#11 Let's hold on. The hard times will pass.

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Dinner with her family is never a fun affair. Pa trying to feed her every favourite delicacy, Bong-gi supporting her from under the table by holding her hand, whenever her mother went on with one of her usual rants — the bittersweet routine isn't the same anymore.

Ma's rants have taken a different turn. Earlier they revolved around topics like employment and marriage. Now they showcase the insecurity building in her chest and hatred towards the current situation.

A sigh escapes Bong-soon's lips. One slight push. The door to her room falls shut with a soft thud. The shopping trip to the art market with Guk-doo put her over the moon. She should've known the euphoria would be short-lived.

Her room — the single bed, closet, small desk, easels standing upright in her little painting corner — was once a cosy place. Now it's choking to be alone in here. Bong-gi or Pa hanging out provides some relief. Otherwise, no.

Steady, silvery moonlight filters in through the open window, illuminating the space that's otherwise cloaked in darkness. Propped on a stool next to her bed, Bong-soon idly stares at the scenery it presents, clueless of her next step.

The wind chimes hung in the corner have gone still. There's no movement at all. No whooshing of the wind or rustling of the leaves from outside. The quiet is deafening and doesn't bring an ounce of inspiration to her veins.

"Pa asked me to come home. Guk-doo and Do-young are working hard to keep me safe. It's why I'm tolerating this. I don't know how much longer this can go on. Probably the day I will leave this house is just around the corner."

She takes a deep breath, murmuring aloud. "Maybe a shower will help? I can always take one later. And clean the bath. Ugh, I miss my normal life. I miss Hana. Hah... I turned down her invitation to hangout when she called me earlier... Hung up after giving a vague answer. I wonder if she's still worried."

You want me to explain what's going on, Hana? I can't do that and put you in danger. Now that she rethinks, Bong-soon feels that's a pretty forward way of explaining things.

"Gods, hope that didn't worry her. Did she call me again? I couldn't even text her. And I had to join my family for dinner preps. Bong-gi was in a hurry to leave for his shift too!"

Her phone flashes the moment she pulls it out of her pyjama pocket, right in time to receive Hanna's text.

Bong-soon-ah, why did you end our call? I finally got hold of you after ages too. What danger? I'm not afraid of danger, dear. Let's meet at the cafe or the art studio tomorrow. You pick the time. I can take the day off if it means catching up with you.

Bong-soon is touched. If her life is blessed, it's thanks to art, Pa, Bong-gi and all her sweet friends. Meeting Hana should be fun and there can't be immediate danger. She wants to go but doesn't feel inclined to troubling Guk-doo or Do-young.

Her reply is quick:

Sorry, Hana. I can't meet you without an escort. I will explain everything in a video call in the morning.

Hana: You're keeping me in suspense. I just hope you're okay.

Bong-soon: I'm okay. Somebody is guarding me outside my house. And I will soon drift off into sleep.

Hana: Fine. Call me tomorrow. Gn. Tc.

Bong-soon ends the chat with a smile. As she turns on the lights and straightens her bed, her eyes fall on the unopened shopping bags in the corner. Lots of new art to look at. Plus that gorgeous dress. Her smile widens.

"I really will drift into sleep with the knowledge that I'm loved by some of those who matter the most to me."

Yeah, there's not a soul in the world I detest. I don't hate Ma. It's just sad we don't get along. Oh, shall I get the patrolling officer a midnight snack? Who's on duty tonight?

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