Miss Shu was still weak from her surgery. At night, she sometimes lay awake, thinking of all she had lost: her kidney, her wedding ring, many nights of rest, even some faith in her family's understanding. Her husband tried to comfort her. He cooked rice, washed dishes, and gave her tea, but his illness made him clumsy, and he often dropped plates or forgot tasks. She wanted to be kind, but inside, something had changed.
Goo and Yang had stopped fighting since learning the full truth. Both did chores without complaint, shared their jobs, and took turns caring for Miss Shu. Still, sadness hung in the house, a silence that no birthday or gift could break.
One evening, after dinner, Goo noticed his mother sitting alone and staring at her hands. "Are you feeling okay, Mom?" he asked.
Miss Shu sighed. "I am tired, Goo. Tired of losing myself and wondering if I will ever be okay again."
Yang joined them, sensing the mood was heavy. Miss Shu looked at both sons, then at her husband, who had entered the room with a tray. She spoke quietly, "We need to talk, all of us."
Her husband sat. Goo and Yang watched their parents, nervous and worried. Miss Shu took a deep breath.
"I have given everything to this family," she said softly. "My health, my work, my hopes. But sometimes, I feel alone—even with you here. You do not see how hard it is to keep loving so much when I am tired and afraid."
Her husband tried to speak, but she held up a hand. "Please let me finish. I am grateful for your help, but for many years, I have felt neglected. You care, but your sickness, your silence, and your carelessness have made me carry too much on my own."
Goo and Yang listened, tears in their eyes.
"I love you all, but I must also love myself. I cannot keep living this way—always giving, never receiving true support."
Her husband's face fell. "Shu, what are you saying?"
She turned to him. "I am saying I need a change. I need time to heal, to rest, to find myself again. I want a divorce."
A heavy silence froze the room. Goo and Yang looked at each other, shocked.
Her husband shook his head. "No, Shu. Don't say that. We can be better. We need you."
Miss Shu cried. "I will always be your friend, always help you when I can. But I cannot be your wife anymore. I need to start over."
Goo tried to argue. "Mom, don't split our family apart! We need you and Dad."
Yang was quieter, afraid his family would fall forever.
Miss Shu hugged both boys tightly, tears streaming down her face. "This isn't your fault. I love you so much. I will never leave you. But I must also respect myself."
Her husband stood up, looking older and sadder than ever. "If this is what you want, I will respect it. But please, Shu, do not shut us out."
She nodded. "I promise. We will still be a family—just different."
The next days were hard. Miss Shu packed a bag and found a small apartment nearby. She visited every day to help her sons and husband, but she made clear she needed a break. Goo tried to be strong, taking over repairs and helping Yang finish homework. Their father did his best, but the whole house felt emptier and colder.
Miss Shu sent kind letters, small gifts, and home-cooked dishes for everyone. She missed her family, but she also found peace living quietly, reading, and taking short walks without rushing to anyone's needs.
Yang shared his sadness with Goo one rainy afternoon. "Why did Mom leave?" he asked.
Goo replied, "She needs to love herself. Maybe she'll be happier now, and so will we."
Yang nodded, hugging Goo. "I hope we can all heal."
After weeks apart, Miss Shu saw her husband struggling and Goo looking tired. She returned one sunny morning and made breakfast for everyone, asking about their health, jobs, and feelings. She apologized for her pain. "I am sorry I left you so quickly," she said. "I needed to heal my heart."
Her husband thanked her. "You are brave, Shu. I understand now—love is not about holding on too tightly. It is about caring, giving, and letting go when needed."
Goo and Yang hugged their mother. The family talked for hours, sharing stories, laughter, old photos, and hopes for the future. They agreed to work together as a new kind of family, stronger and wiser for what they had faced.
The pain of divorce was deep, but in time, Miss Shu's house filled with peace. She visited often, spent weekends with Goo and Yang, and sometimes shared quiet meals with her ex-husband, both care and kindness warming old wounds.