AT YOUR SERVICE

1. A New Beginning

I've arrived in Seoul. I never, in a million years, dreamt of being here. Especially not for the opportunity of a life time. Yet, here I am.

I make my way out of the cab and take my belongings. I didn't pack much. A carry on and a suitcase is all I brought with me. I figured, if things go well, I can always get whatever I need here. At least, I'm hoping things go well. If they don't, then at least I don't have to worry about packing my entire life again to move halfway across the world for the second time.

I make my way to my new home. A fancy, very nice high rise building. Much nicer than the one I lived in back home in the States. I still can't believe I'm here. The doorman opens the door for me and helps me bring my bags in. He walks me to the elevator and sends me on my way. I get inside and tap on my floor number. Once I get to my floor, I walk down the hall to my apartment.

"It's so quiet here." I think to myself as I walk. The walls are painted a neutral shade of gray. Dark carpet lines the floor and beautiful paintings hang on the walls. It's very nicely decorated and nothing like my old home with bare walls that had paint peeling from them. Also missing was the mysterious stench. Boy was I glad to never smell that again. "Hopefully this is a sign that things will change for the better." I say out loud as I unlock my apartment door and go inside.

The company I'm here to intern for was nice enough to help me find a place to live. Since I had to relocate from a different country, they saved me the trouble and stress of getting an apartment. They're even paying for it since my salary won't be that much to begin with. I thought it was extremely kind of them. I told them it wasn't necessary but they insisted, saying it was standard protocol for foreign new hires. I guess I should feel extremely lucky but all I felt was like I was being a nuisance. Surely they have better things to worry about than finding an intern a place to stay. Regardless, I was extremely grateful that I didn't have to do it on my own. I wouldn't even know where to start.

The apartment is very beautiful. It's walls are an off white which makes it very bright inside. I opened the door leading to a small hallway. I took my shoes off at the entry way and made my way down the hall to the open living space. to my right is the small kitchen with an island separating it from the living room. Straight ahead is the dining area. Along the wall of the dining room are wall length windows giving away the view to the beautiful city. Man, it was breathtaking. I turned around and walked back by the hallway, making my way through the door at the end of the hall to go into the only bedroom in the apartment. Inside was a queen sized bed, a small closet and a work desk. The bathroom was on the other side of the hall. All in all, it was quaint but it had everything I needed and it was stunning. Way more than I could ever hope to afford back home. And it was free, so who was I to complain?

I take my bags to my room, setting my carry on bag on my bed and the bigger bag on the floor. I open the smaller bag to rummage through it and look for my lounge clothes and my bathroom things. It was an extremely long flight and aside from food, I just really want a shower and to relax. Once I find what I need, I go into the bathroom across the hall and I run the shower to warm up the water. I notice they stocked my apartment with basic necessities. There is a small basket on the vanity with shampoo, conditioner, shaving things and lotions. Next to that is a slightly larger basket nicely arranged with what appears to be skincare products. None of these things are cheap by any means. I recognize some of the brands, ones I would never be able to afford but always wanted to try. I guess being an intern for this huge company has its perks even if the pay sucks for now.

I undress and get in the shower. I take my time in there. The hot water feels good against my neck and back. Sitting for as long as I did definitely did not feel good when it was time to get off the plane. It was the longest 14 hours of my life. I think being nervous for everything made it feel like time was slowing down. Whatever the case was, I was just happy to be on land again.

Authors note.
This is my first story that I've ever shared with others so please go easy on me. The chapters start a bit short but I promise, they'll get longer. 😅 anyway, I made an outline of the apartment just in case anyone had a hard time picturing it. Enjoy!