AAE -- For Better For Worse

Part 2 -- Chapter 13

by LoveCR2

edited by All-About-AAE

 

 

After leaving the Han River, at Sun-Mi's insistence, they drove out through Ilsan into rural Paju, to the Catholic Peace Cemetery a few kilometers from the DMZ.

 

Along the way, Sun-Mi watched the passing scenery with little conversation, keeping her thoughts to herself. Hyung-Chul was content to give her space, although he wondered exactly what she had in mind when visiting his mother's grave.

 

From the car park by the groundskeepers' building, they strolled along the narrow lane that led toward the gravesite, the steady taps of Sun-Mi's heels on the concrete paving marking their leisurely progress.

 

The late afternoon was warm and sunny, and though a faint breeze rustled in the trees, the humid air hung heavily. Hyung-Chul's umbrella provided shade from the direct sun, but he was soon cooking in the dead heat though casually dressed, and knew that Sun-Mi must be suffering too. However, she showed no indication as she trooped doggedly up the slight grade, bearing a large bouquet of red roses purchased from a roadside shop along the way.

 

The grave was in a small section of the cemetery bordering a stand of evergreen trees, overlooked by a tall statue of Jesus Christ. Donated by his mother to the cemetery, the looming figure with arms spread wide, expressed God's desire to gather all into his forgiveness and love, giving the setting an especially profound, solemn mood.

 

 

Sun-Mi places the bouquet by the gravestone, while Hyung-Chul stands beside her, screening her with the umbrella. After a minute of silent reflection, he notices tears streaking her cheeks.

 

"Sun-Mi? Is something wrong?"

 

"No. I just have something to say to her."

 

 

Kneeling, she pleads, "Mother, please forgive me. I know I'm unworthy to be your daughter-in-law, but we're asking for your help. Both our fathers refuse to grant their blessing. As you have the wisdom of heaven with you, if our marriage is right, please accept it with your blessing."

 

After she finishes, Hyung-Chul expects Sun-Mi to get up, but she remains kneeling in the sweltering heat. A minute passes, then several more, and Hyung-Chul worries that she may become faint.

 

Finally he asks, "Sun-Mi? Are you okay?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Let's go back to the car. It's too hot," he tries to persuade her.

 

"Go back if you need a rest. I'll stay here," she insists.

 

"Why?"

 

"Do you remember that time you wanted to introduce me to your mother?"

 

"What about it?"

 

"I lied and failed to come, so your mother has good reason not to accept me as her daughter-in-law," Sun-Mi explains. "I want to convince her of my sincerity this time."

 

 

Her behavior now begins to make sense to Hyung-Chul. "I don't think my mother would hold that against you," he tries to reassure her. "You needn't go this far."

 

Sun-Mi is adamant. "But I'm also not the woman she wanted you to marry."

 

It's a fact that Hyung-Chul cannot dispute. "How long do you intend to stay like this?" he asks with a weary sigh.

 

"I'll kneel all day if necessary," she answers stubbornly.

 

"If you want to do this, fine," he accedes to her determination, "but first let's go to get some water to drink. You've been crying -- you may become dehydrated."

 

"You go, then, and bring it back," she holds firm to her course.

 

 

Concerned that Sun-Mi might collapse from the heat while he is away, Hyung-Chul scrambles to convince her otherwise. "Um ... it's not like you think."

 

"Then what?"

 

"My grandfather arranged my marriage to Yoo Joo-Hee to ensure family control of MBS. But circumstances have changed since then. There's no guarantee of getting control, even if I were to marry Joo-Hee now."

 

Sun-Mi is still dubious. "You're saying your mother might've changed her insistence from back then?"

 

"It was my grandfather's insistence, not hers," he clarifies. "Mother's hope was that my wife and I would love each other, marry in the Church, and raise our children to follow in the Faith. I believe she would be happy if that happened, regardless of who I married."

 

"So that's all we have to do, for your mother's blessing?" she asks, cautiously optimistic.

 

"More or less," Hyung-Chul replies vaguely, wanting to avoid discussing the specifics. "Are you satisfied?"

 

Sun-Mi nod. "Yes."

 

Holding his hand for assistance, she gets up, somewhat shakily. Seeing her brow beaded with perspiration, Hyung-Chul offers his handkerchief, which she gratefully takes to daub her face dry.

 

"Can you walk back?" he asks, prepared to carry her if needed.

 

"Of course!" she confirms confidently, joking back, "I'm not melting yet!"

 

 

They start off down the lane to the car park. Hyung-Chul glances over and sees her beaming smile.

 

"Happy?" he prompts.

 

"Very much," she replies, slipping her hand around his arm."Today, we accomplished a big step ..."