Midnight Tales | ✔

5

Jaehyun

"Oh good morning Jaehyun" Mr. Kang greeted me as he laid down the plates on the table. "Had a good sleep? Eat now before it becomes cold"

I nodded and sat on one of the chairs. The menu before me was exquisite, with all sorts of Korean food. It has been a long time since I've eaten home-cooked meals. I first grabbed my chopsticks and tried kimchi and stir-fried shrimp.

"Hmm, you cook well Mr. Kang"

The old man smiled as he settled on the chair opposite mine. "Thank you Jaehyun. I learned that from a certain someone"

"Do you have a family Mr. Kang?"

"Oh no. I'm quite happy living on my own. Go on, ask questions later, let's eat first"

After eating, I volunteered to do the dishes since Mr. Kang had already done the cooking. As I arranged the plates inside the sink I turned to Mr. Kang who was bringing the other plates to the counter. I've been wanting to ask him about last night, about the piece he played.

"Are you sure you're going to do it?"

"Yes, it's alright Mr. Kang. I can do it"

"Okay, okay. I'll be at the back if you need me"

"Mr. Kang"

He turned around to face me. "What else do you need?"

I wanted to ask but he must have played during midnight when I'm already asleep so I wouldn't hear of it.

"Is the piano still working?"

He smiled. "Ahh, yes, it still works. You play the piano Jaehyun?"

"Ah yes"

Mr. Kang smiled and stare at the window beside us, to the empty lawn. He suddenly looked sad. Did I say something wrong?

"I should go. Excuse me" he said and walked away.

I wonder what I said that made him look like that. Never mind, Mr. Kang is an old man, he has a lot of memories maybe he's just reminiscing ones. I turned to the plates waiting for me and started the washing.

After doing the dishes, I went back to my room to continue putting my clothes inside the wardrobe. As I took out the clothes I wore yesterday, I saw the folded letter inside the pocket of my cardigan. I took it out and sat on the bed.

I still don't get what really is his last will is. Making me stay here for a week doesn't make any sense. I stay here for a week then what? Even the content of his letter can't be understood.

I know you are busy with all the things you have to do for your career. But son please do this for me. Stay there for a week, and you'll soon find it.

Sincerely,
your grandfather—Jung Min Seok

Crumpling the letter, I threw it at the near trash bin and continued what I was doing.