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"I have a surprise for you Sang-hoon." I smiled weakly at my brother as I handed him a pair of brand-new black sneakers. "Happy birthday."

Sang-hoon carefully held the sneakers, I could tell that he was happy about them as he continue to awe them in glory. "Wow, these are so nice! Yeoni, I know these must've cost a lot. You really didn't have to get me anything."

"Of course I did, I believe you only turn 7 years once in a lifetime. Also, it was time for some new ones anyway. Do not just stand there, try them on."

"Thank you so much Yeona" As my brother threw his arms around me.

I felt a wave of sadness wash over me as I wrapped my arms around my little brother. It was only us now since my father passed two years ago. Our mother passed away many years ago, after giving birth to Sang-hoo. I had to pick three extra cleaning shifts at my job to be able to afford those shoes.

Due to my father's medical bills and gambling debts, I barely couldn't afford anything, even our basic necessities. I've been late on the rent for our apartment for the last two months so this month, the price I had to pay now is doubled. Just thinking about how I was going to come up with that kind of money will send me into a panic attack. As a hotel cleaning lady, I begged my manager to give me some kind of pay advance to help but like always, he refused to even listen. I just wished I could provide a better life for my brother and me. I hate that we had to struggle in order to get by.

You're welcome, baby brother." As pressed a kiss to his forehead. "You want to see the cake I made you?"

He nodded his head frantically and began jumping up and down.

I smiled to myself and brought out the cake I'd spent all morning baking for him. Baking was one of my passions in life. I've always dream of owning my own bakery where I could make and sell sweet treats to lovely people. However, due to my many responsibilities I had to put my dreams on hold to provide for my family.

I was able to steal a number seven candle from the local grocery store and stuck it into the chocolate-frosted cake and lit it up with a match as I began to sing happy birthday.

As Sang-hoon was digging into his slice of cake. I heard a knock on the door. When I open the door it was our neighbor Hwang Joon Ho. Joon Ho was a local police officer, and Sang-hoon completely admires him. He was the close thing that I have to a friend. He was the only one who understand what my brother and I had been through. He is a great role model for Sang-hoo, and babysit him when I need it. He is always there, whenever I needed him.

"I hear we have a birthday boy in the house!" Joon Ho voiced rang through the apartment

"JOON HO!" Sang-hoon yelled and raced to the door to tackle Joon Ho with a hug.

"I hope you left some cake for me buddy" as Joon Ho used his thumb to wipe some of the cake from Sang-hoon's cheeks

After cleaning up Sang-hoon and putting him to bed, Joon Ho and I spent the rest of the evening in the cramped kitchen. I was washing dishes and he was putting them away. "So... How was your day at work," I said, even though I knew exactly what his next words would be.

"Same old same old." He shrugged his shoulders and continue to dry the dishes with a torn piece of cloth. He never likes to talk about the things he dealt with at work. In his eyes, I was too innocent to know about the cruel things that go on in the world.

The kitchen felled silent again until Joon Ho spoke "Sang-hoo really enjoyed his birthday this year."

"Yeah, thanks for coming by the way. He really admires you." I said