197 Grown Up (1/2)
”How old is the young miss?”
”Why does that matter?” Bai Han looked at the physician with crossed arms.
”It's just a question.” The physician answered plainly.
Bai Han frowned before answering, ”Fifteen.”
The doctor hummed thoughtfully and glanced at the girl on the bed.
”It would appear the young miss is experiencing a [1] woman's monthly water. A little late for her age, but it's not uncommon.”
A little confused by his words, Bai Han's brows furrowed into a deep frown. The physician was patient and calmly explained.
”When a girl reaches her fourteenth year she begins to menstruate and is able to become pregnant. In your granddaughter's case, it's fifteen.”
”Menst---pregnant?!” Bai Han nearly choked.
His expression appeared a little unsightly after hearing the physician's words. Paying no heed to the odd expression on his face, the physician continued explaining.
”During this period she should not drink or eat cold food or have contact with cold water. These things can impair the flow of blood and may even stop it, causing her to suffer severe lower pain. Also, avoid sour and salty foods.”
When he finished explaining this to Bai Han, he turned toward Rin, who appeared rather flustered by the situation.
”This should only last four to five days but in the meantime, I will provide you with a brown sugar and ginger drink to relieve the pain.”
Hearing the physician's words, Rin recovered from her embarrassment and cleared her throat.
”Thank you.”
The physician nodded and turned to the red-faced Bai Han.
”Remember my words; no cold food, drinks, or water.”
Still a little dazed from his words, Bai Han absentmindedly nodded his head. The physician sighed a little then turned to leave the room. Before stepping out, he paused and turned to the two.
”By the way, congratulations young miss on becoming a woman.”
Heeding those words, Bai Han's entire body stiffened. The physician gave out an amused chuckle before leaving. When the physician left the room, both went silent.
Glancing up, Rin saw her grandfather look a little dazed as if thinking deeply about something. When she lowered her gaze, she heard him suddenly speak.
”Does it hurt anywhere?”
Rin shook her head. ”No. I feel much better now.”
”That's good.” Bai Han nodded his head and glanced down at his joined hands.
Rin smiled softly, maintaining her eyes on the folded hands on her lap. Currently, they were in her bedroom, Bai Han sitting beside her bed on a wooden chair. Rin was lost in her own thoughts when the faint voice of her grandfather brought her back to focus.
”…I'm sorry.”
Her eyes lit up with surprise.
”Grandfather, this wasn't your fault.” Rin's voice held confusion, while her eyes lifted to meet Bai Han's.
In silence, Rin listened to her grandfather while gazing at his deep, silver eyes – filled with guilt and anxiousness.
”I was scared. I'm still scared.” Bai Han admitted - his eyes set on his wrinkled hands. ”When you were little, I always saw you stronger than others your age. I even treated you as one of my own men. But ever since that winter when you were a little girl…I realized how wrong I was. I started seeing how fragile you were, that I never saw you as a growing person.”
While Rin was startled, Bai Han raised his eyes back to her and smiled softly.
”I've come to realize now you're no longer a little girl…but a woman.” He sighed heavily. ”So, if you want to avenge your mother, all I ask is you don't forget us and will stay safe.”
”Grandfather…” Rin's voice cracked with emotion, her eyes glistening.
At that moment, tears flowed down her cheeks. She averted her eyes, refusing to look at her grandfather while wiping away at her cheeks.
”I'm sorry…” Her voice was faint.
Watching the girl cry on the bed as if she were a pitiful child resurfaced various memories. Bai Han smiled, and he patted her head softly.
”Silly girl, I just called you a woman, now you're crying like a child.”