THE RESTLESS AUTUMN (completed) (a full-length novel)

Cobblestones

Chapter 5

Without looking, he tossed the toothbrush into the stainless holder and out of an old habit, left the toothpaste uncapped. He turned on the tap and cupped the warm water with his hands, splashing onto his face a couple of times. His hands then moved up to untangle a bed hair, but since he was never good at hairstyling, he just tousled the top with a dab of hair wax. He looked closely in the mirror and saw some stubble, so he opted for a quick shave and applied his favorite aftershave. After toweling dry, he slid into a white Paul Smith polo and navy blue jeans and stepped back into the carpeted bedroom. The windows were partially opened, enough to let the gentle sunrays in. He stood on the same spot where he had watched Euna the other night and regretted having this part of the room associated with that memory. Peeking at his wristwatch, he realized it was getting late and left the room without closing the window.

He found Euna in the dining area, leaning over the round glass table placing a bowlful of bibimbap with cucumber soup on the side. There was something in the way she moved that reminded him of how they used to be and it annoyed him. Their eyes met but she quickly lowered her head, greeting him in her soft voice. Ji-heon stared at the food and asked, "You want me to eat this?"

"Please have some breakfast before you leave," said Euna with hands behind her back and eyes cast down.

With one finger pushing the bowl, Ji-heon said again, "I can't eat this. It's poison." Instead, he went to get some buns from the bread bin and fixed himself a cup of coffee while she looked on. He sat in one corner of the table and began tearing a piece of bun into tiny portions. Quietly he had his first sip. But before he could put a piece into his mouth, he turned his eyes to Euna and caught her staring at him.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"I hate your stares." Ji-heon rose from the table and emptied his cup.

"I'm sorry." She bowed nervously, her eyes shut tight. "Ji-heon nim, I won't stare again. Please finish your breakfast."

The honorific caught him by surprise. And the rage surged again from within.

"I don't like the sound of my name from your mouth. It disgusts me." Ji-heon grabbed his bag from the chair and upon reaching the door he turned to her and said, "They're coming over tonight. You must leave today." The door slammed behind him. It was then that she breathed again. Euna wiped her tears before it could reach her cheeks. He must've been too dazed last night to realize he had drunk the broth she'd served him, she thought.

The walkway to the church office had been rebuilt with green and blue cobblestones, replacing the faded cement she had walked on six years ago. The trimmed grass and newly bloomed gardenias made up the newly landscaped lawn, creating a picturesque backdrop for the old cathedral. A group of young altar boys were gathering withered leaves under the row of maple trees when Euna passed by. A few looked with curiosity while some didn't bother and went on with their task. At the foot of the walkway stood Father Vincent, waiting with arms behind, his smile warm as the vibrant sun.

"You've finally come."

Euna bowed and put on a happy face. "Opp... Father Vincent." It was the first time she'd seen him after being freed but she held her head low, ashamed for breaking a promise.

His hands reached out and rested on her shoulders. "Come inside."

He walked toward the office but stopped midway when he heard no footsteps. He turned around and saw Euna still in the walkway. Her drooped shoulders looked obvious with the oversized gray shirt she had on and the faded jeans folded at mid-calves emphasized her small frame. Her frailty while in prison had pained him many times and it was no different today. Father Vincent walked back to Euna and said, "Alright. We'll talk here."