Track 06| Dark Alleys

Son Naeun

Naeun’s hands were already sore from washing plates in the sink but didn’t stop her from doing anything. Today was her third paycheck and she needed that money in order to continue college. It has been four months since the incident of her mother collapsing due to fever and thank god her mom is well and working right now as well, even when the money wasn’t entirely enough for the two of them really. In Naeun’s mind, all she needed to do was to work harder and harder to support their small family of two.

“Yah!”

Naeun’s reflexes weren’t enough. The huge plate was already on the floor, its shards already scattered everywhere.

“I’m sorry, sir.” She apologized as the chef gave her another stinky eye for that night. Even if she was working hard for the past five years, some things just don’t change. Along with that is her undying clumsiness on little things.

Quickly picking up the shards and cleaning it, Naeun started washing the endless load of plates in the diner. Her finger was cut and bleeding but she just tied a piece of cloth around it, hoping that it will be enough to stop the bleeding. After five dreadful hours that night, finally her shift ended… along with her last paycheck.

“Sir, please don’t fire me just yet. I promise, I’ll do better next time! Please, I badly needed this work, sir!”

“I’m sorry but judging by your performance the past three months, I don’t think you are needed. Accept your last paycheck and find a part time job somewhere else.”

The man didn’t even bat another eye as he walked away, leaving the young lady forlorn and hopeless, holding unto the small e