the same thing with my mind, I couldnt stop myself finally reaching the lobby of one of the most luxurious hospitals in Seoul.

my steps slowed as I almost reached the room where he was being treated. at least I had to make sure that my presence wouldn't be a problem for him.

not to mention.. considering the possibility if there is someone with him.

the third-grade room was denser than yesterday. the empty bed is now occupied.

but I found a well-groomed bed in a place I believed he'd occupied last night being empty.

I found the nurse who examined him this morning in this third-grade room.

"excuse me, is the patient treated last night here back home?" I asked, pointing toward the bed I meant.

she glanced in the direction I pointed then quickly answered.
"ah,, the patient asked to be transferred to the VIP room."

VIP rooms are located in different buildings. when I got to the seventh floor, a long table where the nurse gathered to welcome me.

looking at the row of doors in the right and left aisles, I just realized that I forgot to ask the room where he moved to the previous nurse.

"annyeonghasimnika~ can we help you?" asked a nurse behind the long table opposite me.

"I'm looking for a patient who has just moved from third-class room."

"ah ne,, what's the patient's name?"
and that's when I'm silent again.

"yang-ssi?"

"can I just check out a transfer patient from third-class?" this time the nurse looked at me in confused.

"it would be easier if searched by name.."
would sound unreasonable if my answer is not know.

"yang-ssi?"

"can I find him by myself?"

"mianhe.. but the hospital doesnt allow visitors to disturb other patients."

"but..."

"so what's the name of the patient you want to look for?"
the conversation between us invited the attention of several pairs of eyes.

out of the corner of my eye, I could see a security guard at the end of the hall beginning to walk toward us.

the anxiety on my face seemed obvious. the friendly-looking nurse is now beginning to look at me with wonder at her brow.

"yang-ssi, what is the name of the patient you are looking for?"

"jeon jeongguk."

a familiar voice that made me instantly turned.

I found him standing behind me with a nurse who helped him walk.

jeon jeongguk, he said.

does this mean he is no longer a stranger?

---

the nurse who helped him to the bed finally left us.

the size of the VIP room is almost as large as the third class room. the only difference is that there's only a bed equipped with two sofas that look comfortable in the corner of the room.

flat screen tv is right in front of the bed. I can find a small table that resembles a pantry with a variety of equipment to make coffee next to a private bathroom.

the room with the feel of wood like this certainly not cheap.

"how long will you be standing in front of a door like that?" his words woke me up.

I rushed to the sofa facing the bed.

"thank you" he said almost inaudibly. I was stunned again by the reaction I had to give.

"I just... helped."
I guess my answer wasnt bad because a thin smile finally adorned his face.

"have you contacted your family?" this time he was silent and his gaze back directed to the phone. his reaction was taken as a reluctance to discuss what I just asked.

"uhm.. how many days will you be treated here?"
I asked again to stop the silence.

"possibly three to four days depending on lab results."

"so is Typhus ?"
he nodded and began to lean back into his sleeping position.

his hand was trying to reach the remote controller of the bed but was blocked by the infusion hose on the side of his hand.

I rushed over to him and pressed the button until he indicated that he was comfortable enough in that position.

close up, I could see a dark circle clearly visible under his eyes. his lips are also dry. a glimpse of his face is firmly disguised with a tired face.

"already feeling better?"

"it was much better this afternoon, the doctor said on the night like this, my condition will certainly tend to get worse."
I nodded at his explanation, feeling that this was certainly not easy for him.

"is there anything I can help you with?"
he returned my gaze before finally closing his eyes.

"how about you tell me about yourself?"

"about myself?"

he didnt answer and still closed his eyes....

"nothing interisting about me"