“Park Sandara, we are pleased to inform you that you are accepted at YG Medical Center Post Graduate Internship Program. Please see the enclosed list of additional requirements to be completed on or before July 2, 2016.” My eomoni read the letter from YGMC as I didn’t have the guts to read it myself. My hands were shaking.

“Congratulations, Dara! To be accepted in such prestigious medical institution is such a great opportunity. You always make me proud, honey.” My eomoni hugged me.

I was about to cry. “Why? What’s wrong, honey?” She asked me.

“Nothing, eomoni. It’s just that it came to me that I have to wait if I am shortlisted in Busan Medical Center. It’s much nearer to us, it’ll be much cheaper and all.” I said.

“Nah. You are now accepted in YGMC, what are you talking about? We’ll get by. Thunder and I will miss you but we know that this is what you’ve wanted since you were kids. We are happy for you and you deserve it, my little girl. I saved up for this. Don’t worry about us. Study hard, arasso?” Eomoni said happily.

“YGMC, here I come!” I squealed!

——

“Jiyong, how’s your application in YGMC?” Abeoji asked me.

“I don’t know, appa. I haven’t heard from them yet.” I answered nonchalantly .

“What, Jiyong? What are you doing with your life? When are you going to take life seriously, huh? What will happen to you if I am already gone? I’ll talk to Yang Hyun Suk. He might not be aware that you are my son.” He angrily said.

“No, appa. Let’s wait for the result. I knew I could do it. I was the best among our batch,” I was worried that he would use his connections once more. I wanted to prove myself. But he already left. He didn’t listen to me. He would never listen to me. I dialed Youngbae’s number.

“What’s up, man?” Youngbae greeted.

“Dude, don’t you have the shortlist yet? I’m worried appa will use his connections once more.” I said.

“Here’s the thing, man. The department will only get 2 first years this time because only 2 seniors graduated. PSY extended for 6 more months because he failed to complete his requirements. Bad news, your two competitors are well-connected too.” Youngbae informed me.

“Huh? So what is it now? I am much better than the two, man!” I said angrily.

“I know, I know. But that’s how it goes here. If I were you, let your dad do the work. You did your best, man. You deserve to be here. Let him use his connections too... for the last time,” Youngbae advised me. I felt he was feeling sorry for me.

Haist! This will just get complicated. Now I have to prove them that I REALLY deserve the slot. I uttered to myself.