Unexpected Patients
Nearly two weeks had slipped by, and Sunday rolled around again.
“Oh my goodness, look how skinny she is. How could she get that thin?”
“Aigoo, what a heartbreaking story. She must've traveled all that way just to nurse her babies. The world can be so cruel.”
Today was Samwol-i's family feature on the show.
The guardians' waiting room at Hanmaum Animal Hospital was filled with sniffles and sobs at the sight of the devoted mother Samwol-i.
They passed tissues to one another, dabbing at their teary eyes.
Hmm, the day we've been waiting for is finally here. Today, I'll complete the mission no matter what. Gotta make sure Samwol-i sis and the little ones look perfect for adoption.
At the top of the stairs connecting to Baek Min-hyeok's living quarters on the third floor, Ssal-i perked up his ears with a determined glint in his eyes.
For the past few weeks, he'd been on a mission from Baek Min-hyeok.
“Aish, why's everything getting so expensive these days? Grocery shopping's downright scary now.”
“Tell me about it. Even eating out feels like a luxury. Speaking of, haven't seen Pureum-i's mom around lately. Didn't she live in the same neighborhood as Uju's mom?”
“Ah... Pureum-i's mom? Well...”
“What? Something happen?”
“Pureum-i got into an accident and...”
“Aigoo, that's awful. She loved that dog so much. Took her everywhere, even on overseas trips—treated her better than her own kids. How did it happen...?”
“She crossed paths with a drunk driver... Anyway, her husband’s a senior judge, right? Whole family's in the legal field. They're going after the perp's family hard.”
“Aish... Guess that's a small mercy. Still breaks my heart.”
Samwol-i, bred in an illegal puppy mill, had learned of her pregnancy and escaped on her own. All to spare her unborn pups the same fate.
And to keep his promise of finding her a kind guardian who wouldn't abuse her, Min-hyeok had given Ssal-i the mission.
Rich family, dog lovers, overseas trips... Nice. Samwol-i sis would be in good hands.
Squish—
Ssal-i, huffing excitedly and tossing his forelock, pressed the pager button next to his food bowl with a grave expression.
Moments later.
Min-hyeok climbed up to the third floor after getting the page.
“Ssal-i, what's up? Dad's in the middle of treating patients.”
Dad, I found it. A perfect home for Samwol-i sis and the pups.
Min-hyeok grinned, mirroring Ssal-i's twitching smirk.
“Oh yeah? Spill the details. Who's the family?”
Before they knew it, it was 7 p.m.
Closing time at Hanmaum Animal Hospital.
“Kkuuugh! Finally done! I'm in such a good mood today—gonna grab a canned beer on the way home.”
“Good work. What's got you so chipper? Buying your own beer?”
Kim Mi-so stretched backward with a massive yawn, her eyes wide as she turned to me.
“Huh? Why wouldn't I be? Pureum-i's guardian offered to adopt Samwol-i and the pups on the spot, and tomorrow's the vet interviews.”
We filmed every Monday—our day off—but tomorrow they'd air pre-recorded VCR segments for episode two, so no shoot. Instead, it was the day Mi-so had been eagerly awaiting: interviews for new hires.
“Haha, you're right. If we find good candidates, we'll hire 'em quick to lighten your load, Mi-so. With a raise, of course.”
Mi-so's eyes welled up at my solemn words.
“Director, you know I really... love you, right?”
“It'll go up by the exact percentage we agreed on during salary negotiations.”
“Pfft—I knew it. You worked hard too, Director. I'm heading out first.”
“Get some good rest.”
Salary bumps, overtime pay.
And now hiring extra staff.
Appearing on network TV had paid off beyond expectations. Revenue was skyrocketing, and a ton of vets had applied for tomorrow's interviews.
I'd be thrilled with just new grads, but even experienced ones applied. Fame really smooths out the rough patches.
The exhaustion from my nonstop routine felt like it was melting away at the thought of some breathing room soon. Though my day wasn't over yet.
“Ssal-i~ Walk time.”
Dad, no walk today. Gonna play with the lil' ones.
Pureum-i's guardian was coming early tomorrow for Samwol-i and the pups. Ssal-i had grown attached to the sticky rice cake pups and wanted to spend the evening with them.
“Alright, guard the house well. Dad'll be back.”
Okay, Dad! See ya!
I still headed out for a walk alone, even without Ssal-i.
Not for my health.
“Aish... Got everything. Hurry over and get some rest.”
Today was the day I'd promised to check on Nureoguman's progress. I grabbed my house call bag and stepped out into the muggy evening heat that beaded sweat on my forehead almost immediately.
Was it the sweltering weather?
Or dinnertime keeping folks indoors?
The path to Big Rock was unusually empty, even in the lingering twilight.
Might be better for me. Last thing I need is someone spotting me and thinking I'm some bush-rummaging lunatic.
Mindful of prying eyes, I slipped into the unmanaged undergrowth bit by bit and finally reached Big Rock.
Sweat was dripping down my forehead by then.
Hey, you made it! Long time no see, Doc!
“Nureoguman, you doing well...? Uh?”
But Nureoguman wasn't alone.
Next to the waving Nureoguman were unfamiliar eyes staring at me.
Blink—
Tiny, bean-sized eyes.
Blink blink—
And eyes darting side to side.
Hey there, stranger.
Hmm. Looks like an ordinary human. But he really understands animal talk?
Friends, trust Nureoguman. Doc's a bit scrawny on stamina, but his skills are the real deal. Can't you tell from my shiny fur?
Nureoguman had clearly followed my care instructions. His patchy fur had filled in, and his gaunt frame was much plumper... but that wasn't the point right now.
“Wh-what... who are all these... people? Er, animals...?”
Nureoguman thrust out his plump belly proudly at my flustered question.
