Family Time

Jiwon peered through the door. His grandfather was resting peacefully in his room. Quietly approaching the old man, he fixed the blanket and tucked the pillow into a more comfortable position. The old man stirred a little in his sleep but did not wake up. 

His words were still ringing in Jiwon's ears. Their conversation from a few days ago was spinning in his head.

"Jiwon…" he had said. "I want to tell you something." 

"What is it, Grandfather?" Jiwon had asked. Even though he put on a nonchalant expression, he dreaded the next words. 

"I have Lung Cancer, my child," the Grandfather revealed. "I may not have long to live…" 

Jiwon was not surprised nor was he shocked. He simply accepted it. It hurt. It made him angry. It made him afraid. But he chose to accept the truth. 

Jiwon was not a superstitious person, but at that moment, he recalled the words of the shaman he met years ago. 4 deaths by the time he will turn 21…