repost: Never letting go Chapter 17
Hyukjae found it difficult to smile the first few days after the incident. Magazines, news papers, and Television were not allowed at all as news about the mischief was all over all types of media. So many speculations came out but both families remained silent.
It took her four whole days to finally get herself to get out of the room. She realized she needed activities to distract her from thinking too much and to stay healthy. Her family gave her full support on that.
The first genuine that curved her lips was when the doctor told her that her baby was developing well inside her. She cried, but it was out of happiness. She was thankful that the life inside her didn’t get harmed despite all the stresses that she’s been subjected to.
Her disposition got better; she managed to think about Donghae less and less during the day, although it was still a struggle every night. She still cries herself to sleep.
---
Donghae changed a lot too. He talked less and became temperamental. It was highly noticeable, he became quite irresponsible. He became a walking disaster himself. It was all because he was hurting yet no one could understand him. He doesn’t want to try to justify himself and just let them be. If only feeling a little bit of the pain that he knows Hyukjae was going through, he’d endure it.
The torture was greater at night, yes, he cries. He doesn’t give a fuck if people will know about it. After a few days of staying in his parent’s home, he decided to go back to the apartment. It was already empty of Hyukjae’s things when he got back.
It wasn’t easy staying there alone but he’d rather remember everything that he and Hyukjae shared than to be totally deprived of her. He sleeps in her room, where her sweet scent clung in the air, in the pillow and the sheets of her bed.
---
Hyukjae inspected herself in the mirror, at four months into pregnancy the bulge in her stomach is becoming more evident. She smiled soon, loose clothing will not be enough to conceal it anymore. By the time it gets bigger she’ll already be out of Korea. In a week’s time, Kyuhyun and Sungmin will be married they’ll just go on a quick European honeymoon. After that, they’ll be on their way to America, with Hyukjae.
It saddens her that she’ll give birth in another country. Somewhere far away from her father’s baby. In a small corner of her heart, she wishes that someday, her child would get to know Donghae. She doesn’t want her baby to grow up totally fatherless.
---
Hyukjae doesn’t know how the couple convinced her to agree to have lunch out with them, she doesn’t like being in crowded places, after almost three months she’s still getting looks of pity from people who recognized her and she doesn’t like it.
“Sis, don’t mind them..” kyuhyun said noticing her discomfort.
Sungmin who was holding her hand squeezed it lightly. She threw the older woman with a grateful look.
“Kyuhyunnie… We’ll go shopping later okay? I need new clothes. I think Hyukkie does too… and I don’t want any single complaint from you later okay?!” Sungmin gave her brother a glare which made Hyukjae smile at the pout Kyuhyun gave out. Her brother hated shopping.
“Fine… how many credit cards should I ready?”
“As many as you have..” Sungmin stuck her tongue out her boyfriend childishly.
Hyukjae loved seeing them like that. They’re so inlove but it makes her feel a little bit jealous too, knowing that her baby wouldn’t have a complete family.
They ate at her favorite Italian restaurant, situated next to the mall.
It was Donghae’s parent’s anniversary, His mother called him telling him to go to the restaurant for a family lunch since his brother needs to go on an international flight later that afternoon.
He fixed himself, shaving for the first time in weeks. He doesn’t want to worry his family even more. He knows it’s already hard for them that he’s isolating himself from almost everyone.
---
Miyoung couldn’t believe her luck that day. She’s waited for that day to arrive. One last blow for Hyukjae before she move on with her life. She’s pretty sure that Hyukjae’s been miserable for the past months so adding a little more to that wouldn’t be that bad. She smirked.
She’s been keeping an eye on both Hyukjae and Donghae but this it the first time in months that their paths will cross and she’s excited that she’s there. Just perfect.
She got out of the rented taxi and walked behind Donghae who seemed to be oblivious to everything.
Upon reaching the restaurant’s entrance, Donghae froze. First because he was not expecting to see the face he’s been longing to see for months now. Second, because of the sudden hold he felt on his arm.
---
Hyukjae was still smiling from the lame joke Kyuhyun threw, however her smile faded instantaneously when she saw Donghae with Miyoung. She saw the shock that registered on his face when he saw her. She couldn’t quite comprehend how exactly she felt. It was painful, like the wounds that were already starting to heal were cut again.
