Scarlet Strings.

Sudden Arrival

He turned to the confused porter, speaking quickly in English. "I'm so sorry for the trouble. I'll take it from here." He handed the man a generous tip, grabbed the luggage, and turned back to his mother.

"어머니, 여기 사람들은 한국어를 못 알아들어요." (Mother, people here don't understand Korean.)

"알지. 그런데 너무 답답해서 그만!" (I know, but I was so frustrated, I couldn't help it!)

Ha-neul sighed and took her hand gently. "어머니, 공항까지 어떻게 혼자 오셨어요? 걱정 많이 했어요." (Mother, how did you get to the airport alone? I was so worried.)

As they walked to the car, Ha-neul's mother began speaking, her voice filled with emotion. "하늘아, 지난주 내내 너무 불안했어. 네가 여기서 혼자 외롭다고 했을 때, 가슴이 아팠어. 그래서 더는 참을 수 없었어." (Ha-neul, I've been so restless all week. When you told me you were lonely here, it broke my heart. I just couldn't take it anymore.)

Ha-neul paused, looking at her with a mixture of guilt and gratitude. "어머니... 그렇게까지 신경 쓰지 않으셔도 됐는데요." (Mother... you didn't have to go to such lengths.)

"어머니라면 당연히 신경 써야지. 네가 내 아들인데." (Of course I had to. You're my son.) She smiled warmly, squeezing his hand.

They got into the car, and as Ha-neul drove back to the hotel, his mother continued. "여기까지 오는 길이 쉽지 않았지만, 네가 행복한 모습만 보여주면 나는 괜찮아." (It wasn't easy getting here, but as long as I see you happy, it's all worth it.)

Ha-neul glanced at her briefly, his chest tightening. "어머니, 제가 얼마나 감사한지 모르실 거예요. 이렇게까지 와 주셔서 정말 감사합니다." (Mother, you have no idea how much I appreciate this. Thank you so much for coming.)

She patted his arm affectionately. "하늘아, 네가 행복하면 나도 행복해. 그리고 다음엔 네가 자주 연락했으면 좋겠어." (Ha-neul, if you're happy, I'm happy. And next time, I want you to call me more often.)

He nodded, smiling faintly. "알겠습니다. 약속할게요." (I will. I promise.)

When they arrived at the hotel, Ha-neul helped his mother out of the car and escorted her into the grand lobby. Her eyes widened as she took in the opulent décor, the soaring ceilings, the sparkling chandeliers, and the elegant marble floors.

"이게 다 네 호텔이야?" (Is this all your hotel?) she asked, her tone tinged with awe.

"네, 어머니. 처음이죠?" (Yes, Mother. It's your first time here, right?)

She nodded, looking around with pride. "정말 대단하다, 하늘아. 이렇게 멋진 곳에서 일하다니. 내가 얼마나 자랑스러운지 몰라." (It's amazing, Ha-neul. To think you work in a place like this. You have no idea how proud I am.)

Ha-neul smiled, leading her toward the private elevator that would take them to his suite. "어머니, 앞으로 여기 있을 동안 제가 다 챙길게요. 편하게 쉬세요." (Mother, while you're here, I'll take care of everything. Just relax and enjoy yourself.)

She squeezed his arm, her eyes glistening with tears. "하늘아, 네가 내 아들이라서 정말 행복하다." (Ha-neul, I'm so happy you're my son.)

As the elevator doors closed behind them, Ha-neul felt a warmth he hadn't experienced in a long time. For the first time in weeks, he didn't feel lonely.

***

The soft clinking of china and the gentle hum of chatter filled the elegant Parisian café as the waiter returned to the table where Scarlet and Ha-Joon sat. His hands carefully balanced a tray with two beautifully crafted goodie dolls-one a girl in a delicate white dress, the other a boy dressed in a sharp black suit.