Saera had the day off 2 days later and she planned to make the trip to Seoul to get the shoes exchanged. She was nervous because the last time she was there was when she first arrived and received reeducation. Everything was new to her and she felt scared of how fast-paced the city was. She chose to live in the countryside not only for financial reasons but she felt she needed time to adjust to South Korean life.

“Are you sure you'll be okay?” the grandmother asked

“걱정하지마세요 할머니, 지도 있어요. 제 공항 친구 줬어 요 (don't worry, halmoni, I have a map. My friends at the airport gave me one)” Saera said, trying to reassure her

“아 그래 (ah really)? Well then take this phone with you. Call me if you need anything” the older woman said

Saera was handed an old LG flip phone that looked older than her. It was her first time holding a cellphone so she smiled at the older lady and thanked her for her kindness.

To lessen worries about getting lost, she started her journey at Incheon airport and took the train into the city. She got off at Seoul station and was amazed by the people just rushing about. She held out her map and followed the route that was written on it. After a few subway transfers, she finally reached her destination. She almost got lost because of Apgujeong and Apgujeong-rodeo but after asking some people, they pointed her in the right direction.

Heels clacking on the marble floors, women chatting, salespeople politely bowing as she walked by, she continued to be amazed. It was a bit similar to the airport but the feel was different and this time she wasn't serving anyone. She was just in awe and she couldn't believe such a place existed.

She found her way to the women's section and finally found the Jimmy Choo area. With the paper bag in hand, she was greeted by the saleslady who looked very young and clean cut in her uniform that looked a bit similar to hers at the airport.

“Excuse me, is there a way I can exchange these shoes?” Saera asked

“Is there a problem with them?” the saleslady asked

“The shoes are perfect, it's just they're not the right size” she explained

The saleslady smiled and took the bag from her. She opened it and checked for damages while Saera looked around the luxurious place.

“손님 (guest/customer)?” the saleslady called her attention

“네 (yes)?”

“Do you have the receipt with you?”

“Oh, they were a present. I don’t have it”

“I'm sorry but we need your proof of purchase. Can you contact the person who gave you the shoes?”

“Oh...I can't...is there any other way?” Saera asked

The saleslady looked at her from head to toe. Saera definitely looked like she didn't fit in. She was wearing a loose plaid button-down blouse that was faded green over loose jeans that looked like they came out of the early 90s.

“Do you have the certificate of authenticity?” asked the saleslady

“Is that the paper that went with it? I think it's in the box” Saera replied

The saleslady pulled out the paper that was neatly folded under the shoes. The certificate stated the date of purchase and much to Saera's relief she was told they could check their system to see who purchased the shoes. The saleslady's eyes saw the name and she looked at Saera. It was a name she recognized and wondered why Saera had the shoes.

She made a call to someone while Saera stood there not knowing what was going on.

“Someone will be with you shortly” the lady said with a fake smile

A few minutes later,