Haein woke up with a quiet hope that today would be different. It was her birthday, and while she didn't expect grand gestures, a simple acknowledgement from Soobin would have been enough to lift her spirits.
The house was unusually quiet as she got up, walking through the halls with her thoughts swirling. She remembered Soobin’s birthday not too long ago—how she had gone out of her way to make sure everything was perfect, despite her own declining health. It wasn’t about the gifts or the decorations; it was about showing she cared.
But today, there were no signs of celebration. No breakfast waiting for her, no greeting from Soobin, not even a text message. Haein tried to brush it off, telling herself that Soobin was busy, maybe even planning something as a surprise. She checked her phone periodically, but there was nothing.
As the hours passed, Haein sat by the window, her thoughts drifting between memories of past birthdays when things were simpler, before the strain between her and Soobin had grown so wide. She’d never imagined that this would be how they ended up—her, alone on her birthday, feeling like an afterthought in her daughter’s life.
By afternoon, Haein’s hope had faded entirely. Soobin had left early in the morning, mentioning something about plans with friends. She hadn’t even said goodbye. There was no mention of the day, no acknowledgment that it was anything special. Haein realized, with a sinking feeling, that Soobin had forgotten. Or worse, she didn’t care.
As the evening approached, Haein sat at the dining table, staring at the empty chair across from her. The house, once filled with noise and energy, now felt cold and empty. She thought about calling Hyunwoo, but the idea quickly faded. Even if she did, what would she say?
With a sigh, Haein stood and made her way to the kitchen, deciding to at least make herself a small meal. She opened the fridge, but the sight of the untouched groceries only deepened her sense of loneliness. She closed the door and settled for a glass of water instead, the hunger in her stomach replaced by a hollow ache in her heart.
Sitting back down, Haein glanced at the clock. The day was almost over, and it had passed without a single word from Soobin.
She clenched her hands, trying to hold back the emotion rising inside her. It wasn’t the lack of gifts or celebration that hurt—it was the absence of care. She had poured so much of herself into Soobin, despite everything, and today, on her birthday, she felt invisible.
By the time Soobin finally returned home, it was late, the night already settling in. She breezed in with barely a glance at her mother, her arms filled with shopping bags. Haein waited, hoping for even a belated recognition, but Soobin simply walked past, heading straight to her room without a word.
Haein watched her go, the silence of the house pressing down on her. She knew then that this day, like so many others, would pass without Soobin ever realising what she had missed.
Haein sighed, closing her eyes and allowing the darkness of the night to envelope her, another birthday slipping away, unnoticed and uncelebrated.
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...
