9 Layers Down (Twice)

Chapter 24 - The Void

Friends and families gathered at the hospital event room for a small thanksgiving party before they got released. The investigators were invited too.

Nayeon's dad stood up from his seat.
"We would like to thank Jeongyeon, Momo, Nayeon, Jihyo, Sana, Chaeyoung, Mina, Tzuyu and Dahyun for coming back to us."

Tzuyu's dad also proposed a toast.
"Everyone is so proud of all of you. You did your best to survive and save each other from the monster who abducted you. So thank you for not giving up until the end."

"There are way better things we benefited from that 45 days of captive." Nayeon stated.
"First off, we met each other. We gained friends. Real friends that we know are willing to die for us.
Also, we realized that we're stronger than we thought we are. We are way better people.
We realized the importance of family and relationships.
We knew who'd be willing to risk their lives to find us when we get lost. And for every single person who worked day and night to find us, thank you so much. Especially to detective David Shin and detective Moon Dong Shik who sacrificed their own lives in the process of looking for us, thinking about our safety than their own, we thank you wholeheartedly." The girls bowed their heads in respect for the dead.
Nayeon shared a look with Dahyun who's currently in tears as well. The older girl stayed next to her and intertwined their fingers together.
"I would like to also take this opportunity to honor Jeon Somi who was in the bunker with us. She was a good friend. A sister. She may have not survived the tortures she was put through but in my heart, she's a survivor. The strongest best friend I have ever had. Chaeryoung and I are thankful for all the memories she left, happy and sad. We love you, Somi. Fly high, our angel."

"We also want to give honor and respect to Mrs. Choi and her children. May they rest in peace now." Nayeon added.
They shared a knowing look with Sana. She may not give honor the same way to her unborn child's spirit but in her heart, she already did.

-
"Ready for the therapy?" Jihyo asked the girls.

"Do we really need to do this?" Nayeon sighed.

"Rehabilitation is a requirement for moving on in this kind of situation. So as always, we have no choice." Jihyo stated, convincing the others.

"When did we ever have one?" Jeongyeon said, receiving giggles from the girls.

They went separate ways, greeting the other families and shared stories.

"Hey." Nayeon greeted Jeongyeon who's now out of wheelchair. "I'm glad you're doing great."

The younger girl scoffed.
"People say cockroaches don't die. I do believe that."

"Seriously though, thank you for not giving up." Nayeon held her hand and intertwined their fingers together.

"No, thank you for not giving up on me. You're definitely the reason why I'm here."

Nayeon giggled.
"Don't you think this is the only serious conversation we ever had?"

"Yup and it's weird. I know."
Both girls laughed this time.

"Excuse me." Nayeon's sister interrupted. "Unnie, there's someone here who have been looking for you."

"Nayeon!" A guy greeted with a huge smile. "I was so worried about you. I'm glad you're okay." He enclosed her in a hug but she pushed him away.

"You idiot! Why are you showing up just now? Are you really concerned or what? I expected you to be there when I got out." She scolded.

"Sorry. I was in the US." He pouted a little too hard but
Nayeon glared at him.

"Oh. By the way this is Jeongyeon."