Please, Confess to Me

Chapter 43 : Rabbit Doll

In the Kim President's office, Minji returned from a conference and settled into her chair. Her gaze instinctively drifted to the photograph prominently displayed on her desk. After a moment of contemplation, she leaned down and retrieved a worn rabbit doll from the bottom drawer.

This doll had been her solace during tough times, a connection to the chubby little girl with the red eyes who had once brought her comfort. Recently, however, since marrying that very girl, Minji had forgotten about the doll. With Hanni now in her life, there seemed little need for such a reminder. Yet, after last night's events, memories of their first meeting flooded her mind, compelling her to revisit the past.

It was a sweltering summer, and eight-year-old Minji found herself navigating the oppressive heat of the city. The Dean of the orphanage had suffered a heat stroke from overexertion and was currently hospitalized, leaving Minji with the responsibility of cooking meals daily and delivering them. During her deliveries, she took the opportunity to collect mineral water bottles from the dark, cluttered alley beside the hospital.

The alley was a mess, strewn with discarded items, but it was also a treasure trove of empty bottles that Minji could sell for a few coins. On this particular day, she managed to sell the bottles for 1,800 won and treated herself to a bun, savoring the warmth of the bread in her small hands.

Suddenly, a child's cries broke the stillness of the alley, followed by the barking of a dog.

"Wah... don't chase me!"

"Bark!"

The frantic voice echoed against the alley walls. Minji turned to see a little girl in a pink and white princess dress sprinting towards her.

The stray dog, though not large, appeared fierce enough to scare off any child. It limped as it barked angrily, its deep growl reverberating in the confined space.

In an instant, the little girl threw herself into Minji's arms, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Please, help me!"

Minji immediately hid the little girl behind her. After she noticed the dog staring at the bun in her hands, she threw her newly bought bun at the dog.

The stray dog quickly grabbed the food with its mouth, then limped away, leaving Minji to lead the scared little girl out of the alley.

Although Hanni's face was covered in tears, it couldn't hide the fact that she was dressed like a child of a rich family. After being saved, she tightly grasped Minji's hand, still sobbing. "Thank you for saving me."

"What's your name?" Minji asked, her voice sulky yet curious.

"My name is Pham Hanni. I'm three years and five months old," the little girl replied, her large red eyes blinking up at Minji.

Looking down, Minji spotted remnants of pancake stuck to little girl's shoes and understood the reason behind the stray dog's chase.

"Where's your family?" Minji inquired, her brow furrowing with concern.

"My mom is sick, and my dad is with her. I... I got lost. Can you please take me to my parents?" Hanni's small voice trembled with uncertainty, recalling how her father had walked too quickly.

Minji glanced at the bus stop across the street, weighing her options. "I'll help clean your shoes first, then we can find your dad."

"Okay." Hanni's face lit up with a smile, her eyes sparkling with trust.

Hanni quietly sat on the stone steps with her rabbit doll in her arms as Minji took off her shoes and carefully cleaned them. "Thank you." She beamed, and planting a soft kiss on Minji's cheek.