration. "Mom! Don't joke about things like that!"

She laughed again, the sound light and full of joy. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist," she said, wiping away a tear from her own laughter.

"But it's true, Brother was willing to sacrifice his life for me. The goddess saw his pure heart and decided to bless him. They returned the lifetime that was taken from him. So, not only did he survive, but he also brought me here to the US to get the best care."