Twisted Rope

Self-Defence

The next morning, they were all subdued. None of them had slept very well. Every time he had tried to close his eyes, Jeong-hyeok had found the image of Yeji running down the steps appeared. The thought of what had nearly happened to her disturbed him far more than his own near miss. He and Seri had heard Yeji call out in the night from a bad dream. Seri had gone to the girls' room, but she hadn't needed to stay long. Ka-youn was already comforting her sister, so she'd kissed them both and hugged Yeji for a bit before coming back to their room. He was still awake and alert when she returned, and it had taken a while to fall back asleep.

Jeong-hyeok was apprehensive of what the day would bring, but at the same time he knew they could just be hanging around, with nothing happening at all. Ka-youn was right, they would have nothing to distract them and they were likely to feel at best bored, or at worst, constantly on edge. He knew Seri was keeping a close watch on Yeji to see how she was coping. She was quiet when she got up and didn't seem to have much appetite. He hoped she wasn't still blaming herself for putting him in danger again; that was the last thing he wanted. It was a shame there was no piano here; it would have been an excellent distraction for her, and for himself. But then again, he didn't want to be distracted; he wanted to stay focused and alert.

Chief Lee came to see them to provide an update. Not that much had changed. There were no new reports on Kang's whereabouts and the NIS had not yet captured the shooter; though there was nothing to cause concern in the area around the house. For now, waiting was the only option for them. But at least they were all safe.

After they finished breakfast, Ka-youn brought up the suggestion of self-defence lessons again. She was enthusiastic and kept glancing at Yeji as she spoke; she seemed to want to engage her in the discussion. Yeji, though, seemed lost in her own thoughts.

"Yeji. What do you think? Shall we get Appa to teach us and Eomma too?"

Yeji shrugged. "I don't suppose I'll be very good. You're far more sporty than me and taller."

"I don't think that matters, does it Appa?" said Ka-youn.

"Not necessarily. Sometimes being small can be helpful. It means you can wriggle out of a hold. And it's just technique. You won't get it straight away, but with practice, you'll be better."

"I think it's worth trying," said Seri. "I don't know why we haven't thought about it before. It will make me feel a lot easier in my mind when you two girls live away from home or travel abroad."

"And I think it will be fun!" Ka-youn's enthusiasm was always hard to resist and Yeji smiled a little.

"Ok. I'll go and agree with Chief Lee that's what we are going to do. Perhaps he could spare one of his team to help me demonstrate for a short while." Jeong-hyeok stood up, keen to build on Ka-youn's enthusiasm and Yeji's mild interest. It could help to keep them safe now, as well as being a useful distraction. And Seri was right; it might well be helpful in the future.

"Seri, perhaps you could ask Mrs Park if there are some mats or cushions we could use too?"

"Of course. And why don't you two clear some space in the sitting area?"

Ka-youn and Yeji both nodded.