Walk slowly (edited)

Chapter 28

I sat in front of the television, watching some comedy. But none was able to comfort me. I have too much to think about, especially about mom. After thinking about mom, my mind suddenly remembered about dad. How do I make dad understand and believe in me?

When the doorbell rang, my thoughts fled. Now I began to wonder, who would come at this time? Maybe Jackson’s friend.

I quickly got to the door and opened it. I’m so shocked and in disbelief when I saw the person who appeared in front of me. 

Is it true or am I actually insane? Because I am too worried about mom, therefore, I only see her face on every face in front of me.

Mom hugged me tight.

I did not know what had brought her here and how mom could find out that I was here. But what I know is, when I saw mom’s face, my heart was relieved.

I hugged her with a loving response. “How’re you feeling now, mom? You okay?”

“Seeing your face is enough to make me feel well, jinyoungie.” Mom said.

I was able to smile now. All the fears that had haunted me all this time were erased.

I can see dad’s figure at the gate. Mom loosened her arms when she saw me looking at dad. Dad moved forward, approaching mom and I.

Dad’s facial expression looked different tonight. There is no more mad expression.

“I’m sorry, my son. Please forgive me.” Dad said. “Please forgive me because I never try to understand you. I always think you’re still a child and unable to make your own decisions. I was wrong when I thought Mark can make you happy.”

“If I know he will only hurt you, I will never force you to marry him.” Dad added.

My heart felt touched hearing dad’s words. But now there was a question: how could dad know all this?

“How did you know all this?”

“Mark told us.” Mom said.

“After this, no matter what happens. Mom and dad will always support you.” Dad said and hugged me.

“Thank you, mom, dad… Please forgive me for everything.” I smiled happily.

*****

Today is my first day back at work. Now, I work as a teacher in a kindergarten located near Jackson’s residential area. So I do not have to rush to work, let alone think of the traffic jam since the kindergarten is just five houses away from Jackson’s house.

I’m thankful that Jackson has helped me get this job. Youngjae, the owner of the kindergarten, is Jackson's childhood friend, so I got the job easily.

It feels weird when I become a teacher for a child, maybe because I don’t have any siblings. But it's fun whenever you see their actions and hear their words. It’s so cute. If only I had the opportunity to have my own child and see them grow up in front of my eyes, how beautiful would my life be. But maybe I should forget that desire that certainly existed in every person who holds a title as wife.

“Teacher, you’re so beautiful.” Jimin tried to make conversation with me, while his other friends were busy with the work that I gave.

“Really? Thank you, Jiminie.” I still said thank you to Jimin.

“Are you married yet, teacher?” I was shocked when I heard that question.

“Are you done with your homework, Jiminnie?” I asked, refusing to answer that question.