Prologue

                                    

                                          
"That will be 50,000 Won," you said opening the cashbox. Accepting the money with both hands, you placed it inside, thanking the couple who just had their evening date in the cafe.
                          
"Arghh," you massaged your neck and crack your fingers trying to remove all the stiffness. Today had been a busy day, and with your cashier suddenly calling a sick day you had to be the one behind the counter. 
                          
Just then the other part-timer came in. "Good evening Mam," she bowed.
"Ahh good evening Eunji-ya. Ready for your shift?" She replied in affirmative, wishing you a good day before you leave the cafe.
                          
You exit the cafe, smiling at the thought of your kids, who would have just arrived from school by now.
                          
*
                          
Punching the passcode, you enter home. "Evening Mommm" you sang. She, however, looks a bit frustrated with a dustbin in one hand and broom in another. 
                          
"Y/N-na, Minho just broke your favourite vase while running around with his toy-car". 
                          
"He did what now?" Your eyes almost pop out, searching for the five-year-old punk everywhere. "He's currently hiding behind the sofa," mom hints.
                          
"Halmeoni" whines the punk before trying to dash past you.
                          
"Not so fast now mister" you stood blocking his way. "I am sorry Mumma," he said, giving you the puppy eyes. 
                          
You sighed.
                          
Honestly, this guy was learning tricks from his father. 
                          
"Minho," you bent down to his level. "I told you to play cars outside, didn't I? What would have happened had you or Halmi gotten hurt due to the shards?" You questioned him. 
                          
"I wouldn't like that Mumma. I promise I won't do it again," he's buried himself in your neck.
                          
You pat his back and whisper him to say sorry to his grandma as well. He went to her, hugging and kissing her cheek. Chuckling, your mom picked him up and took him to his room. 
                          
You went to your bedroom to freshen up and as soon as you were out of the bathroom, you hear a loud "Mommmmm!" 
                          
You sighed for the hundredth time today, wondering how your mom managed three kids.
                          
"Yes, Minhee what's wrong?" 
                          
"I can't find my Powerpuff girl costume! And the theme for today's girls night out is Powerpuff girls" said the twelve-year-old, her lower lip quivering. 
                          
"When did you last use it, Honey?" 
                          
"Halloween," she was now trailing behind you as you climbed the stairs. 
                          
"It must be in the attic with the rest of the Halloween stuff Hon. Now lets search for it properly before crying, shall we?" She noded and you both started searching through the attic. 
Suddenly you heard a squeal from Minho downstairs.
                          
"Looks like your Appa is home, Minhee" 
                          
She grinned before returning to the search for her costume.
                          
You spotted a box labelled Halloween and pull it through the gap between the boxes.
                          
Unbeknownst to you, Minhee pulled out an old box. "Mom what's in this box?" she asked and before you turn to face her, she was already opening the box. 
                          
"There could be spiders inside Minhee, be careful," you cautioned her while trying to remove the tape from the Halloween box.
                          
Minhee opened the old box and found heaps of letters and pictures; one of them catching her eye instantly. 
                          
"Look what I found Mom! I found Appa's old picture!" that managed to pique your interest. "Appa's old picture?" You asked, turning around.
                          
She replied, "Yes mom, Appa looks so young! Who's the person beside Appa?"
                          
A picture is put too close to your eyes, almost slapping your face. You grab it, and as soon as you focus onto it, your heart skips a beat. 
                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
                          

Memories of the past flashed in front of you.
                          
Happy memories, Painful memories. 

                          
The way he smiled, the way he laughed.

                          
You feel a low thudding ache in your chest. 

                          
Your heart burns in anguish as you try to console it.

                          
You still remember each and every detail of his. 



                          
"Mom? Why are you crying?" 
                          
You didn't realise the tears that were streaming down your cheeks. As you opened your mouth to speak, only a low wail escaped. 
                          
Now alarmed and panicked, Minhee called her Dad. She met her dad halfway through the stairs.
                          
"Appa come quickly, Mom's crying!" she started pulling him up faster. 
                          
He hurriedly entered the room and spotted the picture in your hands. Rushing towards you, he engulfed you in a hug. Bawling your eyes out, you hugged him back tightly.
                          
"Appa? Why is mom crying? Did I do something wrong? And who is the guy beside you in the picture?" She gushed out. 
                          
"No Minhee-ya, it's not your fault," He said.





















                          
"And that guy" he reminisced looking at the picture, "Is your mom's first love"
                          
___________________________________________
                          
A/N:
There's the prologue!
Who do y'all think is the Appa?
Who's the first love?🤔🤔