Choosing differently

one call can change everything

"Doona Gi Hun... 1991," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper, yet clear and resolute.

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2020 June

Doona was at the store, leisurely browsing the toy aisle for her niece upcoming birthday. She already had a packet of Pocky tucked into her basket for her, a treat she knew she would enjoy. Now, she just needed to find the perfect toy. As she wandered down the aisle, she was surrounded by an array of colorful mini gadgets, action figures, and singing dolls. The cacophony of electronic sounds and bright lights was almost overwhelming, each beep and flash grating on her nerves.

Her eyes eventually landed on the plushie aisle, where rows upon rows of soft, huggable toys beckoned to her. She took her time, running her fingers over the different textures and sizes. She remembered her niece mentioning how much she loved Hello Kitty, so when she spotted a small plushie adorned with a pink bow, she knew it was the one. She picked it up, feeling the soft material in her hands, and smiled, imagining the joy on her nieces face.

Satisfied with her choice, Doona headed to the checkout. The plushie and the Pocky were placed on the counter, and she reached into her purse without a second thought. After all, she had all the money she ever needed now. She had managed to pay off all her debts with remarkable stealth, ensuring no one ever noticed how she did it. It was a secret she intended to keep, her quiet victory. Doona despised the world knowing her business, and she took great pains to avoid any prying eyes or probing questions. Every transaction, every movement was calculated to maintain her privacy.

She walked out of the store as kids bumped into her, laughing and running along. The store, filled with chatter and bright colors, gave her a headache. The annoying music playing in the background didn't help either. She started to walk out of the store, mumbling to herself as she clutched the bag, heading over to her mom's apartment that was not too far down the road. The cold air outside was a welcome relief from the chaotic atmosphere inside. She walked briskly, her mind already on the warm, familiar environment of her mom's place.

As she approached the building, she could see the worn-out paint and the creaky steps leading up to the door. She knocked, her knuckles making a dull sound against the wood. "Mom! It's Doona," she called out as she opened the door. The familiar scent of home greeted her, a mix of spices and something uniquely comforting. She stepped inside, her eyes immediately falling on her brother, who was sitting on the floor like a child, eating rice and noodles. The house was in its usual messy state, with newspapers scattered on the couch and dishes piled up in the sink.

Her brother looked up with food in his mouth, his eyes widening in surprise. "When did you get home? I thought you were on business!" he said, raising his eyebrows and swallowing his food. Doona sighed, a mixture of annoyance and affection washing over her. She was always on business, always working, barely ever home, even though she only had one job now.

"Had to stop by to bring a gift for my niece's birthday," she says, glancing around the room and not seeing their mom in sight. The living room is cluttered with toys, old magazines, and the faint smell of incense lingering in the air. "Where's Mom?" she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity and a bit of concern.

"Out working," her brother replies nonchalantly, his mouth full of noodles. He barely looks up as he continues to eat, stuffing his face with the comfort food. She sighs and places the gift bag carefully on the floor next to him. The bag is brightly colored, with a plushie and a box of Pocky peeking out from the top.

"Please give this to her... I have to go back on business," she says, turning around to leave, her heels clicking softly on the worn-out floorboards.

Just as she reaches the door, she pauses and turns back, catching him peeking into the bag with a curious expression. "I hope you got her a gift instead of gambling away your money. That's from me, not you," she says coldly, her eyes narrowing as she looks at him. Her brother's face flushes slightly, and he looks away, mumbling something under his breath. She shakes her head, a mixture of frustration and disappointment washing over her.

He rolls his eyes. "Come on, of course I did!" he says, rolling his eyes again before letting out a heavy sigh. His attempt at feigning sincerity is transparent; he was a terrible liar. A pushover. She could see right through him. As she opens the door, he continues, "Take a break from work, you know? Always out of the country like Sang Woo! You and Mom and him always working..." He shakes his head, his mouth still full of food, crumbs falling onto his shirt. She doesn't reply, the mention of Sang Woo stirring a pang of guilt and regret within her. She hadn't talked to Sang Woo in a while. She had cut off all communication with her friends, and family.

The room feels stifling, the air thick with unspoken words and lingering resentments. She shuts the door with a thud, the sound echoing in the small, cluttered space. Her brother's voice fades behind the closed door, leaving her alone with her thoughts as she steps into the cold, crisp evening.