Decisions

Living Again

Before she left the house that morning, Ha Jin's mother gave her some allowance. When Ha Jin tried to give it back, her mother refused.

"Please, just take it and treat yourself. It hurts me to see you passing through the days aimlessly like this. Go shopping, see a movie, anything else that will spark your interest again."

With a kiss on the cheek, her mother left the house for work, and with Ha Jin to her thoughts.

Looking at the money in her hands, Ha Jin immediately grew guilty again. She hadn't been very productive these past few months, but all the previous times she had just chalked it up to her accident. 'I need more time' or 'I don't feel ready yet' were the types of thoughts that plagued her mind.

But today, something was different. Seeing her parents day in and day out working made her realize that it was time for her to start her life again. She couldn't bum around all day anymore, and it was high time that she gave back to her parents, especially since they were nothing short of caring and understanding despite her situation.

After putting more effort into herself for the day and writing up a resume, Ha Jin headed out towards the mall. Maybe she could find a job there somewhere to start. One that would be better than a noisy BBQ joint or a boring desk job.

When she entered the mall, she wandered around the counters and shops, trying to see if there were any openings. For the most part, none of the counters were hiring and she was forced to keep looking. When she thought she had gone by all the shops, Ha Jin stumbled upon a small make up shop that was hidden partly by the banners of the shop next to it.

It was a shop dedicated to selling make-up inspired by ones made during the Goryeo period. Something in the back of her mind told her there was something else she should remember, but she ignored it and approached the woman who looked to be the manager.

"Excuse me, do you happen to have any positions open? I'm currently looking for a job."

The manger set down her clipboard which she was using to complete some paperwork and looked at Ha Jin warmly.

"Hello there. I happen to be looking for someone currently. Do you have a resume? Have you had any experience with make up?"

Ha Jin was surprised the manager was willing to consider her but she got herself together quickly before handing over a resume she had worked on earlier this morning.

"Here is my resume. I do have a beautician license, but I have little experience working at a counter. I did make-up mostly for my family and friends for fun."

The woman looked at Ha Jin curiously.

"It says here you worked for a corporate company prior to this. Why a sudden switch in career now?"

Ha Jin still felt uncomfortable talking about it, and she wondered if it would affect her chances of getting this job. Still, it was best to be truthful, though she hesitated before answering.

"I was in a coma six months ago due to an accident and recently woke up."

A look of understanding crossed the woman's face, and she nodded.

"I see. Well, I don't see why that should stop you from working here. I simply need someone with customer service experience who can help me out at the counter. If you can bring a copy of your license, then we can officially hire you. Would you be able to start tomorrow?"

A bit of hope grew inside of Ha Jin. Was this really it? Did she really land a job?

"Yes, of course! What time should I arrive?"

"I will be here starting at 9 in the morning. I can start showing you the ropes before we open."

Ha Jin grinned and gave a bow, thanking the manager.