Haein stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out the fabric of her dress. It was a soft cream colour, elegant yet understated-perfect for the occasion. Soobin's school had sent an invitation for the annual Recognition Day, where the top students were to be honoured for their achievements, and despite everything that had happened between them, Haein felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this would be a turning point.
She had spent the morning practising how she would carry herself, how she would smile without showing too much excitement, how she would remain poised no matter what. Haein didn't want to embarrass Soobin-she wanted her daughter to be proud. She knew their relationship was strained, but she held on to the belief that attending this event might soften things between them.
As she carefully pinned her hair back, Haein heard the sound of Soobin's footsteps approaching. She turned around, ready to show her outfit, but the words died in her throat as she saw the expression on Soobin's face. It wasn't excitement or relief that greeted her; it was irritation.
"Are you really wearing that?" Soobin's voice was cold, her eyes scanning Haein's outfit with obvious disapproval.
Haein blinked, taken aback by the immediate criticism. She had spent hours preparing, hoping that today would go smoothly, but Soobin's tone instantly deflated her fragile optimism. "I thought it looked nice," Haein said quietly, trying to maintain her composure. "It's not too much, right? I didn't want to overshadow you."
Soobin crossed her arms, a scowl etched on her face. "It doesn't matter. I don't want you to come."
Haein's heart sank. She felt the familiar sting of rejection, but it hit harder this time. "But... it's your recognition day," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought this would be important for you-for us."
Soobin's eyes narrowed. "I don't want you there," she said bluntly. "You'll just make things worse. People will stare, and I don't need that kind of attention. Just stay home, okay?"
The words were like knives, each one cutting deeper than the last. Haein stood frozen, the hurt spreading through her chest. All she wanted was to support her daughter, to share in her achievement, but it seemed Soobin couldn't stand the sight of her.
"Okay," Haein finally whispered, her voice trembling. She turned back to the mirror, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. "If that's what you want."
Soobin said nothing more. She turned and left the room, leaving Haein standing alone, staring at her reflection. The dress that had once made her feel proud and hopeful now felt heavy, like a reminder of everything she had lost.
Haein remained there for a while, her thoughts swirling in a mix of pain and resignation. She had hoped that this day would bring them closer, that attending Soobin's recognition day would show her daughter that she cared, that she was trying. But instead, it only reinforced the growing distance between them.
She took a deep breath, gently unpinning her hair and slipping out of the dress. She folded it carefully, placing it back in her wardrobe. There would be no recognition day for her, no proud moment where she could watch her daughter from the audience.
Haein knew better than to push. Soobin's decision was final, and she had no choice but to accept it.
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...
