AAE -- For Better For Worse

Chapter 29

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

On the drive back to Seoul, Sun-Mi's quiet contemplation is interrupted by a flurry of phone calls from concerned colleagues. The news about Young-Mi had spread quickly, and everyone wants answers. With Hyung-Chul focused on the road, it falls to her to explain what happened.

 

She and Hyung-Chul had tried persuading Young-Mi to return to Seoul. But in the end, she chose a different path -- devoting her life in service to God, beginning a vocation with the Sisters to care for the orphans. And so, they had left empty-handed, but with respect for her conviction and the peace she had found in her decision.

 

As they pass under the JungAng Line railroad bridge, the late afternoon sun streams into the car , casting a golden glow across Sun-Mi's face. She holds her mobile to her ear, speaking calmly.

 

"...Yes, Daddy. Young-Mi is well. She enjoys working with the children. She's lost most of her memory, but otherwise is healthy. You don't need to worry. And tell Ms. Song that she remembers Woo-Jin."

 

She rings off and sets the phone in her lap, gazing out at the backwaters of the Bukhan River.

 

Hyung-Chul looks at her, his eyes lingering too long. Sun-Mi notices.

 

"Senior! What are you looking at?" she scolds. "Keep your eyes on the road!"

 

He grins, encouraged by her shift in mood. At least she is speaking to him again.

 

"Did Young-Mi lose all her memory?" he asks.

 

"Her last memories are from when se was six years old. That's when Young-Mi's mother abandoned her," Sun-Mi explains. "That was the happy time in Young-Mi's life."

 

Hyung-Chul glances at Sun-Mi, nods, then returns his attention to the road.

 

She continues, "After that it was only scars. She must not have wanted to live with the memory of all those hurts."

 

Sun-Mi pauses to reflect a moment.

 

"Young-Mi's changed a lot, don't you think?" she concludes, smiling wistfully. "She seemed gentle, pretty. Happy, right?"

 

"Yes, she looked very happy," he agrees, nodding slowly.

 

Sun-Mi sighs, sinking into her seat. "I'm so relieved she is... I won't need to worry now."

 

"You're right... But what about you? Are you happy?" Hyung-Chul asks, turning to her.

 

 

Sun-Mi meets his gaze, but says nothing. Happy? Inside, she feels empty. She is leaving him.

 

"Are you happy?" he asks again.

 

She forces a smile. "Yes, Senior. I am. But you -- Are you happy?"

 

He smiles tepidly. Of course he is happy -- when he is with her.

 

 

They drive on, passing under the Jungang Line Bridge, getting closer to Seoul.

 

Sun-Mi's flush of happiness for Young-Mi fades. She retreats to a brooding silence.

 

Hyung-Chul glances over. Notices her changed mood.

 

"Hungry?" he asks.

 

She shrugs. "I'm fine. We'll be back soon anyway."

 

"But I'm hungry," he declares. "I know a nice place nearby. Let's stop."

 

 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

They dine on the outdoor terrace of the Hanmadang restaurant in Namyangju, overlooking the Han River as the sun dips below the horizon. The sky is awash with orange and gold, fading to lavender, then deepening to cerulean.

 

Hyung-Chul digs into his steak and lobster. He savors the last bite of medium-rare porterhouse.

 

Looking at Sun-Mi's seafood platter, he remarks, "You've hardly touched your food."

 

"I'm not hungry," she answers grumpily.

 

She stares at her plate, remembering the last time they ate here -- when she confronted him about hiding his true identity.  Sitting on the same terrace again brings back their quarrel -- a memory which still rankles.

 

She hears echoes of her own voice from that day.

 

'... I put my pride aside when I was with you and spoke my heart. ... How much did you laugh at me? ... How amusing was it to you? ... Always acting like you were on my side, acting like you supported me like my father. Would a puppet have been as stupid as me? Even mannequins behind windows aren't treated like me.'

 

 

Hyung-Chul tries again. "Is everything ready for your trip?"

 

Sun-Mi glares across the table. This is the last topic she wants to discuss with him!

 

"Yes," she snaps.

 

"You'll be staying with your Auntie in Worcester Park?"

 

"Yes. Until I find a flat-share in London."

 

"How's your English studies going?"

 

"That..."

 

Sun-Mi's English speaking skills had always been a sore spot. She nearly failed freshman English in university. Barely received a 'Pass' from her summer course in Cambridge. Since then, with the demands of daily life, what little she had achieved soon faded.

 

"You know my English is terrible," she admits. "It makes me anxious, just thinking about it."

 

"The Company will pay for tutors," he says, "and most of your broadcasts will be in Korean."

 

"But I have to do interviews in English," she groans. "I'll sound like such a dummy. Frankly, I don't know Senior Joo-Hee chose me to take her place, except that..."

 

She stops herself.

 

"Except that she thought you were the best candidate in every other way," Hyung-Chul completes the sentence. "And she is right."

 

"Then you really do think I should go!" she replies, eyes widening. -- Joo-Hee was right!

 

"Of course. A woman should be as educated as a man, whether she marries or not," he replies. "Though Joo-Hee chose love, I respect you choosing this opportunity."

 

It is not what she expected to hear. "And what does it matter to you?"

 

"As your manager... it matters a lot."

 

"Sorry, I spoke too harshly."

 

"Sun-Mi ..." He hesitates. There's more he wants to say, but not here. Not now. "We should go. It's late. I'll take you home directly."

 

 

Sun-Mi looks at Hyung-Chul, lips parting -- but no words come.

 

What can she say now that will change anything? He is sending her to London. Out of his life.