AAE -- Wishes Of The Heart

Chapter 81

written by LoveCR2 -- 2005

edited by All-About-AAE -- 2017

 

"I'm sure that my mum, looking down from heaven, is pleased to see she is still having an impact with her life." -- Yoon Hyung-Chul

 

 

RURAL KANGWON-DO...

 

"... today is a day of celebration. Praise God for His bountiful provision!" the convent's Mother Superior concludes her brief remarks. "Sister Ann will now lead the dedication ceremony."

 

Sister Ann comes to the podium and motions with her hands as she issues instructions. "Children? Please come forward. Here..."

 

The designated children, one in a wheelchair, take their rehearsed positions at a bright red ribbon strung across the entrance doors.

 

"It is my privilege to announce the official dedication of the new Children's Hospital residential wing and Cha Mi-Rae Memorial Rehabilitative Therapy Center," Sister Ann proclaims.

 

To the applause of the gathering of nuns, orphans, and community supporters, the children cut the ribbon.

 

"Let us pray..." Sister Ann motions for quiet, and leads the assembly in reciting the Lord's prayer...

 

"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name..."

 

In the back, Hyung-Chul and Kui-Sung, watching the ceremonies with shared satisfaction, bow their heads.

 

"A word with you later, Director?" Kui-Sung asks quietly. "Concerning Sun-Mi."

 

"Certainly, Sir," Hyung-Chul consents.

 

"... and deliver us from evil... Amen!" the closing prayer ends.

 

Sister Ann orders, "Gather round, children! Everyone line up..."

 

 

As the children form into orderly lines for their first tours of the completed facility, Hyung-Chul and Kui-Sung head off together.

 

Anticipating a possible fist to the gut once they are alone, Hyung-Chul speaks first, "I want to apologize, Sir, for bringing Sun-Mi into another scandal."

 

"In the version I heard, Director, you were totally blameless," Kui-Sung closes the matter. "As I see it, I owe you an apology."

 

"For what?"

 

"Interfering in your personal affairs. I had no right to make demands. I overstepped my role and became an overbearing, overprotective father, when I should have let Sun-Mi handle her relationships on her own," the older man admits.

 

"Any loving father would have done the same," Hyung-Chul allows. Then he sees the Mother Superior making a beeline for them with Young-Mi (Anna) in tow, and suggests, "Could we continue this conversation later?"

 

 

Before Kui-Sung can answer, the Mother Superior calls out to them, "Director Yoon, may I have a minute?"

 

Hyung-Chul greets the elderly nun, "Yes, Mother?"

 

"I wanted to say again, how much we appreciate the generous donation to equip and staff the Rehabilitation Center," she thanks him effusively.

 

"I don't deserve your praise," he replies modestly. "Your project was exactly what my mother had in mind when she set up her charitable foundation. But it wasn't necessary to put her name on the Center. It was quite a surprise to see that today."

 

"After Anna informed us of your mother's dedication to the Church, and her many personal acts of charity and mercy, the entire convent unanimously agreed it would benefit the children to have a real-life example of how any person can live a saintly life and be used of God."

 

"I'm sure that my mum, looking down from heaven, is pleased to see she is still having an impact with her life," Hyung-Chul remarks, then turns to Young-Mi for an explanation.

 

"I know you requested that I say nothing, Director, but I felt it was an injustice to your mother's memory, not to be given recognition for her contributions," Young-Mi defends her decision.

 

"Actually, I'm touched by your thoughtfulness, Anna," he tells her appreciatively. "How do you like your work at the school?"

 

"I didn't know that teaching children could be so fulfilling," Young-Mi answers enthusiastically. "But I have so much to learn yet."

 

"Don't let Anna's modesty fool you, she soaks up knowledge like a sponge," the Mother Superior speaks proudly of her newest charge. "I've decided to appoint her as Head Instructor at the technology center when it opens."

 

"Mother!" Young-Mi exclaims. "I'm not worthy of this responsibility. Ask Sister Clara, she'll tell you that."

 

"I'm only complying with Sister Clara's request," the nun discloses the source of her decision. "You must have faith that God will bear you up with His strength, to do His will through your life."

 

Chastised, Young-Mi lowers her eyes and replies meekly, "Yes, Mother... may I be excused to speak with Mr. Jin?"

 

"Certainly, child," the nun permits.

 

 

Young-Mi goes up to Kui-Sung and give him a hug as she asks, "Dad, do you have time to talk now?"

 

"Of course," he answers, beaming broadly. "What is it, Daughter?"

 

Young-Mi links their arms together and nudges him along eagerly. "Let's go and see the flower gardens..."

 

 

"Dad? Daughter?" Hyung-Chul wonders aloud, once the pair are at a distance.

 

"Didn't you know? Mr. Jin and his new wife are planning to officially adopt Anna," the nun informs him. "I think it's a wonderful gesture on their part, to give her a place in their family."

 

Hyung-Chul takes that as a cue to bring up the surreptitious purpose of his visit to the orphanage, and lowers his voice to ask, "Mother, were you able to find anything out?"

 

She casts a furtive glance around to ascertain that no one is within earshot, then answers quietly, "I personally searched the records, and found that we have one girl here who matches the timing and circumstances you mentioned."

 

"She was left anonymously?"

 

"Yes, with a large sum of money -- I suppose out of guilt, for her support -- and a note giving her name."

 

Hearing this, Hyung-Chul asks excitedly, "You're certain this could be the child I'm looking for?"

 

"It's as clear as the light of day," the Mother Superior confirms. "Actually, I don't know why I didn't see it sooner... the girl's name is Mi-Rae, the same as your mother's..."