For months, she tried to think Donghae had a justifiable reason for leaving her, she never wanted to believe that he actually just played with her. It was like a hard slap on the face seeing them together.
---
Donghae didn’t know how the hell Miyoung ended up by his side, he wanted to push her but his reflexes seemed to have died on him. He watched as different emotions crossed Hyukjae’s face. Sadness and pain were reflected in those doe-like brown eyes he loved so much.
“Hyuk-“
“Let’s go.” Kyuhyun’s hard voice drowned the sound of Donghae’s. The murderous look that he received from Kyuhyun told him that one move from him and the other will be ready to pounce on him.
Sungmin who was nervous from the what-could-be commotion hastily pulled Hyukjae away from the scene.
Donghae’s jaws pressed tightly together as he watched the other three walk to the parking lot. He entered the restaurant with Miyoung still clinging onto him. The moment the restaurant’s door closer, he pushed Miyoung against the wall, holding her by the neck. The triumphant smirk on Miyoung’s lips didn’t fade. Instead it grew even more. Mocking him.
“do you know I can totally wring your neck right now? Believe me.. I could.” The anger on donghae’s voice was so thick.
“Sir-“ once of the restaurant staff tried pulling Donghae away. The scene was already attracting the attention from the other customers.
“but you won’t do it.. you’re such a coward Donghae..” Miyoung chuckled. “Did you see her face? Oh. I was priceless. I can tell she’s weeping her pretty ass as of the moment.
“Bitch..”
“No, honey… you used to call me your princess remem-“ her words were cut off when Donghae’s hold in her neck tightened, choking her. She coughed; she was not a bit frightened though, if Donghae would kill her at the moment, she would die happily.
More of the restaurant’s staff rushed to the scene, pulling Donghae away from Miyoung who was turning starting to turn blue from the strangling. Donghae’s fury cannot be contained at the moment.
“Try laying a finger on Hyukjae and I will hunt you down. I swear I will.”
Miyoung who tried catching her breath composed herself before replying indignantly.
“Don’t worry lover boy. I won’t bother your princess anymore. I’m quite sure I’ve done enough to scar her for life..” Miyoung grinned at him and walked out of the restaurant.
The restaurant staff let go of Donghae who seemed to have calmed down. He muttered string of curses. Hating himself for being exactly what Miyoung accused him to be. A complete coward. It could have been the perfect timing to explain her everything but he just stood there and did nothing.
His family arrived but he kept what happened from them, he doesn’t want to ruin his parents’ anniversary.
---
Hyukjae was silent while keeping her gaze outside window, Kyuhyun and Sungmin exchanged worried glances.
“Hyukkie, are you okay?” Sungmin asked.
“I’m good don’t worry.. but if it’s okay can we just go home? I feel a little tired…” Hyukjae smiled weakly. Her heart was barely together yet, it got crushed badly again. She honestly wanted to cry. She wanted to get rid of the heavy feeling in her chest, but the tears wouldn’t fall when she needed them to.
Kyuhyun’s imagined the steering wheel to be the neck of the other two people earlier. If only he weren’t with two pregnant women, he could have engaged Donghae into a brawl. He would love to bruise that face.
----
Not wanting to worry the people around her, Hyukjae put on a cheerful face everytime she’s surrounded by her family. Helping Sungmin was a particularly good diversion for her, helping her into forgetting about things. It tired her, that whenever her back hits her bed, she doesn’t have time to think anymore. She just goes straight to slumber. However, the dreamless nights she had didn’t lessen the stress inside her.
----
Hyukjae shed a tear while clapping her hand as she heard the declaration confirming that Kyuhyun is now legally Sungmin’s and vice versa. She was delighted for them, she watched them as they kissed each other passionately and lovingly. Love and happiness reflected in both of their eyes.
She headed towards their direction, she wants to congratulate them but she stopped momentarily when she felt a sharp sting down her center. She winced at the pain, but didn’t think it was such a big deal.
“hey! Congratulations to you lovely couple..” She smiled, ignoring the throbbing sensation on her mid section.
“Thank you-“ Sungmin’s smile was replaced by a horrified expression as she clutched Kyuhyun’s arm tightly. “Hyukkie.. you’re bleeding..”
“Oh shit!” kyuhyun muttered.
Hyukjae’s senses was suddenly conquered by fear as she finally felt the warm liquid gushing down her legs, staining the white of her dress.
