Eyes Wide Open
Fireflies: The Man From Nowhere SequelEyes Wide Open
She looked out the window at the rain.
"I've got an umbrella. You should go."
"Ahjussi," she pouted. "How can you send me out into the rain."
"That's why I said, take the umbrella."
He was washing up the snack plate So-Mi used while she studied.
"I'll finish up my work and go, neh? The rain will let up then."
She hurriedly turned her attention to her books again.
"It'll be too late at night, then."
"Just a little while more, neh? Please..."
And of course, he let her stay. When did he ever say no to her. Or ignore whims.
Never.
Except for one time.
-----
< Is that your father? >
He remembered the police officer asked the 11 year So-Mi then.
< Ahjussi..! Excuse me. >
They called out to him. The police. So-Mi was caught trying to steal a bag. Again.
He has seen her shoplift before. So to show that he disapproved of her actions, he walked away.
< Ahjussi. You are ashamed of me, aren’t you? That's ok, even if you are, I still won't hate you. Even if it hurts right here. >
She thumped the spot above her heart.
< Because if I do, there will be no one left for me to like in this world. >
And he remembered her retreating figure, running through the dirty alley.
And that was the last time he saw her, before she was taken away.
-------
As it turned out, she stayed the night.
And slept in his bed, just like old times.
While he laid on the sofa.
With his eyes wide opened.
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