Finest Jin

School Assembly

The weeks were flying by in a chilly blur. The highlight of the third week was the knock at our door and Mark had come to drop off Coco. He stayed and had dinner with us as the three little fur babies became acquainted. Coco quickly asserted herself as the queen of the realm and both boys seemed happy to acquiesce. Mark was sweet and friendly. The kids fell for his outgoing personality and we happily added him to our friend list. 

The last week of school had come up fast. Wednesday, the 29th, was the last day at our apartment. We had gone over several times to rearrange the room for Jins' Halmoni. He had left a debit card in an envelope with a note telling me the passcode and giving me instructions to use it for "anything needed". I put it on top of the fridge, determined not to touch it. The children were at home, it was an early bedtime for tomorrows' final day of school. I was at Jins', trying to make sure that we had everything needed. I had hit the market and arrived at the room, arms full of groceries and things from the market. I was surprised to find the door unlocked. Inside, I could hear a vacuum whirring. I set everything down in the entrance and went to investigate. In the newly set up guest room was an older korean woman, around mid fifties. She was slightly plump, in a black uniform, her vacuum strokes efficient and somewhat fierce. I cleared my throat and she startled. 

"Hello!" She gasped. 

"Hi. I am Ay Telly. Do you work here?" She stood up, looking me over, then gracing her ample cheeks with a grin.

"Yes. Chung Yu Jin. I clean all the boys' apartments. Do you?" I smiled back.

"Yes. I will be here for a month, caring for Mr. Kims' Halmoni." 

"Ahh," she bowed to me, "You're a nurse then." 

"Something like that." I bowed to her and she flicked the vacuum back on.

"I am almost done."

"I am going to make tea. Would you like a cup?" I raised my voice over the whirring of the machine. She smiled.

"I like tea," she called over her shoulder. I went back to the kitchen and started the kettle, adding some Earl Grey. I put away one bag of groceries as Chung Yu Jin emerged from the hallway, lugging the slim vacuum. "That smells good." I smiled at her and pulled two cups from the cupboard. 

"I am making London Fogs. Do you like those?" She shrugged, stopping to gather her bucket of supplies. 

"I have never had London Fog." 

"They will only be a few minutes to make."

"I must go upstairs," she apologized, "In a few minutes, I can have a room done." 

"Ok," I laughed, admiring her commitment, "I will bring you a cup up." Minutes later, the tea was done. I carefully added the cream and sugar and carried it up to the top floor of the building. I knocked at the door and it was immediately pulled open by a heavy man with a laughing face. He was about my height and his face instantly sobered at the sight of me. I bowed. I knew this man. Bang Si Hyuk was Bangtans' manager. I had assumed that he would be on tour with them. I  held out the prettily decorated teacup.

"Hello, sir. Is Chung Yu Jin here? I am bringing her tea." He took the cup and I quickly retreated, bowing thanks, praying that I hadn't just caused her trouble. I could feel Bang PD-Nims' eyes on me right to the elevator. 

Once inside the elevator, I breathed out the breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Jin had never briefed me on how to deal with such a situation, likely assuming, like I had, that it would never occur. My hands were shaking and it took me a few moments to locate the key in my pockets and then several more to get the key to turn in the lock. Just as it did, a man called me from the elevator opening behind me.