All Of My Silences Will Be Your Words [English Vers. - FINISHED]

Chapter Four

The first month with Sae-Jin was hard at first, but then everyone found their feet as the days went by. Madame Lee spent a lot of time with Sae-Jin. Ever since the notebook episode, she'd understood that the young girl hid a huge scar inside her that was far more painful than she'd realized. But she wanted to be there for her, and help her as best she could. And so she did, during that month of June. At first, for the first few days, Sae-Jin remained cloistered in her room. Occasionally, to feed her, Madame Lee would poke her head in through the door and find her asleep, curled up in a corner, her arms clasped around a stuffed toy Felix had had as a child.

Then Sae-Jin finally left her room after a few days. At first shyly, coming discreetly into the kitchen when Madame Lee was preparing the meal. She'd come and sit beside her, watching in silence. Then, slowly, step by step, she took part in the family meals, then the TV evenings... Going at her own pace, Sae-Jin tamed her new family, her new home, her new life... Madame Lee understood that the notebook episode had shaken her, and that it had taken her some time on her own to learn to trust again. She also learned that the Lees had no intention of abandoning her, that they would give her the time she needed to get used to them and their way of life.

Today was a special day, as Felix was returning home for a few weeks. The whole family was abuzz with excitement, and Sae-Jin watched them with curious eyes, always in silence. Madame Lee and her eldest daughter, Rachael, were on their way to pick Felix up from the airport. Olivia was still at school, and Monsieur Lee was working. Sae-Jin preferred to stay at home. The less she saw of the airport, the better she felt.

On the way, the two women chatted happily.

- I've missed Felix ! I can't wait to see him again ! Rachael sighed, watching the scenery unfold from her window.

Her mother smiled.

- So do I. And I'm sure And I'm sure he can't wait either !

- Do you think that'll do it for Sae-Jin ?

Her mother thought for a moment before answering.

- I think he'll need time to adjust, just like with us. But knowing our Felix, he'll soon make her feel at ease !

- I wonder how she'll react when he arrives at the hou... Mum, don't miss the entrance to the parking lot ! Cut in Rachael.

Mrs Lee made a sharp turn, narrowly missing the entrance to the airport parking lot.

- Damn it ! She sighed as she parked. I was lost in thought, thank God you were here !

Rachael laughed and they both got out of the car and into the hall, where they had arranged to meet. The two women craned their necks to look for their son and brother respectively.

After a good fifteen minutes' waiting, Rachael exclaimed, stretching out her arm in front of her.

- Mom, he's here !

At the sight of them, the masked young man's face lit up and he ran into their open arms.

- How I've missed you ! He exclaimed cheerfully.

***

When I heard the car screech to a halt in front of the house, I rushed to my bedroom window. I was curious to finally meet the famous last member of the Lee family I'd heard so much about. I'd been shown videos and photos, and his stage performances. He danced and sang so well, I was blown away. At the orphanage, I had never been interested in the world of music and dance. Here, for the past month, I'd been discovering something new every day. And I loved it. I had smiled more than ten times in just three weeks, which was a miracle. One evening, Olivia told me that if I kept on like that, I'd soon be able to talk. And I almost believed it, although it still seemed impossible.