http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO1kO5r7BKw&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Exo-M- Into Your World

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Cho Inhee: Haewon's aunt

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It had been two years since the life-changing accident had left Haewon blind.

Life wasn’t easy. She was now fourteen, a difficult age for her. She would enter high school soon, but at the bullying she received from her fellow peers, she’d rather be home-schooled.

They were all cruel to her.

They switched her pencil for a sharp stick. They switched her colors up in paint class. They put a worm in her rice, and unfortunately due to that, she had tasted one and threw up everything she had eaten since the night before.

The girls were the worst. She couldn’t go into the restroom without receiving snide remarks about her blindness. Haewon, with her strong, autonomous personality, refused to shed tears in public and let her classmates witness the weak side of her.

However, her aunt knew. She could see how miserable Haewon was. At this rate, she would lose her hope and dreams forever. Fear would engulf her, and she would never be able to move forward.

On top of Haewon being a social outcast, her aunt was having a hard time financially. She wasn’t able to find proper work due to the fact that she had to be there for Haewon after school. She wouldn’t be able home-school Haewon either. Who would make the money then?

Then one fateful day, her aunt came across some information regarding an institution. It was a boarding school for special education in a remote island. It was a school for students with disabilities, like Haewon. They could teach her Braille and give her some self-help skills that would help her later in life.

In addition, the tuition wasn’t pricey. With this extra help, her aunt would be able to devote her time to education and work to improve their lives for the better.

When her aunt brought up the news to Haewon, she was at first doubtful and hesitant. If she couldn’t get along with anyone here, what made her think she could get along with anyone else? That was how much she had lost her confidence in this plight.

Yet, Haewon couldn’t give up. She refused to. She still clung onto that hope that there was something bigger out there for her. Besides, this opportunity would give her aunt a break from caretaking. She deserved that much.

So the decision was made.

Haewon was going to Cheongsangdo Institution for Special Education.

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Haewon and her aunt made the boat trip to Cheongsangdo Island. It was a pretty, little island. Yellow flowers blossomed everywhere, and the grass here seemed greener than everywhere else. Not that Haewon could see it anyways. Once she stepped onto the port, a calm breeze flowed past her, and somehow, she knew this was home.

“Come, Haewon. This way.” Her aunt grasped her hand and carefully led her down the pathway.

After nearly an hour of searching, they finally found the institution. It was separated from the rest of the village. The boarding school was large and orderly. It was peacefully quiet, and Haewon couldn’t pick up any sounds with her sharp ears. *Are there even any students here? How come I can’t hear the sound of people?* Nervously, she squeezed her aunt’s hand.

Her aunt squeezed back with an assuring smile. “The institution looks lovely, sweetheart.”

“I don’t hear anyone though.” Haewon whispered.

“Maybe they’re all inside. Let’s go check it out.” Her aunt led her indoors. Haewon listened carefully for any voices, but she heard none. She was beginning to doubt this place. *What if the administrators are mean? They don’t allow for free speech. They just want the kids to be quiet and learn. That’s not the kind of environment I want to be in.*

Her aunt opened the door to the office. “Hello? Is anybody here? That’s strange. How come nobody is at this school?” While she explored the room for any personnel, Haewon stayed by the door frame. She grew disheartened. *This is not the school for me. It was a hoax. Nobody runs this school. There is no institution for the special here.*

At that moment, her ears picked up the sound of footsteps. It was a man, she could tell.

“Auntie…” Haewon whispered. “Hmm?” She turned around.

“Someone is coming.” Haewon stated. “Who?” Her aunt hurried over.

A man in his forties turned the corner and traipsed down the hallway. He saw them and froze. Then his expression lit up, as if he recognized them. His steps picked up speed, and he hurried towards them. “You must be Cho Inhee and Cho Haewon, am I correct?”

“Yes. Who are you?” Her aunt bluntly asked.

“Excuse me. I should’ve introduced myself first. I spoke with you over the phone. I’m the director of this institution.” He held out his hand.

Her aunt brightened, “Ah! So you’re Director Nam!”

“Yes.” He nodded. She shook his hand zealously, “It is nice to meet you.” She placed her hand on Haewon’s back, “This is my niece.”

“Ah,” Recognition flickered in the man’s warm eyes. “You must be Haewon. Hello.”

“Hello.” Haewon nodded and stretched out her hand.

Director Nam smiled and shook her hand. He had a gentle but sturdy grip, and she could tell he was a genuine man. “Welcome, both of you to Cheongsangdo Institution for Special Education.”

“Thank you. But, um, we have a question.” Her aunt glanced around the ostensibly vacant school. “How come there are no students around? We haven’t seen anyone, besides you, yet.” Haewon was curious about that as well.

“Ah, they went on a field trip. Usually, we take our students out for a nature walk nearby. It’s stifling to only be inside the building all day long.” Director Nam replied.

“I see.” Her aunt replied, satisfied by the answer.

“Please come inside. You, too, Haewon. I will tell you more about our school, and you can make your final decision then.” He opened the door to his office, and they all went inside.

“Coffee?” Director Nam asked.

“Yes, please.” Her aunt replied.

“And for you, Haewon? I have almond tea, hot cocoa, and orange juice.” Director Nam gave her the choices.

“You should have hot cocoa. It’s chilly outside.” Her aunt rubbed her hands together.

Director Nam patiently waited for Haewon to answer.

“Can I have juice?” She asked. “Certainly.” He replied.

Haewon appreciated that he took her opinion into consideration.

Director Nam came back with the drinks and set the cups in front of them. Before her aunt could get the cup for her, he spoke, “Just stretch your arm out, Haewon. The cup should be just right ahead of you at twelve o’clock.” Haewon slightly tilted her head. *Twelve o’clock? Is he talking about directions?* Uncertain, but willing to try, she leaned forward and reached out.

“A little bit further.” Director Nam encouraged.

Haewon daringly pushed her hand ahead, and the back of her fingers tapped against the glass. “Oh.” She found the handle and picked up the cup. Her aunt smiled, proud of her.

“There. It’s not too bad.” Director Nam smiled. He looked at her aunt. “As you can see, our institution is about helping those students with disabilities to be able to fend for themselves without depending on people for most things. That way, they can live better, fulfilled lives. It will be easier for them, and they will be able to do most things conveniently. I’ve heard your story, Haewon, and I must say it is tragic. However, with help from our professional staff, I’m sure you’ll be able to live an improved life. We’ll teach you Braille, how to guide yourself when you walk, and how to communicate effectively with others.”

Haewon nodded. This was what she wanted all along. To be independent, as s