I remember there being an abandoned barn. It sat alone in a field of dried grass, the type of grass that was too resilient to die, too weak to grow green, and instead contented itself with its dull gold shine. On windy days, this grass would kneel and dance in a mesmerizing rhythm that we could watch for hours. I remember the barn itself was a worn mud-color, with termite-infested wood and nothing but a single forgotten pail that sat on its dusty ground. Looking back, the barn was so rickety, it’s a miracle it didn’t collapse on us whenever we played inside. Sulli and I used to steal away to the barn after our chores were done and play house, pretending we were married to famous actors or boys from school. I was the older sister, and so I always got first pick of my husband. We would sometimes stay at the barn until the sun dipped below the horizon, and when we came back home, Omma would let me have it, yelling at me, “Why did you stay out so late?!” and “Why can’t you be a better role model for your sister?! Aigoo, if only you’re father was still around, he would show you real discipline!”

But all the scolding was worth it. As long as this lonely barn sat on the quiet field, I could always escape to it. My secret refuge. And Sulli would almost always tag along.

It has been seven years since I left my mom’s house. I had sworn to myself that I would become something—that I would get my education, get a nice job, and live in the city. And that’s what happened… almost. I did finish school. I did get a nice job. But as fate would have it, the job brought me back to my hometown. And here I am, back at my mom’s.

Nothing’s really changed. Sulli hasn’t moved away, instead choosing to work and stay at home too. And Omma is still as nagging as ever. But she respects me more as an adult now. And I know it’s out of love.

I finally finished unpacking my things and decided to take a walk. I traced the familiar path to the old barn, thinking about all of the past events that led me back home. Back to this small town, surrounded by golden fields, with paths that led to abandoned barns or God knows what else. And as I was walking, I smiled, savoring the idea that some things will never change. I might change. But there are things in this world that will always stay put. That will always be there for me when I needed to return.

My smile vanished when I reached the end of the path. I remember there being an abandoned barn, sitting in a wide field of dried grass. But it wasn’t there anymore.

Instead, there was a house.

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Do not fret. Idol characters appear in the next chapter!

Thanks for giving this story a shot :)