Sojung places the rice into the rice cooker and switches it on to cook. She then turns at the clock and sees that the time is just right. She smiles and walks out of the kitchen to where Eunbi is sleeping.

"Eunbi!" Sojung sits in front of the child as she cheerfully calls her name to wake her up. The girl stirs around the sheets and tries to wake up, confused at the unusual morning call. "Do you know what day is today?"

Eunbi stops fidgeting when the question hits her mind. "May 30th!" she exclaims, before excitedly jumping up. "It's my birthday!"

"Yes it is!" Sojung laughs and pulls the child into a hug. "Happy birthday Eunbi yah," Sojung smiles from ear to ear, squeezing her eyes shut as she does so while happiness bubbles in her heart.

"Gomawo unnie," the eight-year-old* thanks Sojung with a heartfelt tone that melts her heart as usual. Sojung is reminded of how the girl has appeared in her life and lit it up so bright with so much happiness, more than enough to make up for the loneliness of eighteen years of her life. May 30th is exactly two months before July 30th, the day Sojung found Eunbi. Sojung cannot be more grateful that she had found the baby, seven years ago.

"So, what do you want for your birthday?" Sojung asks once she releases Eunbi from the embrace.

"Hmm..." Eunbi furrows her eyebrows and puts a finger on her chin as she ponders, "Ice cream!" she then exclaims, her eyes huge and brightly shining.

"Alright, unnie will bring Eunbi to get some ice cream together after picking you up from school today!" Sojung excitedl