TAEMI SUNGOH

Taemi's Point Of View

"Thank you all for your generosity. I am thrilled to receive this award. I greatly treasure being a savior for others, helping them when nobody else can. Being a psychiatrist is not only prescribing medicines to patients, it's also knowing their personal matters and helping them in their time of need.”

I stop talking to take a deep breath, trying to calm my jumpy nerves. The butterflies tickling my stomach are so intense they almost make me giggle.

"I am thankful to help you get rid of your problems, and I enjoy every second of my job, my passion. There's nothing I enjoy more than helping a patient recover. Anyways, thank you for this amazing award and please keep supporting the medical field, we appreciate the generosity. Thank you for gifting me this precious present, and have a good evening."

As soon as I hit the last letter of my speech I run down the stage, hurrying to my seat in the back of the room. I feel really honored receiving such a prestigious award, but I'm just too shy for my own good sometimes.  I can't help but blush from embarrassment as the master of the ceremony announces my name.

"Everyone please, an applause for Dr. Taemi Sungoh,” he proclaims, flashing me a wide grin. The crowd loudly claps, the noise echoing through my body. I turn away, heat seeping onto my face.

Never in my life have I thought of being so famous, especially this soon. After all, it was just two years ago when I almost gave up on my dreams. My family members and some close friends of mine kept trying to discourage from being a psychiatrist. They brought up many valid points like work hours, stress, and family time.

I went through a lot of troubles back then, and I was finally about to listen to them when a turning point occurred. My boss, ahjussi Jung Wook, counseled me into chasing what I want. He is a very kind man, and he gave me a job in the most important medical hospital after I finished my studies. I still am proud of the decision I made that day, and my family is supporting it now, especially my Momma.

I quietly walk back to my office after the conference lets out, trying to hurry to my comfort place. I’ve had a busy but interesting day, and I am so proud of myself. I let out a loud sigh of relief and decide to call my momma after finishing up for the day. 

"Mom, hey," I exclaim as she picks up the phone. 

"Why didn't you call me four hours ago, dumbass? Don't you know I get so tense!” 

I cringe internally as she snaps over the phone line. Sometimes, she's a real pain in the ass. "Mom, it's only been 4 hours! I've been busy but I've meant to call you as soon as possible. And please don't call me a dumbass again. I’m grown up now."

"Oh please, you are still a dumbass,” my mother teases. “I know you've been busy, but you will never know a mother's tension and affection towards their child."

"Yeah, yeah, ok. I am sorry," I apologize, walking out the door of the hospital. The cold air hits me all at once, blowing my hair in the wind.

"Anyways, tell me. What's new?”

"I was honored for my job today,” I tell her, walking along the lit sidewalk towards the parking garage. Cars whizz by me, honking and racing along the city streets.

"Honored for what?” My mother questions me over the phone.

"For being a psychiatrist and treating people, momma,” I remind her with a frown.

"You know, with all those mad people coming to you, you should look out. You might join them.”

I stop in place, my smile turning into a frown. "Mom, not all people who come for treatment are mad!"

"Fine, whatever,” my mom sighs, pausing for a second. “But I am proud of you. Do send the picture of your award, let me see how it looks, or whether you’re faking the incident.”

Faking the award? Why would I do that? 

"Mom, you’ll never change,” I huff, annoyed of my mother’s antics. 

“You got that right, Tae. Well, your father and I are going to your aunt's house. Bye.”

"Ok, bye,” I conclude, shutting off my phone with a sigh. My mother was supportive, don't get me wrong, but she had her times. 

I approach the parking garage with my arms crossed over each other, trying to keep in the warmth. My fuzzy coat is helping, but not by much.

"Good afternoon ma'am," the door guard greets me, a drained tune in his low voice.

"Hello John, good afternoon," I reply, smiling at the guard. He looks kind of weird today, I don't know why. Should ask him about it? Yes? No? Oh, God! Maybe momma’s right... am a complete dumbass.

"Ma'am is there any problem?" The guard asks me tiredly, his eyes fighting to stay open.

"No... but John, I should ask that to you. What's the matter?"

"Nothing ma'am, I… I was just asleep for a moment, that's all."

"Wait, what?! Don't say you were asleep and something happened!” 

I exclaim, narrowing my eyes at the sleepy man. He stutters a response, a nervous look crossing his face.

“Ma'am, I... I was asleep, and when I woke up I went to have a check on the cars and… S-Someone removed your tires. I already called for the mechanic for replacements… They are on their way. I’m so sorry madam."

"What the heck!” I stare at my car, devoid of tires, sitting motionless in the parking garage. The gray rims shine in my eyes, aggravating me. “Why were you asleep, John, is this for what we pay you for, huh?"

"Ma'am, I’m so sorry, I don't even know how I fell asleep. I felt dizzy, and then when I woke up, I saw that condition of your car…”

The clinking sound of tools slamming together turns our attention. A man in a deep blue mechanics suit with a black box in his hand limps over, offering us a wide smile. Taking in a deep breath to calm myself, he introduces himself and walks over to my car.

I just bought my car a year ago; I can't believe some asshole did this. Who would have it out for me like this?!

The man, his face covered with a dirty mask to keep fumes from his face, whips out a wrench and begins unscrewing some bolts.

"Ma'am,” he drawls, “It will be a while till I repair your car. You might want to leave."

"Okay then,” I whisper, but I have a funny feeling about this man. 

...

"Ma'am, your car is ready to go now," the mechanic tells me, his oil-stained hands picking up his toolbox.

"Wait where are you going?” I question him, stopping his path. “You forgot the payment."

"No need, that was just a small repair. I don't take money unless it's worth it."

"But it took 2 hours long,” I reason, biting my lip. I hate it when people play modest. “Please take the money or else I will feel uneasy.”

"Ma’am, please. Keep the money,” he says, before leaving right before my eyes. I catch his eyes before he leaves, trying to convince him to come back and take his hard-earned cash. His eyes  are blue like the vast ocean, and I can't help but to slowly drown in them. I see pain, agony, loneliness in his eyes... but somewhere, I see love and compassion in the depths.

"What am I doing... I'm crushing on a mechanic?!" I think to myself, shaking my head. Maybe mom's right, am getting mad…

I climb into the car, relieved to have actual tires, and pull out of my parking spot. After waving half-heartedly to John, I drive on my way home.

I reach my house after 1 hour of stop and go traffic. I decided to drive to the supermarket to buy chicken and cheese, spending my wasted time productively. I park my car in the garage and unlocked the door with the click of my keys. 

"Home sweet home!” I exclaim, bounding towards the front door. I don't mind living alone, I actually enjoy it. I just love to watch TV on full volume, listening to BTS songs without a care in the world.

Closing the door behind me, I immediately connect my phone to my radio and pump out some jams.