“Prepare the car!” Somebody shouted. And that was the last thing that Hyukjae heard before she fainted.
---
The football team was having their practice break when Hyuna came running to the football field, searching for Doojoon.
“Can you please take me to the hospital? My car’s broken and my friends are still in class and---“ she was in panic and Doojoon had to hold her in the shoulder to steady her.
“Shhh baby what’s wrong?”
“I just need to go to the hospital!! Will you take me there or not? If you can’t I’ll find somebody who will!” Hyuna said, frustrated. Her eyes are glassy with tears.
Donghae’s gut feel told him that whatever it was, he needs to know it. He approached them and it earned him a deadly glare from Hyuna. Something that he has gotten used to since she never gave him any other type of look after the wedding that did not push through.
“You can go, I’ll just explain it to coach..”
Hyuna dragged Doojoon without anymore words.
---
Donghae just got out of the shower when he heard his phone rang. It was Doojoon.
“Hello?”
“Hyung I don’t know if it matters to you, but Hyukjae’s in the hospital. She was rushed here earlier.. they wouldn’t tell the reason why.. we still haven’t seen her..”
Donghae felt as if someone punched him right across the stomach. He could not form anywords. His eyes heated up. His fist curled into a tight ball.
I’m sorry for disturbing you Hyung.. I-I just thought that well. I thought that you love her.. “
“What-“
“I need to go.. Hyuna will be furious if she finds out..” Doojoon ended the call before Donghae could ask for the hospital’s name.
Donghae fisted his hair in desperation. He wants to know what happened to Hyukjae, wants to be on her side but he knows there’s no way in hell her family would let him see her after what he did.
He went to his parents’ home.. tried seeking for help that he should have asked for long time ago.
---
Hyukjae was feeling nauseous when she woke up, she looked around and concluded that she wasn’t in her room. Her guess was confirmed by IV on her left hand.
She closed her eyes tightly; forcing herself to wake up from what she believes is a dream. It needs to be a dream. It can’t be real. Because if it was her reality then something bad indeed happened.
“Hyukkie..” Kyuhyun’s voice was tender, aiming to give her comfort, but instead, it scared her even more. She opened her eyes slowly. Kyuhyun looked like he just cried. Sungmin who was behind Kyuhyun had her eyes swollen as well. She surveyed the rest of the room, and she found her mother crying silently beside her father.
“I’m sorry for ruining your wedding..” she gave an apologetic look on Sungmin.
“you didn’t ruin anything Hyukkie..” sungmin assured her softly.
“I did.. I think I have this some sort of bad omen in me.. everything turns into disaster..” Hyukjae joked, but the bitterness in her voice was so evident, everybody felt it.
“don’t think like that.. you’re precious to everyone of us..” Kyuhyun said.
“Thank you…” Hyukjae’s hand settled on her tummy.. trying to feel if there was still life inside her. Desperately.
Silence veiled the room for a moment, kyuhyun hated to be the one to bring the bad news to Hyukjae, but someone has too. He took her hands away from her tummy and met her questioning gaze.
“Hyukkie.. your baby.. she’s an angel now..” It was Kyuhyun’s turn to shut his eyes. He couldn’t continue looking at Hyukjae’s blank eyes for he’s very sure that it will soon be flooded with grief.
“Kyuhyunnie.. it’s bad to pull pranks on someone who’s not feeling well you know..” Hyukjae’s voice remained calm, but her body began shaking. That didn’t fell for days now streamed like a free flowing river.
“I wish I am..”
“No… not my baby please…” and Hyukjae broke down. Her heart shattering into tiny pieces yet again.
Her mom walked by her side to comfort her, but none of the words they were saying were getting through her anymore. She feels as if she’s been cursed. She wondered why she didn’t just die with her baby. It would have been a lot better than this.
“Hyukkie we need you to be strong.. please..” Her father cupped her face and forced her to look at him in the eye. For the first time in her life she saw her father cry. “You still have us.. please be strong for us..”
“It’s so painful appa, It’s so painful I feel like dying..” she buried into her father’s arm like how she used to whenever she gets hurt when she was younger.
“It’s gonna be alright princess.. one day happiness will come, it will wash all these hurt away..” her father assured her. She wished it was as easy to believe it now as it was back then.
