Chapter 2
"Lily, shall we go to another city?" David asked, his tone hopeful.
"Why?" Lily looked confused, her brow furrowing slightly.
"You see, Dad got work there, and you can find many new friends," he explained, anticipating a longer conversation. To his surprise, she nodded eagerly.
"Okay!"
"But can I go to sleep first? I'll prepare everything for us to go."
David stepped out of the room and called Jason.
"I'll come to your company," he said, his voice firm.
"Welcome to Eon Research and Co!" Jason replied enthusiastically. "I'll see you in Daejeo."
After a few casual talks, David hung up the phone, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
---
He walked to the doctor's office to discuss Lily's discharge procedure.
"You want to take her to another city? It's only been two months," the doctor said, looking shocked.
"I know it's quick, but I need to do this," David replied firmly.
The doctor sighed, "Just make sure she doesn't do anything strenuous—no running or jumping. Some normal walks outside will be good for her."
"Thank you, Doctor." David left the office, determination fueling his steps.
---
That night, he stayed in Lily's room until morning, ensuring she felt safe. After breakfast, he went back to their house and called a moving company to handle the relocation. Once everything was set, he returned to the hospital.
He woke Lily gently, helping her freshen up before they headed for her regular checkup.
After completing all the discharge procedures, David secured a car, gathered Lily's medicine, and ensured they had everything packed. They began their journey to Daejeo around 11:00 AM, taking breaks along the way.
By 1:00 PM, they arrived at their new home. After a quick lunch outside, they drove slowly to the Dong Gu area where their house awaited.
Lily gazed out the window, her stuffed rabbit clutched tightly. "When will we reach?"
"Almost there, sweetheart. This is going to be a nice place for us."
"Will Mom like it?" Lily asked softly, her voice laced with innocence.
David's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "She'd love it. She wants us to be happy here."
---
Upon arriving, Lily rushed to the front of their two-story house with a small garden. The moving company had already placed their boxes inside.
"Look, Dad! My room has a big window!" Lily exclaimed, running upstairs.
David followed behind, chuckling. "Go slow!"
When they reached her room, she beamed with excitement. "I claimed it!"
David smiled, feeling relief wash over him. He joined her at the window. "What's that place?" Lily asked, pointing outside.
David looked where she pointed. "It looks like an orphanage. Maybe you'll make some new friends there."
"Really?" Lily's eyes sparkled.
"Yes! But first, you need to take your medicine and rest," he reminded her gently.
---
After a light nap, they woke up, and David started unpacking essential items. He ordered takeout food, and when he noticed Lily struggling to eat, he helped her.
After their light dinner, David asked, "Do you want to see the city tomorrow?"
Lily's eyes lit up. "Can we go to the orphanage?"
"Sure! Maybe we'll find you a friend," he replied with a smile.
They watched TV together for a while, and after giving Lily her medication, David gently urged her to sleep.
"Good night, Dad," Lily said with a yawn.
"Good night, Lily. I love you," he replied softly.
"Love you too," she murmured as her eyes fluttered shut.
---
David stayed by her side until she drifted into a deep sleep. Once he was sure she was settled, he stepped outside her room and began unpacking some of the boxes.
He paused when he found a photo of Emily, staring at it for a few seconds. "You don't have to worry. I promise I'll protect Lily and make her happy," he vowed softly, hanging the photo on the wall.
With a heavy heart yet a glimmer of hope, David finally went to bed.
The next morning, David woke early, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. He headed to the bathroom to wash up, refreshing himself for the day ahead. Afterward, he moved to the kitchen, eager to prepare breakfast.
David skillfully made toast, scrambled eggs, and poured a glass of milk for Lily. As he arranged the dishes on the dining table, he heard the soft patter of feet. He turned to see Lily walking in, still in her pajamas, her stuffed rabbit clutched in her arms.
"Good morning, sleepyhead! We have a big day ahead," he greeted her with a warm smile.
Lily rubbed her eyes, looking up at him sleepily. "Where are we going today?"
"We're going to explore the town and visit the orphanage," David replied, excitement bubbling in his voice.
"Yay!" Lily cheered, her face lighting up with joy.
"Now go wash up, and I'll finish breakfast," he instructed gently.
---
After Lily freshened up, they sat down together for breakfast, sharing laughter and stories about their new home. Once they finished eating, David held Lily's hand as they stepped outside.
The streets of Daejeo buzzed with life, and Lily was practically bouncing with excitement. "Look, Dad! That kitty is following us!" she exclaimed, pointing at a small cat trailing behind them.
"Maybe she thinks you're cute and wants to be your friend," David replied with a chuckle.
"Can we keep her?" Lily asked, her eyes wide with hope.
"Not right now, but when you're a bit older, we'll see," David assured her.
They continued walking, the sun shining brightly above them as they made their way to the Daejeo Aeyook Won Orphanage.
At the entrance of the orphanage, Lily stood frozen, watching the children play on the swings and slides. She hugged her stuffed rabbit, Mr. Bun, tightly against her chest, nerves bubbling within her.
Noticing her apprehension, David knelt beside her. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"
"Do they like me?" Lily asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course they will! You're kind and fun. Who wouldn't want to be your friend?" David reassured her, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Lily's expression brightened slightly. "Okay…" She took a deep breath and walked slowly toward the playground.
"Remember to play safely," David reminded her as she took her first steps into the yard.
---
Lily approached a little boy sitting alone at the edge of the playground. He looked up and noticed her.
"Hey, are you new?" he asked, his curiosity evident.
"Yeah… I just moved here," Lily replied nervously.
"I'm Joon. I live here," the boy introduced himself.
"I'm Lily, and this is Mr. Bun," she said, proudly showing off her stuffed rabbit.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Bun," Joon said with a grin.
Joon took her hand and led her to a bench in the playground.
"Why did you move here?" he asked, swinging his legs.
"Dad said it's for his work. We came in a big car," Lily explained, her confidence growing.
"A car? That sounds cool!" Joon exclaimed.
"It was bumpy! Mr. Bun almost fell off the seat!" Lily laughed, her initial nerves fading away.
They chatted and played, their laughter mingling with the sounds of other children having fun.
---
As the afternoon sun began to dip, David approached them. "Lily, it's time to go back," he said gently.
"I have to go now," Lily said to Joon, disappointment flickering across her face.
"Are you coming tomorrow?" Joon asked, hope in his eyes.
"I will! You'll be here, right?" Lily replied, eager for reassurance.
"Mm-hmm," Joon nodded eagerly.
Lily waved as she turned to follow her dad. "See you tomorrow!"
"See you!" Joon waved back, a big smile on his face.
David watched Lily's excitement, a smile of his own forming as he saw her make a new friend.
---
After a delicious dinner outside, they arrived home. Lily, feeling a bit tired from the day's adventures, plopped down on the couch.
David handed her a juice box. "Did you have fun with your new friend today?"
"Yeah! He's nice. I think we're good friends," Lily said, her eyes sparkling.
"I'm glad," David smiled, ruffling her hair affectionately.
Lily leaned against him while sipping her juice. "So, do you think Mr. Bun likes him too?"
"I think Mr. Bun approves," David replied with a chuckle.
After a few moments, he said, "Now take your medicine."
Lily took her medicine willingly, and once she finished, David gently tucked her in for a nap, watching as she drifted off to sleep with a content smile on her face.