Huhu, they're all my pals, so relax. You said to meet here, right? They came along 'cause they've got aches too.
I'd said that, sure—but only to him. So why were there a squirrel and an egret here?
Alright, everyone, say hi to the doc.
Sorry for the wait. Name's Thunder.
I'm Il-nam-i. And you?
“I'm... Baek Min-hyeok.”
Exchanging introductions with wild animals.
As I stood there dumbfounded by the absurdity, Nureoguman rubbed his paws together with a serious face.
Doc, we're not idiots.
“What do you...?”
We know human rules, so don't worry. Ready, guys?
Heck yeah!
Good to go.
Plop plop plop—
Gwehk—
The squirrel Thunder dumped a pile of acorns from his chubby cheeks.
And egret Il-nam-i regurgitated dead fish at my feet.
Before I could even gasp at the spectacle, Nureoguman continued.
Huhu, Nureoguman knows humans only move for money. Eat up—they're all top quality.
Check these acorns. Ain't your average nuts, ya know.
Fresh-caught fish today. Pay well, and your treatment better be worth it.
“......”
Saliva-soaked acorns rolling around and fish coated in stomach acid.
I had no clue what to say as Nureoguman clapped his paws and approached.
Human as expected—sharp with numbers. Here, paw.
“...Paw?”
Yeah, stick out your hand. C'mon.
I extended my hand hesitantly toward the approaching Nureoguman.
Whoosh—
He piled an unexpected gift onto my palm.
“Crick... ets?”
No thoughts of stiffing you on the fee—relax. Added extra for that pet food last time.
My brain couldn't keep up with reality.
“......”
I stared blankly at the cricket corpses filling my hand, then dumped them on the ground with a clatter.
Wh-what're you doing?!
Heck! You crazy? You lookin' down on us?
Arrogant humans. Guess this ain't enough to fill ya?
The squirrel's growl of rage.
The egret's frantic wing flaps.
The trembling, teary raccoon dog.
It all made my head throb.
“No, forget the money—let's treat you first. What's hurting?”
If they'd brought metal or cash, it'd be different. But cricket corpses, slobbery acorns, dead fish? Useless to me.
What? Not eating the crickets?
Heck, what a man. I like him.
Hmm, surprising. Heard raw fish fetches a high price from humans.
“First... Nureoguman. Hop up on the rock.”
I just wanted to wrap this up and escape before my exhausting day dragged on.
Huhu, even moved to a tree hollow and drink only clean water now.
“Got it, stay still. Let me check closely.”
I pulled tools from my house call bag, examined his wound carefully, applied ointment, and asked.
“You're managing well. Fur's recovering nicely. Any itching?”
A bit last week, but gone now.
“Good. That's new skin growing in as it heals.”
Nureoguman checked out fine, thankfully. Next up.
Hop—
Heck, make way. My turn.
A cute body with a gruff tone.
Thunder climbed Big Rock and patted his belly with a paw.
Didn't used to be like this, but now I'm shootin' watery crap and my gut's killin' me. Know why?
“Bad stomach pain?”
Yeah. Not killer, but loose stools make me look bad. Started sudden-like a while back.
“Hmm... Recent onset? Digestive issue points to food.”
House calls had limits without tests, but then I remembered the acorns he'd offered.
“Right—the acorns you gave me earlier. Can you fetch some more?”
Aw, dang. Gave 'em already and now you want 'em back?
“......?”
Knew it. Fine, eat 'em all, ya glutton?
I ignored Thunder's grumbling, turned on my camera flash, and inspected the acorns closely.
“Food's the culprit. Pick unrotted ones. See? Mold here.”
M-mold?
“Yeah, white and green patches. Eat that, and you get gut trouble—diarrhea. How long you been carrying these?”
Bout three weeks. Tastier than usual, so I savored 'em...
Offering me three-week-rotted acorns.
So much to say, but I swallowed it.
No point arguing with a squirrel.
“Don't hoard—eat fresh. Especially moldy ones: toss 'em, no regrets. That's what causes the runs.”
Just common sense.
But Thunder's beady black eyes sparkled as he bounced in place.
Aw dang, you're a genius! Woulda kept gettin' sick otherwise. Thanks a ton.
Thunder bowed politely, his tone oddly deferential. Then Il-nam-i flapped over.
Outta the way. My turn.
Heck! You dare—gwehk!
Thunder flailed mid-air in fury, but one flap from Il-nam-i sent him tumbling down from Big Rock.
Il-nam-i hopped up unfazed, but his left wing seemed stiff.
My wing hurts. Stung somethin' fierce catchin' fish lately—can't flap right since. Huntin's sufferin'.
“Lemme see. Lift the wing?”
Examining the faulty left wing revealed something shiny embedded.
No way... this is?
A fishing hook pierced through Il-nam-i's wing flesh, likely pinching a nerve.
“People's fishing hooks, huh? Stuck in your wing. I'll remove it now—might sting. Can you stay still?”
That'll...
I'll hold ya—don't worry.
Worry not. If ya squirm, I'll...
“Uh, Nureoguman on the right wing, Thunder... yeah, grab anything.”
Thank goodness I'd brought the bag for Nureoguman.
Squelch—snip!
I carefully extracted the hook with tweezers, cut the nylon line with scissors, and applied ointment. Then asked Il-nam-i.
“Hook's out. Flap the wing? Check how it feels.”
Alright...
Il-nam-i cautiously spread his left wing, tilted his head in surprise, then launched from Big Rock into the sky.
Whoa—perfect! Bro, you're amazing! Can I call ya bro?
“Sure... whatever's comfy.”
Unexpected patients or not, the soaring egret, the grinning squirrel, and the raccoon dog's smiles eased my fatigue a touch.