Stigma #3 » k.th ✓

thirty three

For the last time (and for real this time), I got pulled in for a hug from Sanha once we woke up. Made sure to leave him the money more than what we really owe him, according to his note. He’s been nothing but good to us since we've stayed here. It's the least we can do in return.

Thankfully, we didn't think to stop by the hospital where he was resting. It’ll be less hassle for our time and to avoid getting pestered to pay them immediately. I have to pay $2000 by next time we come here. It will take a while, but I'm sure I’d be able to handle it.

"Two tickets back to Soeul, please." I look over at the price range and tried calculating the exact amount. Upon receiving them, I take them both and made my way back to my sister. "Good news or bad news, which one do you want to hear first?"

"Maybe bad news."

"Bad news is we don't have any money left for food, good news is we get to go home." Two hours is quite seemingly long. "Do you think we can take it with mere candies to fill up our stomach on the way?"

Lisa was a bit hesitant, but knowing how much she loves eating, this is going to be her biggest sacrifice. "I think I can. I’m going to sleep for two hours straight, is that okay?"

We’ve been waiting for the train for over an hour and a half now, even though they specifically told us they should be coming back any minute now. Wonder how long it takes to evacuate a couple of passengers off board in Seoul? 10-15 minutes for the stubborn ones, I presume.

"Smile," Can't believe she has the energy of a six-year-old to be taking pictures at this moment of crisis.

"Are you going to print those out?" I ask, distinctly remembering the old album we've barely touched since we moved to Seoul.

"No, you are," she giggles to herself, one-by-one viewing the pictures she’s taken on this short stay. "Look, look, you were so cute, sipping your soup."

"That was the one I told you not to take!"

"Too late. I already saved it on my phone, too."

I shake my head at her, making her look at me. She grew suspicious when I suddenly went quiet. "What? Not annoyed at that and snap like a usual big brother?"

"This is nice." It is. "And you're right. We deserve this short vacation for both of us. I think this is the longest we’ve spent together this year. Good job."

Lisa is obviously proud of herself. I could tell by the way her nose scrunched with excitement. Even more so when the train had arrived. She quickly picked both of our luggages and rushed in. "Oppa! Oppa! If we don’t ride now, we’re going to be left alone here. Hurry up!"

As her big brother, it would be best to save her dignity by calling out on her, but seeing her squeeze through this line keeps me entertained. Ending up laughing at the scene she almost caused.

"Two, please. The other is the blonde kid who entered ahead of me," I ended up laughing over the crowd’s chattering which costed me their attention to turn to me.

I sigh in defeat once I sat back down in front of her. She had her arms folded against her chest while looking at the window. But glanced back at me and must’ve noticed I was staring.