Cardinal Virtues of Humankind
 

"Humanity, Righteousness, Propriety, and Wisdom - that's our University's motto, you know," she said, as she  took a break from her assignment.

"The basic spirit of Confucianism. Four cardinal virtues of humankind. Spirit, action, conscience and intellect," he answered her, without looking up from the miniature lime tree he was pruning.

"I was supposed to tell you that," she pouted.

He smiled. He has been doing a lot of that, lately.

It has been nearly 3 weeks since he got out and 2 weeks since she started spending her afternoons with him.

"So, you never really told me what your major was."

"Psychology," she answered.

"That's good. Sungkyunkwan is a good school. You parents must be proud."

"They are… I think," she laughed before continuing softly. "They are really good people. Thank you for choosing them for me."

"You deserve them," he looked at her with his normal intense stare. "And now it's time for you to go home."

"Aww... Ahjussi, it's not even 6 yet," she whined.

"It's nearly winter. It'll get dark soon. Go home."

"Ara..." she agreed reluctantly. Knowing not to push him.

Slowly she packed her school bag and cleaned up her mug and snack plate, stalling for time.

"See you tomorrow, Ahjussi."

She turned to smile at him from the door and left.