2. white rose 》jeongmi

XXXIX

i accompanied my grandma for a while for she needed to pee and she doesn't remember exactly where the church's restrooms were, and she's so much in a rush, i had to leave mina waiting in front of the church's gate.

i couldn't even tighten my grip even more as i came back seeing mina casually speaking with a guy. i wouldn't exactly feel the sudden anguish right now if it was just any other guys she's talking to, but it is not the case. it was my father she was with right at this moment.

the very man who raped my mother and the reason she killed herself.

"get away from her." i growled as i reach mina's arm and pulled her behind me. i was aware of my sharp glares at the man in front of me and so does he.

my grandma was a bit scared as she tries to pull mina farther away from me and my father.

i saw him slowly take his step back, three steps away before looking down and sighing. "i'm sorry." he said.

i clenched my teeth and tried calming myself. he was a horrible man, but still, he was my father. i've said all the harsh words to him before, and i was out of words, especially in front of a church. so i just turned around and went inside without looking back at him before i even do or say something even worse.

i realize my whole body was shaking as mina started caressing my face. "he's gone," i hear her whisper. "i'm here, don't cry now."

i closed my eyes and held her hand on my cheeks. i realize, i was too bad at moving on from the past that a very simple sight of a memory i tried to forget would trigger something so painful, and it all comes back.

"jeongyeon-ah," i heard mina whisper and then we met eyes. "it's okay." she smiles, and i know that's all i ever needed.//