When her sobs died down eventually, She was drained, every fibre of her being exhausted. She couldn’t remember how long she cried all she knows was she’s in his father’s arms.
It took her four whole days to finally get herself to get out of the room. She realized she needed activities to distract her from thinking too much and to stay healthy. Her family gave her full support on that.
The first genuine that curved her lips was when the doctor told her that her baby was developing well inside her. She cried, but it was out of happiness. She was thankful that the life inside her didn’t get harmed despite all the stresses that she’s been subjected to.
Her disposition got better; she managed to think about Donghae less and less during the day, although it was still a struggle every night. She still cries herself to sleep.
---
Donghae changed a lot too. He talked less and became temperamental. It was highly noticeable, he became quite irresponsible. He became a walking disaster himself. It was all because he was hurting yet no one could understand him. He doesn’t want to try to justify himself and just let them be. If only feeling a little bit of the pain that he knows Hyukjae was going through, he’d endure it.
The torture was greater at night, yes, he cries. He doesn’t give a fuck if people will know about it. After a few days of staying in his parent’s home, he decided to go back to the apartment. It was already empty of Hyukjae’s things when he got back.
It wasn’t easy staying there alone but he’d rather remember everything that he and Hyukjae shared than to be totally deprived of her. He sleeps in her room, where her sweet scent clung in the air, in the pillow and the sheets of her bed.
---
Hyukjae inspected herself in the mirror, at four months into pregnancy the bulge in her stomach is becoming more evident. She smiled soon, loose clothing will not be enough to conceal it anymore. By the time it gets bigger she’ll already be out of Korea. In a week’s time, Kyuhyun and Sungmin will be married they’ll just go on a quick European honeymoon. After that, they’ll be on their way to America, with Hyukjae.
It saddens her that she’ll give birth in another country. Somewhere far away from her father’s baby. In a small corner of her heart, she wishes that someday, her child would get to know Donghae. She doesn’t want her baby to grow up totally fatherless.
---
Hyukjae doesn’t know how the couple convinced her to agree to have lunch out with them, she doesn’t like being in crowded places, after almost three months she’s still getting looks of pity from people who recognized her and she doesn’t like it.
“Sis, don’t mind them..” kyuhyun said noticing her discomfort.
Sungmin who was holding her hand squeezed it lightly. She threw the older woman with a grateful look.
“Kyuhyunnie… We’ll go shopping later okay? I need new clothes. I think Hyukkie does too… and I don’t want any single complaint from you later okay?!” Sungmin gave her brother a glare which made Hyukjae smile at the pout Kyuhyun gave out. Her brother hated shopping.
“Fine… how many credit cards should I ready?”
“As many as you have..” Sungmin stuck her tongue out her boyfriend childishly.
Hyukjae loved seeing them like that. They’re so inlove but it makes her feel a little bit jealous too, knowing that her baby wouldn’t have a complete family.
They ate at her favorite Italian restaurant, situated next to the mall.
It was Donghae’s parent’s anniversary, His mother called him telling him to go to the restaurant for a family lunch since his brother needs to go on an international flight later that afternoon.
He fixed himself, shaving for the first time in weeks. He doesn’t want to worry his family even more. He knows it’s already hard for them that he’s isolating himself from almost everyone.
---
Miyoung couldn’t believe her luck that day. She’s waited for that day to arrive. One last blow for Hyukjae before she move on with her life. She’s pretty sure that Hyukjae’s been miserable for the past months so adding a little more to that wouldn’t be that bad. She smirked.
She’s been keeping an eye on both Hyukjae and Donghae but this it the first time in months that their paths will cross and she’s excited that she’s there. Just perfect.
She got out of the rented taxi and walked behind Donghae who seemed to be oblivious to everything.
Upon reaching the restaurant’s entrance, Donghae froze. First because he was not expecting to see the face he’s been longing to see for months now. Second, because of the sudden hold he felt on his arm.
---
Hyukjae was still smiling from the lame joke Kyuhyun threw, however her smile faded instantaneously when she saw Donghae with Miyoung. She saw the shock that registered on his face when he saw her. She couldn’t quite comprehend how exactly she felt. It was painful, like the wounds that were already starting to heal were cut again.
For months, she tried to think Donghae had a justifiable reason for leaving her, she never wanted to believe that he actually just played with her. It was like a hard slap on the face seeing them together.
