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

Shadows and Beginnings

Chapter 12

So-ra ran across the playground in a spitfire manner to get into the line. Clad in a baby pink hoodie under a red knee-length jumper, she found her spot and raised one hand, greeting her classmates in her bubbly tone. Her eye-catching clothes reflecting her quirky personality had always made her a standout. Yoo-hae knew she had been retelling a countless times, of how her daughter had gotten into the routine of handpicking her clothes at night before going to bed, but she just couldn't resist. However, her heart would sink a little each time So-ra paraded in front of the mirror, because it was a habit so much like Yong-il's.

It was easy for Ji-heon to spot So-ra with her small curls, her rosy cheeks and her shrill voice. Quietly he waited under the shed and waved at her when she looked his way. After the flag ceremony, So-ra ran towards Ji-heon and greeted, "Good morning, ajussi." Ji-heon patted her head and answered, "Good morning, little princess." He handed her a bagful of candies and storybooks, and in one sweep, carried her in his arms. "Getting ready for another day?" So-ra nodded and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you for the gifts. I'll keep my promise to study harder." The remark which was a prelude to the stories she was about to tell, made him smile. She started talking about her current favorite cartoon show, the funny characters involved and he would nod as he had always tried to be a good listener to her. Later on she'd insist as part of her reminders that he should drop by everyday so he could finally talk to her mother, to which Ji-heon responded with a nod. Upon hearing the bell ring, Ji-heon lowered the child to the ground and watched her go. The school run by the church was known to be among the best in Seoul. Ji-heon upon learning So-ra was enrolled this school year, immediately granted her full scholarship. It was the only way he knew how to deal with his guilt. But since Yoo-hae was still giving him the cold shoulders, he resorted to keeping his anonymity as So-ra's sponsor. Despite everything neatly laid out, Ji-heon felt a constant need to give because he knew it would never be enough.

"You're early," Father Vincent greeted from behind.

Ji-heon spun around and greeted the priest, "Good morning, Father Vincent."

"You've talked to So-ra?"

Ji-heon nodded. "She asked me to come everyday. I hope she remains fond of me when she's all grown up."  

"She will always remember your kindness. Your presence has helped her cope."

But Ji-heon was still hounded by the possibility of hurting So-ra. The fear was so real that it often left him petrified. He looked at the playground and saw it empty, a swift transition in a matter of minutes. Remembering his visit to his father earlier, he took out a check from his pocket and handed it to Father Vincent. His smile turned warm, his face finally at ease. "Please accept this donation on my father's behalf."

Father Vincent looked surprised as he accepted the check. "Thank you. Please extend our gratitude to him."

"He couldn't come just yet but he wanted to contribute to the renovation of the cathedral."

"Is he sick?"

"He's diabetic."

"I can go visit him."

"He'll be more than happy to see you."

"Please tell him I'll set a schedule for a personal visit next week."

"I will, Father. Thank you."

An office assistant approached Father Vincent with a phone in his hand. "Phone call for you, Father Vincent. It's from Cho Eun-jung ssi."

"Thank you. I'll take it." He turned to Ji-heon and excused himself before speaking into the phone. His eyes lit up upon hearing the caller's voice. "When did she give birth?" Father Vincent asked, and then waited a while before bringing up another question. "How is she?" He paused again, his voice now calm and his excitement subdued.  "Alright, I'll go see her tonight. Thank you for the good news." A big smile lingered on his face after the call ended. Father Vincent wasn't aware of it until he saw Ji-heon staring at him. He cleared his throat and said, "A friend of mine just gave birth. 2.6 kgs. A baby girl." Ji-heon nodded and listened to the priest as he talked about the many unwanted babies left by the church door and how he admired his friend for keeping her child despite being a single parent. The conversation then shifted to the church's ongoing projects of which Ji-heon had been actively taking part. Overtime he realized how much Father Vincent's influence had affected his life, rearranging his priorities, giving him a different set of perspectives.