Sunshower

Chapter 30: Closure

Cassia shut the front door behind her and leaned against the opposite wall, gasping for air.

She had somehow hoped her mom would have been more remorseful, but that didn't seem to be the case. She was the same self-centered drunk she had always been.  But she had her evidence and now wanted nothing more than to return to Korea and Hobi. She just had to figure out how to get the money for the return flight.

Walking into the night air, Cassia knew she needed to find somewhere to sleep. She also needed to call Hoseok and let him know how things went.

Cassia spotted a corner near an alleyway that was covered by a thin piece of metal. It wasn't an ideal place to sleep, but it would do for the night. She rummaged around the alley, looking for a box to lay on. She found one behind the back door of a restaurant that was diagonal from her. This will do. She thought to herself. Cassia ripped the box on one side and laid it out so she could rest. It was starting to get cold and Cassia realized she didn't have anything to keep her warm except Hobi's red sweater, which she remembered she had in her bag and pulled it out. It was nowhere near as cold in the States as it was in Korea, so the sweater was just enough.

She got comfortable and leaned against the side of the building. She heard thunder far off and wondered if it was suppose to rain. Looking down at her phone, she dialed Hoseok's number.

"OH, CASSIA! Thank God you're okay," he said as he answered the phone, his voice heavy with worry and relief.

"Hi Hobi," she said quietly.

"I have been worried sick, Cass. Why didn't you call once you got there?" Cassia could tell Hobi was aggravated, but she knew it was out of love.

"I had to get this done, Hobi. I apologize, but I hope you understand. I'm sorry to have made you worry." Another clap of thunder sounded; it was closer than the first.

"Was that thunder I heard?"

"Yes, it may be a wet one here tonight," she answered his question solemnly.

"As long as you have a safe, dry place to stay," she heard Hobi's voice on the other end. She skipped over his comment without acknowledging it.

"Yeah. I'm good," she replied. She knew Hobi would not like her sleeping outside, but she wasn't about to tell him. "Have you talked to dad?" Hobi knew she was going to be upset at his answer. He took a deep breath before he talked.

"I have. He knows you're in America and he isn't too thrilled about you going to see your mom by yourself. He's afraid you will get hurt again." She smiled slightly, glad that her dad still cared enough to worry.

"I'll be home, soon. Don't worry." They talked a little while longer and then said goodbye, just as the rain began to pour all around the alley. Cassia waited a while before she decided to call her dad. When she did call, he picked up after only two rings.

"Dad, it's me." Cassia said quietly as if someone might hear her.

"Hello, Cassia," Her dad's voice was strong and comforting. He looked up from the table, where he sat in Korea and stared at his wife. The look of anger on her face revealed her feelings to her husband.

"Hoseok told me you went to visit your mom," he continued. "You should have told me, I would have gone with you."

"No dad. I needed to do this by myself. But thank you. I did find proof of what we talked about, however. I have it recorded on my phone." Mr. Jeon faltered a bit before replying.

"That is good. I hope it can hold up."

"It will," she responded.

"How long will you be staying in America, since you found what you need already?" he looked up at his wife as she choked on his words. He secretly snickered on the inside, knowing his wife was guilty.