---
Donghae didn’t know how the hell Miyoung ended up by his side, he wanted to push her but his reflexes seemed to have died on him. He watched as different emotions crossed Hyukjae’s face. Sadness and pain were reflected in those doe-like brown eyes he loved so much.
“Hyuk-“
“Let’s go.” Kyuhyun’s hard voice drowned the sound of Donghae’s. The murderous look that he received from Kyuhyun told him that one move from him and the other will be ready to pounce on him.
Sungmin who was nervous from the what-could-be commotion hastily pulled Hyukjae away from the scene.
Donghae’s jaws pressed tightly together as he watched the other three walk to the parking lot. He entered the restaurant with Miyoung still clinging onto him. The moment the restaurant’s door closer, he pushed Miyoung against the wall, holding her by the neck. The triumphant smirk on Miyoung’s lips didn’t fade. Instead it grew even more. Mocking him.
“do you know I can totally wring your neck right now? Believe me.. I could.” The anger on donghae’s voice was so thick.
“Sir-“ once of the restaurant staff tried pulling Donghae away. The scene was already attracting the attention from the other customers.
“but you won’t do it.. you’re such a coward Donghae..” Miyoung chuckled. “Did you see her face? Oh. I was priceless. I can tell she’s weeping her pretty ass as of the moment.
“Bitch..”
“No, honey… you used to call me your princess remem-“ her words were cut off when Donghae’s hold in her neck tightened, choking her. She coughed; she was not a bit frightened though, if Donghae would kill her at the moment, she would die happily.
More of the restaurant’s staff rushed to the scene, pulling Donghae away from Miyoung who was turning starting to turn blue from the strangling. Donghae’s fury cannot be contained at the moment.
“Try laying a finger on Hyukjae and I will hunt you down. I swear I will.”
Miyoung who tried catching her breath composed herself before replying indignantly.
“Don’t worry lover boy. I won’t bother your princess anymore. I’m quite sure I’ve done enough to scar her for life..” Miyoung grinned at him and walked out of the restaurant.
The restaurant staff let go of Donghae who seemed to have calmed down. He muttered string of curses. Hating himself for being exactly what Miyoung accused him to be. A complete coward. It could have been the perfect timing to explain her everything but he just stood there and did nothing.
His family arrived but he kept what happened from them, he doesn’t want to ruin his parents’ anniversary.
---
Hyukjae was silent while keeping her gaze outside window, Kyuhyun and Sungmin exchanged worried glances.
“Hyukkie, are you okay?” Sungmin asked.
“I’m good don’t worry.. but if it’s okay can we just go home? I feel a little tired…” Hyukjae smiled weakly. Her heart was barely together yet, it got crushed badly again. She honestly wanted to cry. She wanted to get rid of the heavy feeling in her chest, but the tears wouldn’t fall when she needed them to.
Kyuhyun’s imagined the steering wheel to be the neck of the other two people earlier. If only he weren’t with two pregnant women, he could have engaged Donghae into a brawl. He would love to bruise that face.
----
Not wanting to worry the people around her, Hyukjae put on a cheerful face everytime she’s surrounded by her family. Helping Sungmin was a particularly good diversion for her, helping her into forgetting about things. It tired her, that whenever her back hits her bed, she doesn’t have time to think anymore. She just goes straight to slumber. However, the dreamless nights she had didn’t lessen the stress inside her.
----
Hyukjae shed a tear while clapping her hand as she heard the declaration confirming that Kyuhyun is now legally Sungmin’s and vice versa. She was delighted for them, she watched them as they kissed each other passionately and lovingly. Love and happiness reflected in both of their eyes.
She headed towards their direction, she wants to congratulate them but she stopped momentarily when she felt a sharp sting down her center. She winced at the pain, but didn’t think it was such a big deal.
“hey! Congratulations to you lovely couple..” She smiled, ignoring the throbbing sensation on her mid section.
“Thank you-“ Sungmin’s smile was replaced by a horrified expression as she clutched Kyuhyun’s arm tightly. “Hyukkie.. you’re bleeding..”
“Oh shit!” kyuhyun muttered.
Hyukjae’s senses was suddenly conquered by fear as she finally felt the warm liquid gushing down her legs, staining the white of her dress.
“Prepare the car!” Somebody shouted. And that was the last thing that Hyukjae heard before she fainted.
