RENEWAL (WARPED Book Two)

I

(3rd Person's PoV)

"Halmeoni, you don't need to do anything here. Just leave everything to me," Phoenix said while helping out an old lady carry the trash.

It's been a while since Phoenix returned to South Korea after getting imprisoned for a while in the United States because of trespassing on private property.

It was then when he met Halmeoni (Grandma), a trash collector in Seoul. After seeing him roam the streets at night aimlessly, she took him to her home, which is actually a cardboard house under the bridge. It's not that he's complaining since he experienced being a vagabond and a beggar in his former world when he was still young, though it's still shocking for him to see that such a thing still exists in a different world that is far more peaceful and progressive than theirs.

"Aigoo. I've been collecting this city's trash for years, you know. Do you think that I'm too old for work?" Halmeoni said in defense while smiling. "And stop making such a grumpy face. You'll scare the people away."

"It isn't my fault that my face is always like this, you know," Phoenix commented while collecting trash along with her.

"Hahaha. You have a good face but, you know, your character still needs improvement," Halmeoni replied. "And besides, your name is kinda strange. Phoenix, as in seriously?" she asked.

"I grew up alone in the streets so I don't have a name of my own. That name was just given to me due to...various reasons," he answered, dumping the leftover food in the trash bin for biodegradable garbage and the plastic cups in recyclables. "I was known by that name ever since."

"Well, I can't really complain if you say it like that," Halmeoni replied. "Anyway, let's finish this so we can go home."

"Nae, Halmeoni," he answered.

"By the way, it's going to be your birthday on the coming weekend. Would you like to have something?" Halmeoni asked.

"Huh? I don't really have anything in my mind. Just keep your money to yourself and buy a place more comfortable than that cardboard house," Phoenix replied.

"Aigoo. You're thoughtful but I somehow find your words to be quite harsh," Halmeoni replied. "But don't worry, I already prepared a surprise for you," she added while smiling.

"If you think of giving me a live snake on my upcoming birthday, please stop right now, Halmeoni. I still can't get over that time when you threw earthworms at me while I was still sleeping, you know," he said. "But seriously, why are you folks insisting on celebrating birthdays? Isn't it just a waste of money? You know, you can budget the money for a few days more instead of spending it on a single day."

Halmeoni laughed. "You know what, Phoenix? You can always spend money on food or do budgeting for a whole year. However, you can only celebrate your birthday once a year," she explained. "Sorry for being negative but there's no guarantee that you can celebrate your birthday the following year. That's why you need to do it whenever you can."

"I still don't understand the concept, though," Phoenix replied honestly. "I might have been doing it for two years now but still, I find it kinda weird."

"Aigoo. Are you from the boondocks or something? Just think of this: If you can eat many free foods for a day without paying for it, won't you grab the opportunity?" Halmeoni asked while laughing. "And besides, we can just chill out during that day so I want to take you to the amusement park this time."

"Amusement Park? The one that has a giant rolling wheel that doesn't move out of its place?" he asked excitedly.

"Ah...you mean the Ferris Wheel? You really find it entertaining, right?" Halmeoni asked back.