Affection's Facade

Written in the stars

It might have been written in the stars, or perhaps it was a reuniting of past souls that sparked the dynamic between the Oseis and the Kims. The interplay between them seemed almost like a physical manifestation of yin and yang, as if their interactions were destined to personify these two families.

Whatever it was, it led to Elera's parents, Kofi and Ama Osei, setting foot on Korean soil for the first time in 1995. They arrived at Incheon Airport filled with understandable apprehension and excitement. Their eyes widened at the sight of throngs of people and signs written in a language they barely understood. Kofi clutched the crumpled paper directions to the Kim residence, where they had heard a job was available for foreigners. Ama, who was then pregnant, followed her husband, holding onto his arm for minimal walking support.

They took a train into Seoul, awestruck by the sprawling cityscape—a blend of towering skyscrapers and traditional palaces. When they finally arrived at the Kim residence for their job interview, the expansive home took their breath away. It was an imposing yet modern structure, adorned with detailed woodwork and surrounded by a meticulously manicured garden. The home exuded opulence and grandeur, worlds away from anything they had expected. Once inside and seated Ama found herself tapping her fingers against her thighs, trying to soothe her nerves as she looked around at other maids and workers who seemed curious about the new applicants.

As they sat in the sumptuously furnished living room waiting for their interview, they exchanged nervous glances. Mrs. Kim finally entered, an elegant woman who wore her poise like armor. She was visibly pregnant, her hand occasionally resting on her belly.

The interview was polite but formal, with questions aimed at gauging their skills and reliability. Despite their limited Korean, they managed to get through it. Just as the interview seemed to be wrapping up, Ama stood, smoothing down her dress; her baby bump was more evident than ever. At that moment, Mrs. Kim, breaking from her otherwise stern demeanor, softened. "You're expecting. How wonderful," she remarked, her eyes meeting Ama's.

"Yes, it's a blessing," Ama replied, a smile forming on her face. "It makes me excited but also, so nervous."

Mrs. Kim touched her own belly, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Me too, actually," she smiled. "I can't say I'm even the nervous type," she laughed.

That evening, Mrs. Kim and her husband sat in their bedroom, mulling over the day. As Mrs. Kim ate a bowl of grapes and wrote in her journal, she looked up from her writing and asked, "What do you think about hiring the Osei couple?" Mr. Kim, massaging her feet, responded softly, "She can't work much if she's pregnant."

He looked thoughtful. "Are you certain about this? Hiring them based on, well, a personal connection?"

Mrs. Kim chuckled. "Life is made of connections, isn't it? Besides, think of our child having a playmate growing up. It's a wonderful thought."

Mr. Kim reclined in his leather armchair, contemplating his wife's words. The room around him was an oasis of dark wood, punctuated by the soft glow of a brass reading lamp. His eyes scanned the bookshelves, lined with classic literature and business tomes, reflective of his multifaceted personality. As handsome as he was formidable, he possessed a tall, commanding frame and sharp features that effortlessly turned heads.

He caught his reflection in the antique mirror above the fireplace; it was the reflection of a man usually in control. However, when it came to decisions involving his wife, he knew better than to protest. Over the years, he'd learned to respect her intuition, a sixth sense that rarely led them astray. He exhaled deeply and nodded. "Alright, we'll bring them on board."

Shortly thereafter, Kofi Osei became more than just another employee; he became an integral part of the Kim family's daily life. Standing just over six feet tall, with a broad smile and eyes that twinkled with mischief, Kofi had an aura that could uplift a room. His humor and gentle demeanor endeared him to everyone, from the household staff to the Kim family themselves.