The heavy rain drummed against the metal rooftops, a relentless rhythm that numbed the ears. Occasionally, the moonlight pierced through gaps in the clouded sky, scattering silver drops that pitter-pattered onto the earth, drenching grass blades, leaves, and every inch of the landscape. Thunder rumbled after flashes of lightning, adding a menacing edge to the already soaked world.
The damp soil released its earthy scent, mingling with the rain-soaked air. Proud flowers bowed their heads, humbled by nature's unrelenting storm. Water droplets clung to the windowpanes, twisting and twirling as they blurred the glass, creating the illusion of something dark and harsh lurking just outside.
Inside the house, silence reigned in stark contrast to the chaos beyond. Every door and window had been secured, sealing off the storm’s ferocity.
Grandpa sat across from me, a golf magazine in his hands. Uncle kept sneaking glances at it, though he pretended to stay disinterested. I was curled up on the soft sofa, a tiny bundle of warmth resting in my lap.
Taepung—the heart and soul of the Min family—lay asleep. His miniature features were captivating, his beady eyes and flushed cheeks radiating innocence. His tiny arms and legs felt like flower petals, his delicate fingers barely brushing two inches in length. He was perfect, every detail a marvel.
In that moment, he was at peace, snuggled into my lap, free from the usual squirming and tugging. Watching him breathe softly, I felt an unexplainable joy as though witnessing a bud preparing to bloom.
Granny and Aunt Yeoreum were in the kitchen, busy with their duties, filling the house with warmth. Everything felt safe, comforting—until the main door burst open, breaking the quiet.
The sound of hurried footsteps filled the room as two drenched figures stumbled inside—my parents.
Father leaned heavily on Mother’s shoulder, his body frail, his movements unsteady. His hand clung to her for support, and his head hung low as if the weight of the world pressed upon him. He looked utterly broken, his breath barely audible, his presence more like a shadow than a man.
Grandpa shot up from his seat, alarmed. I stared at my father in disbelief. His swollen, bloodshot eyes met mine briefly before he forced a strained smile.
“Raehee, my baby!” he called out, his voice uneven and unsettling.
I opened my mouth to respond, but Uncle's sharp voice cut me off. “Raehee, go upstairs with Taepung. Now!”
Without hesitation, I obeyed, cradling Taepung as I retreated to the second floor. From there, I heard the storm outside mirrored in the battle brewing downstairs.
“Jake, are you drunk?” Grandpa demanded, his voice trembling with fury and disbelief.
Dad’s response was a crooked, devilish smile, his silence thickening the tension.
“How could you?” Grandpa roared. “You knew there were children in this house! You knew!”
“Appa, give me a break,” Dad slurred, swaying slightly. “This is all your fault.”
Grandpa froze. “My fault?” he whispered, his voice cracking.
“Yes, yours,” Mom chimed in, stepping forward. Her voice was cold, accusatory. “If you and Mother weren’t here, this wouldn’t have happened.”
“What are you saying?” Grandpa asked, his voice barely holding together.
“It’s because of Raehee!” Mom snapped. “We can’t even have our own space because she’s always in our room with her books, studying to be a doctor. All she does is take up space and ruin our lives.”
“She’s a child!” Grandpa shouted. “Your child! How can you—”
“We want her to be successful,” Dad interrupted, his voice rising. “Not waste her life serving insignificant people. We have dreams for her, too. Once you’re out of the picture, we’ll renovate this house and give her a proper future.”
“You don’t want her future,” Grandpa said, his voice cold now. “You want your own convenience.”
The argument spiraled into chaos. Granny and Aunt Yeoreum rushed into the room, their faces pale. Uncle stepped forward, his voice shaking with anger.
“Appa is going nowhere!” he yelled. “As long as I’m here, he’s staying under this roof.”
“No,” Grandpa said quietly, silencing everyone. His shoulders slumped, his age suddenly showing. “Maybe they’re right, Jack. Take care of Raehee. Make sure she fulfills her dreams.”
“Stop it!” Granny cried. “What are you saying? Why does this house suddenly feel so empty, so wrong?”
But it was too late. By the end of that night, Grandpa and Granny left the house. I stayed with Uncle and Aunt Yeoreum, but nothing was ever the same.
Thanksgiving passed in a haze of sorrow. The house felt hollow without Grandpa and Granny’s presence. I visited them for Chuseok, Christmas, and other holidays, but the warmth of having them close was gone.
Now, standing before Grandpa Seokwook in the present, my heart ached with a bittersweet love for the man who had shaped my life. My idol, my compass—always.
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[UNEDITED]
I'm back after a whole lot of time I guess^^*
Sorry to keep you awaited for so long. I was just a little busy with my school stuffs. Anyways enjoy and don't forget to vote, comment and give a shout out? Please I need your help.:(
Love you INFINITE.