One morning, Yang woke up with red spots all over his skin. He tried not to worry his mother but felt hot and itchy. Goo noticed right away and called Miss Shu, who had just arrived to make breakfast. When she saw her son, she felt panic building in her chest.
"What happened, Yang?" she whispered, touching his forehead.
Yang shrugged. "It just started. Maybe it's nothing."
But Miss Shu knew it was serious. She rushed Yang to the doctor, Goo helping her carry his brother in their arms. At the hospital, the doctor ran tests and found that Yang was having a serious allergic reaction. Miss Shu tried to remember what foods he'd eaten. Suddenly, she recalled Aunt Suhei had brought dried mango treats the day before—something Yang enjoyed but was always allergic to.
The doctor said, "He must stay in the hospital for observation. His condition could become life-threatening if it's not treated quickly."
Miss Shu sat by Yang's bed, holding his hand all night as Goo brought food and tried to stay strong for both. Yang's father visited after work, bringing warm words and gentle encouragement. The family was united by fear, desperate to save Yang.
The next few days blurred together. Miss Shu did not let herself rest. She begged the hospital to treat her son, promising she would pay every bill, every cent. Goo kept working, but the smell of medicine and the beeping machines made him worry for Yang and for Miss Shu.
One afternoon, Goo found Miss Shu crying quietly in the hospital garden. He sat beside her and took her hand.
"We'll get through this, Mom," he whispered. "Yang is brave. You are the strongest person I've ever known."
Miss Shu nodded, drying her tears. "I just wish I could give more. I wish I had more money, more health, more miracles."
Goo hugged her tighter. "You give us love, Mom. That is why we keep going."
As the family waited for news of Yang's recovery, life outside the hospital moved on. Miss Shu's hours at the watch shop grew longer; sometimes, friends stopped by just to check on her. Aunt Suhei sent extra fruit and even tried to sell old jewelry, hoping to help. Yang's father met with the hospital's charity office to ask for more support.
Yang began to heal, but it was slow and painful. Some nights, Miss Shu felt helpless as she watched the medicines work slowly, unsure if her son would ever get strong again.
During this time, family, neighbors, and even some kind customers from the shop rallied to help. One day, Goo handed his mother an envelope—a gift from the owner of the delivery store. Inside was enough money to pay down several hospital bills.
Emotional and grateful, Miss Shu realized their struggle was not just their own but shared by everyone who cared for them.
When Yang was finally allowed to return home, the family celebrated with a simple dinner. Goo made silly jokes, Yang smiled weakly, and Miss Shu prepared soft soup, the only thing Yang could eat comfortably.
Yang whispered, "Thank you for saving me, Mom."
Miss Shu smiled. "You saved yourself by being brave."
Yang's father added, "We are all in this together."
But as the days passed, new worries surfaced. The doctors warned Yang's liver was still damaged, and surgery was urgently needed. The whole family gathered after dinner, counting their coins and bills, trying to make the money stretch. Goo worked longer hours, but was careful not to wear himself out. Miss Shu wanted to go back to cleaning offices, but her health was weak from surgery and worry.
Yang watched his family struggle and felt guilt. One night, he spoke quietly to his mother.
"I wish you didn't have to work so hard. Maybe… I should be the one who waits for surgery. Maybe Goo should get better first."
Miss Shu stroked his hair. "You are both important, Yang. Your brother said the same thing. Don't ever feel less worthy."
Yang nodded softly, trying to be strong.
One Sunday, Goo and Yang took part in a school charity event, hoping to help raise money for their own family and others in need. They sold drawings, old toys, and even cookies Miss Shu had taught them to bake. The event was fun but bittersweet, as Goo saw Yang become tired easily, often needing to sit and rest.
At the end of the day, their teacher handed them a small envelope for Miss Shu. Inside was enough money to pay part of their next hospital deposit. The boys hugged each other, glad for the kindness around them.
Miss Shu thanked everyone involved, tears of gratitude streaming down her cheeks.
Time felt both fast and slow. Miss Shu, Goo, Yang, and their father met regularly to talk about their fears, their hopes, and their plans. Sometimes, it seemed they would never gather enough for the medical bills. Other times, a small miracle would happen—a neighbor would help, a friend would bring food, a stranger would donate—and hope would be reborn.