Lost in translation

Chapter 26: Heartbeat of Decisions

Min-Jun headed upstairs, his footsteps echoing softly on the wooden floor. He gently knocked on Evelyn’s door before pushing it open.

“Evelyn, are you okay?” he asked, concern etched on his face.

Evelyn looked up from her bed, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I’m fine, Min-Jun.”

Min-Jun frowned, stepping closer. “How can you be fine when you asked me to prepare some food for you and you didn’t even eat it?”

Evelyn’s eyes darted away, avoiding his gaze. Instead of answering, she leaned forward and kissed him softly on the lips. Min-Jun was momentarily taken aback but didn’t push her away.

The following day, Evelyn left for Busan. As the train sped through the countryside, she stared out the window, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. Fear, guilt, and uncertainty gnawed at her. She felt a heavy weight on her chest, knowing she had to make a decision that would change her life forever.

Upon arriving in Busan, she immediately called her best friend, Nomsa.

“Nomsa, I need to talk to you,” Evelyn said, her voice trembling slightly.

“What’s wrong, Evelyn?” Nomsa asked, sensing the urgency in her friend’s tone.

“I’m pregnant,” Evelyn blurted out, her voice cracking.

There was a brief silence on the other end before Nomsa spoke again. “Are you ready to be a parent?”

Evelyn shook her head, even though Nomsa couldn’t see her. “No, I’m not. My parents will be so disappointed in me,” she said, her voice breaking. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she wiped them away hastily.

Nomsa’s voice softened. “What do you plan on doing?”

Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I think I have to terminate the pregnancy,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The words felt like a betrayal, but she couldn’t see any other way.

“Are you sure about your decision?” Nomsa asked gently.

“Yes,” Evelyn replied firmly, though her heart felt heavy. “I don’t see any other option. I can’t face my parents, and I’m not ready for this.”

Nomsa sighed. “It’s a tough decision, Evelyn. Just know that whatever you choose, I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Nomsa,” Evelyn said, her voice filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

As she hung up the phone, Evelyn felt a mixture of relief and sorrow. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but for now, she had made her choice.

The next day, Evelyn walked into Dr. Hwang’s clinic, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a mix of dread and determination as she approached the receptionist.

“Hello, I’m here to see Dr. Hwang,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

After a short wait, she was ushered into Dr. Hwang’s office. The doctor greeted her with a warm smile. “Evelyn, how can I help you today?”

Evelyn took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant, and I would like to terminate the pregnancy.”

Dr. Hwang nodded, her expression turning serious. “I understand. First, we need to confirm the pregnancy with a test.”

Evelyn took the test in the bathroom and returned it to Dr. Hwang. After a few minutes, the doctor confirmed the result. “You’re definitely pregnant, Evelyn. Now, we need to do an ultrasound to determine how far along you are.”

Evelyn climbed onto the examination bed, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her. Dr. Hwang spread a clear, water-based gel on her belly and pelvis area, then placed a transducer on her belly. As she moved the transducer around, a rhythmic sound filled the room.

“That’s the baby’s heartbeat,” Dr. Hwang said softly.

Evelyn’s eyes filled with tears, and she cried throughout the process. Dr. Hwang gently squeezed her hand. “Be strong, Evelyn.”

After cleaning Evelyn’s belly, Dr. Hwang helped her sit up. “Why do you want to have an abortion? Were you violated?”

Evelyn shook her head. “No, I wasn’t violated. I’m just not ready to be a mother.”

Dr. Hwang nodded understandingly. “You’re 14 weeks and 5 days pregnant. In South Korea, the process for an abortion at this stage involves several steps. Are you sure you want to go through with it?”

Evelyn hesitated. “I need some time to think about it.”

Dr. Hwang wrote her a referral letter to a doctor in Seoul who specialized in abortions. “Take your time, Evelyn. This is a big decision.”

Evelyn left the clinic and returned to her apartment. She immediately called Nomsa.

“Nomsa, I heard my child’s heartbeat today,” Evelyn said, her voice breaking. “I feel so bad for even thinking about aborting the baby.”

Nomsa’s voice was gentle. “You have to do what you feel is right, Evelyn.”

Just then, Evelyn’s doorbell rang. “I have to go, Nomsa. Someone’s at the door.”

She opened the door to find Mrs. Cha standing there with her driver. Evelyn’s heart sank. “What can I help you with, Mrs. Cha?”

Mrs. Cha entered the apartment without waiting for an invitation. “Pour me a glass of wine, Evelyn.”

Evelyn poured the wine and sat down, watching Mrs. Cha warily. Mrs. Cha took a sip before speaking. “I’ll give you 40 million won to leave the country and never see Min-Jun again.”

Evelyn forced a smile. “Just 40 million?”

Mrs. Cha’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t think you were greedy. Fine, 80 million won.”

Evelyn shook her head. “I want 100 million won, and I’ll disappear from Min-Jun’s life.”

Mrs. Cha handed her a briefcase. “There’s an additional 20 million. I never want to see you with my son again, and Min-Jun must never know about this deal.”

After Mrs. Cha stormed out, Evelyn sat in her apartment, feeling a mix of triumph and despair. She called Byoel to share the news.

“Byoel, I’m pregnant, and I’m 14 weeks along,” Evelyn said.

“Congratulations! Your boyfriend must be thrilled,” Byoel replied.

Evelyn sighed. “I’m going to abort the child. I feel terrible, but I have no other option.”

Byoel’s voice was supportive. “You have my support, Evelyn. Just don’t rush into any decisions that might haunt you later.”

Evelyn nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. “Thank you, Byoel. I appreciate it.”

They ended the call, and Evelyn sat in silence, contemplating her next move.