The penthouse was bathed in the soft glow of the evening sun, casting long shadows across the opulent furnishings. Haein had spent the day preparing a special dinner, hoping to create a warm atmosphere despite the undercurrents of tension that seemed to plague their home. It was a rare occasion when she felt a semblance of normalcy was within reach, especially after Hyunwoo’s recent visit and the ongoing strain with Soobin.
As Haein set the table, Soobin burst through the door, her face flushed and her uniform slightly disheveled. She had just returned from school, and the annoyance etched on her features suggested that the day had not been kind. Ignoring her mother’s efforts, Soobin stormed into the living room, her footsteps echoing through the expansive space.
“Why didn’t you pick me up from school today?” Soobin’s voice rang out, dripping with indignation. “I had to take a cab because you were too busy to care!”
Haein looked up from her task, her eyes meeting Soobin’s with a calm resolve. “I’m sorry, Soobin. I had a meeting that ran late. I thought you’d manage fine.”
Soobin’s irritation boiled over. “Manage fine? I had to lug all my things by myself! You’re so inconsiderate and cold. You never think about how your actions affect me!”
Haein took a deep breath, trying to suppress the surge of hurt at her daughter’s words. She had grown accustomed to Soobin’s dramatic outbursts, though they never became any easier to handle. “I’m sorry you had a hard time today,” Haein said softly. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
But Soobin wasn’t finished. “You don’t get it, do you? I’m always the one left to fend for myself. You’re too wrapped up in your own world to notice how much I need you.”
Haein’s heart ached at the accusation, but she maintained her composure. “I’m here now” she said gently. “I’m trying to make up for it. Let’s focus on the dinner I prepared. It’s meant to be a nice evening for us.”
Soobin glared at her, her frustration palpable. “Nice evening? I don’t want to eat with you. I just want you to be a better mother!”
Without waiting for a response, Soobin stormed off to her room, slamming the door behind her. The sound reverberated through the penthouse, leaving an unsettling silence in its wake.
Haein stood still for a moment, her shoulders slumped in resignation. She knew Soobin’s outburst was more about her own emotional turbulence than any real grievance. The drama was a coping mechanism for a girl struggling with her own insecurities and the fractured family dynamics that had become the backdrop of her life.
Taking a deep breath, Haein went to the kitchen and began to tidy up. The dinner, once a symbol of hope for reconciliation, was now a reminder of the emotional chasm that separated them. As she cleaned, she reflected on Soobin’s words, trying to understand the source of her daughter’s anger and the best way to address it.
When Soobin finally emerged from her room, she found the table cleared and her mother sitting quietly in the living room, her gaze distant. Haein’s calm demeanor was a stark contrast to the storm of emotions that Soobin had unleashed.
“I’m sorry for shouting” Soobin said hesitantly, her voice softer now. “I didn’t mean it.”
Haein looked up, her expression a mix of sadness and understanding. “I know, Soobin. I know you’re going through a lot. But shouting at me won’t make things better. Let’s try to work through this together.”
Soobin nodded, her eyes downcast. “I just... I don’t know how to handle everything.”
Haein reached out, placing a hand on Soobin’s arm. “We’ll figure it out. One step at a time.”
The moment was tender but fleeting, as the distance between them remained. Haein’s heart ached with the realization that mending their fractured relationship would require more than just understanding—it would demand patience, effort, and a willingness to confront the deeper issues at play.
As the evening wore on, the once-hopeful dinner plans had given way to a quiet reflection on the challenges that lay ahead. Haein and Soobin sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, the weight of their strained relationship settling heavily between them.
YOU ARE READING
Pieces Of Us
Random"Pieces of Us" follows the tumultuous relationship between Baek Soobin, a sixteen-year-old who lives a life of luxury and rebellion, and her mother, Hong Haein, a powerful CEO known for her cold, distant demeanour. As Soobin continues to push her mo...
