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Stepping through the entrance of Green House, I could feel the tiredness start to kick in. Working full-time takes it out of a person. I sighed softly as I walked towards the convenience store that was placed on the bottom floor which I was so thankful for. I live in the most rundown part of the apartment because it was all I could afford right now. I do hope to move once I have saved enough money. My daughter needed to be in a stable environment.
I walked into the store, picking up a basket before going through the shelves, looking for things I could make for dinner that night for Ae-ri and me. I picked up ramen, spam, eggs, some vegetables, some drinks and snacks for Ae-ri as she needed them for when she was with Eun-yu. I also picked up some things to thank Eun-yu for babysitting. She was a sweetheart for willingly taking Ae-ri when I was busy. I'm so glad I was friends with her.
I got to the counter, took out everything and placed them on the counter. I put the basket back where I got it and took out my purse. "How are you today, Ye-na?" The shopkeeper's wife, Seon-yeong, asked. I looked at her, my eyes roaming her face for any new marks. I knew what was happening between her husband and her and I have given out to him plenty of times but it was still scary for me. I still have trauma from my ex and how he did the same to me.
I let the smile slowly grace my face, "I'm doing fine. Mostly tired. Work is getting a bit too much." I said softly, handing her the money for the food. "A cuddle from Ae-ri and going to bed early will greatly help me. How about you?"
She went through the till to get out my change, handing it to me, "Same old, same old." She said softly, "Maybe you can bring Ae-ri here next time, I miss her. She always brightens up my day." She added, putting my things into a plastic bag for me.
I smiled at her and nodded, "I'll make sure to do that." I said brightly. I took the bag from her, "I'll see you in the morning." I waved at her before heading out of the store.
I walked through the lobby when I noticed a boy with bushy hair. He looked no older than eighteen. Only a child. He shouldn't be here on his own. He was new as I hadn't seen him before. Then again, I don't have time to talk to other residents. I got to the elevator, hitting the button at the same time he did. I looked at him, seeing how shy he looked. I smiled at him, "Hi." I said, trying to make conversation but he didn't respond. He only looked down. "You'll hit something if you keep looking down like that," I said softly, trying to lighten the tension. "I'm Bae Ye-na... You are?"
The boy stayed silent for a moment, "I'm Cha Hyun-su." He said so quietly that I strained my ears to hear him. Something happened to him before he came here. Maybe it was just mom intuition but something happened for him to be like this.
I smiled at him, "Nice to meet you, Cha Hyun-su." I said brightly, saying his name slowly to see what it was like on my tongue. I stepped into the elevator once the door opened and looked at Hyun-Su, holding the door open to the red-faced kid, "You getting in?" He nodded, holding onto his box as he quickly got into the elevator with me. I let the door close and fixed my hair in the mirror. "How did you end up here?" I asked, wanting to know if he was on his own or not.
