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The next morning was quiet, the early light filtering through the kitchen windows as I watched Yeonji sitting happily at the breakfast table. Her legs swung back and forth under the chair, her eyes focused on the colorful spoonfuls of cereal she was devouring.
"Eat slowly, sweetie," my mother said with a gentle laugh, sitting across from her. "You don't want to choke."
"Grandma, this cereal is yummy!" Yeonji beamed, her voice full of joy.
I smiled, savoring the peace of the moment. The warmth of my mother's home enveloped me, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like I could breathe.
"Jungwon already left for work?"
I asked, glancing at the clock. It was still early, but my brother had always been the ambitious one, usually out the door before most people were awake.
My mother nodded. "He's been busy lately. He said something about an important meeting today."
I sipped my coffee, staring out the window, the calmness making way for the thoughts that had been circling in my mind since I arrived back. It was time for a change. Physically, emotionally, it was time to let go of the old version of myself. The one who had run away.
"I'm thinking of going out for a haircut," I said, looking at my mom. "A fresh restart, you know?"
Her face lit up, a proud smile tugging at her lips. "That's wonderful, Jieun. You deserve to feel renewed. It's been a long journey, but you're home now."
I nodded, grateful for her support. Yeonji was now distracted with her drawing on the kitchen counter, crayons spread out in a chaotic burst of colors. I leaned over and kissed her on the top of her head. "I'll be back soon, okay?"
She gave me a thumbs up, her attention already fully absorbed in her next masterpiece.
I went upstairs and changed my pyjamas to a sleeveless black vest layered over a crisp white shirt. The shirt is paired with high-waisted black trousers that are sleek and tailored, accentuating a sophisticated silhouette. The black tie adds a touch of formal elegance, making the outfit both powerful and fashionable. With oversized sunglasses, and a small black handbag . After, I took my mom's car keys and left the house.
——————
The salon was only a short drive from home, and I entered with a nervous excitement building in my chest. After explaining to the stylist what I wanted: a fresh, modern cut, I sat back in the chair, watching the layers of my past fall to the floor with every snip of the scissors.
When the stylist turned the chair around, I barely recognized myself. My reflection showed a confident woman with sharp, clean lines framing her face, and for the first time in years, I felt like I was stepping into a new version of me.