---
The football team was having their practice break when Hyuna came running to the football field, searching for Doojoon.
“Can you please take me to the hospital? My car’s broken and my friends are still in class and---“ she was in panic and Doojoon had to hold her in the shoulder to steady her.
“Shhh baby what’s wrong?”
“I just need to go to the hospital!! Will you take me there or not? If you can’t I’ll find somebody who will!” Hyuna said, frustrated. Her eyes are glassy with tears.
Donghae’s gut feel told him that whatever it was, he needs to know it. He approached them and it earned him a deadly glare from Hyuna. Something that he has gotten used to since she never gave him any other type of look after the wedding that did not push through.
“You can go, I’ll just explain it to coach..”
Hyuna dragged Doojoon without anymore words.
---
Donghae just got out of the shower when he heard his phone rang. It was Doojoon.
“Hello?”
“Hyung I don’t know if it matters to you, but Hyukjae’s in the hospital. She was rushed here earlier.. they wouldn’t tell the reason why.. we still haven’t seen her..”
Donghae felt as if someone punched him right across the stomach. He could not form anywords. His eyes heated up. His fist curled into a tight ball.
I’m sorry for disturbing you Hyung.. I-I just thought that well. I thought that you love her.. “
“What-“
“I need to go.. Hyuna will be furious if she finds out..” Doojoon ended the call before Donghae could ask for the hospital’s name.
Donghae fisted his hair in desperation. He wants to know what happened to Hyukjae, wants to be on her side but he knows there’s no way in hell her family would let him see her after what he did.
He went to his parents’ home.. tried seeking for help that he should have asked for long time ago.
---
Hyukjae was feeling nauseous when she woke up, she looked around and concluded that she wasn’t in her room. Her guess was confirmed by IV on her left hand.
She closed her eyes tightly; forcing herself to wake up from what she believes is a dream. It needs to be a dream. It can’t be real. Because if it was her reality then something bad indeed happened.
“Hyukkie..” Kyuhyun’s voice was tender, aiming to give her comfort, but instead, it scared her even more. She opened her eyes slowly. Kyuhyun looked like he just cried. Sungmin who was behind Kyuhyun had her eyes swollen as well. She surveyed the rest of the room, and she found her mother crying silently beside her father.
“I’m sorry for ruining your wedding..” she gave an apologetic look on Sungmin.
“you didn’t ruin anything Hyukkie..” sungmin assured her softly.
“I did.. I think I have this some sort of bad omen in me.. everything turns into disaster..” Hyukjae joked, but the bitterness in her voice was so evident, everybody felt it.
“don’t think like that.. you’re precious to everyone of us..” Kyuhyun said.
“Thank you…” Hyukjae’s hand settled on her tummy.. trying to feel if there was still life inside her. Desperately.
Silence veiled the room for a moment, kyuhyun hated to be the one to bring the bad news to Hyukjae, but someone has too. He took her hands away from her tummy and met her questioning gaze.
“Hyukkie.. your baby.. she’s an angel now..” It was Kyuhyun’s turn to shut his eyes. He couldn’t continue looking at Hyukjae’s blank eyes for he’s very sure that it will soon be flooded with grief.
“Kyuhyunnie.. it’s bad to pull pranks on someone who’s not feeling well you know..” Hyukjae’s voice remained calm, but her body began shaking. That didn’t fell for days now streamed like a free flowing river.
“I wish I am..”
“No… not my baby please…” and Hyukjae broke down. Her heart shattering into tiny pieces yet again.
Her mom walked by her side to comfort her, but none of the words they were saying were getting through her anymore. She feels as if she’s been cursed. She wondered why she didn’t just die with her baby. It would have been a lot better than this.
“Hyukkie we need you to be strong.. please..” Her father cupped her face and forced her to look at him in the eye. For the first time in her life she saw her father cry. “You still have us.. please be strong for us..”
“It’s so painful appa, It’s so painful I feel like dying..” she buried into her father’s arm like how she used to whenever she gets hurt when she was younger.
“It’s gonna be alright princess.. one day happiness will come, it will wash all these hurt away..” her father assured her. She wished it was as easy to believe it now as it was back then.
When her sobs died down eventually, She was drained, every fibre of her being exhausted. She couldn’t remember how long she cried all she knows was she’s in his father’s arms.