THE RELUCTANT TOUCH [tomorrow]

the girl who loved life

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄:

"she was always excited for tomorrow"

If there was one thing you could say about Kim Chae-Yeong it's that she loved life.

She loved being alive and breathing, waking up every day to a new day and wait what it has in store for her. Even though some days were not what she quite expected and turned out to be disappointing, Chae-Yeong didn't give up and waited what the next day will bring her.

Chae-Yeong was always excited for tomorrow.

You would think that, if someone is so content with their life then they have everything to ever wish for. But not in Chae-Yeong's case. Her family wasn't the richest one in their village, come to think of it, her family was one of the poorest families in their small village. But that never bothered her in the slightest. And she was fortunate, that this fact didn't bring down her parents either.

Did they struggle? Yes.

Were there days when it was particularly hard to survive? Yes.

But was there even a moment when Chae-Yeong thought of ending her life because it was too though? Never.

And in the moments when her parents thought that there is no escape from these struggles, she sat them down and assured them that everything is fine. That everything will be fine, as long as they stick together and always keep a positive mindset.

As long as they look forward for tomorrow.

For the residents of their community, Chae-Yeong was a genuine miracle. It was no secret that the Kim family struggled greatly. Though seeing the Kim families only daughter skipping through the streets with a bright smile on her face without a care of what is happening around her, one would think if their life were really that hard.

It was, but Chae-Yeong would be the last person to allow something like that bring her down.

If there was one thing that described Chae-Yeong, it was physical touch. She loved being comforted by her mother's hug. And just the opportunity to hold her father's hand in hers, brought joy to the girl.

It was her love language. It was the manner in which Chae-Yeong showed her love for other people. Though most of the time, Chae-Yeong's parents were the only people who could receive her affection.

Chae-Yeong was friendly to everyone. Always greeted people on the streets and offered assistance if necessary.

Though, because of her nice heart, Chae-Yeong were constantly being bullied by other villagers. Those of her age, younger or older. Other girls whispered behind her back that she will never find herself a husband if she will be so carefree all the time.

But Chae-Yeong didn't listen to them.

But those girls were unaware that Chae-Yeong was terrified to even consider looking for a husband. She was terrified of meeting a man who wouldn't understand her and would destroy her spirit.

Therefore, she didn't even try to look for a partner or a possible husband, and instead enjoyed the life as a free and careless girl. At least that way Chae-Yeong was confident that even if it meant having to spend her older years alone, her spirit would remain intact, and she would remain her true self.

However, there was a particular day when Kim Chae-Yeong finally crumbled like a house of cards. A day when the always cheerful girl lost her smile forever.

A day that brought pain not only to Chae-Yeong herself, but to her parents too.

And it was the day she died.

⸺