BELLADONNA

Chp38: tables turn

It was Saturday afternoon, and I found myself lounging in my room, the familiar comfort of my bed enveloping me like a warm blanket. Wooyoung had gone out with his friends, leaving behind a sense of quiet that hung in the air. His absence made the house feel a little emptier, but I welcomed the stillness, relishing the time to myself.

Downstairs, I could hear the faint rustle of papers as Wooyoung’s mom buried herself in her paperwork. She was always so dedicated to her work, often losing track of time. I glanced at the clock on my nightstand, the hands ticking steadily toward 3 PM. I knew it was only a matter of time before my mom calls me.

Settling deeper into the pillows, I allowed my mind to drift for a moment, picturing what Wooyoung might be up to with his friends—maybe they were at the park, laughing and joking under the afternoon sun. Just as I was lost in thought, my phone buzzed on the bedside table, jolting me back to reality. It was her. Just on cue, I smiled to myself, knowing that I couldn't escape the call for long. I took a deep breath, ready to respond to whatever she needed, eager to step out of my solitude, even if just for a little while.

As I answered the call, my mom greeted me with her usual warmth, her voice brightening my mood instantly.

“Hey, sweetie! How are you? How’s Wooyoung doing? And are you behaving yourself?”

she asked, a hint of playfulness in her tone. I could hear the slight shuffle of papers in the background, a familiar sound that meant she was still busy with work.

I reassured her that I was fine, even managing to smile at the mention of Wooyoung, who was likely enjoying his time with his friends. But then, her tone shifted slightly, and I sensed that there was something significant on her mind.

“We're coming back to Seoul tomorrow morning,”

she continued, her voice steady but laced with an undertone of concern.

“So, we need to get you packed up. You’ll be shifting back to your house.”

My heart sank a little at the thought of my family. They had left me in Wooyoung's care months ago, and I’d gotten used to the rhythm of life here, feeling a sense of belonging in this house.

The weight of her words settled heavily on my chest. My family’s return meant leaving this space that had become my refuge. The thought of moving back stirred a mix of emotions within me—anxiety about what awaited me at home and an unexpected sense of loss for the familiarity I had built here. I took a deep breath, processing the sudden shift in my life.

“Okay, Mom,”

I replied, trying to keep my voice steady despite the turmoil in my mind.

“I’ll start packing.”

As I hung up, I glanced around the room, taking in the small details that had brought me comfort during my stay— the collection of books on the shelf, and the cozy blankets draped over the chair. Would I really have to leave all this behind?

The next morning arrived too soon, the sunlight spilling through the curtains and casting soft shadows across my room. I took a moment to gather my thoughts before finally rising from the bed, knowing that today marked a new chapter, one I hadn’t anticipated. After a quick breakfast, I pulled my suitcase from under the bed and began the task of packing away my things. Each item I placed inside felt like a piece of my current life slipping away—little reminders of the days spent in this house.

Once I was finally ready, I carried my suitcase down the stairs, each step echoing with a mix of reluctance and resignation. As I entered the living room, the sight that greeted me was both familiar and uncomfortable. My family was already there, waiting for me, their presence filling the space with an air of expectation. I couldn’t help but notice how they all seemed to sit stiffly, as if the weight of the moment had them all a bit on edge.