Kang Sae-byeok
Sim Min-ji was tired. She had been trying to get by for far too long. But she couldn’t back down now, even if she wanted to. Her father would never let her return home.
She was on the way to the orphanage now, to see Seo-yeon. Min-ji missed her, although it hadn’t been too long since she last saw her. She thought it had been around two weeks. She wished she could visit more often, but she couldn’t. She just didn’t have time.
When she arrived, the familiar caretaker recognised her, and let her in without a second thought. She headed to the yard of the orphanage, crossing the now familiar hallways. She was a regular here after all. The moment she stepped outside, she felt someone grab on to her waist, hugging her tightly.
“Min-ji!” The familiar voice of Seo-yeon spoke excitedly.
“Hi Seo-yeon. How are you?” Min-ji asked, hugging her back.
“I’m good. Oh, I have something to show you!” Seo-yeon spoke urgently, slightly dragging Min-ji across the small yard.
“Where are you taking me Seo-yeon?” Min-ji asked, but her question was soon answered when Seo-yeon led her directly to two people. It was a little boy, sitting side by side with an older girl. Min-ji had already met the boy when she last visited Seo-yeon. His name was Kang Cheol. Seo-yeon had told her he was from the North, and he had come here with his older sister, which I assumed was the girl sitting next to him.
“This is Cheol’s sister!” Seo-yeon spoke, confirming her assumptions.
“You can meet each other and become friend like me and Cheol!” Seo-yeon spoke with a spark of excitement and youthful innocence in her eyes. Min-ji didn’t want to disappoint her, so she decided to introduce herself.
“Hello. My name is Min-ji.” She said, with a slight bow of respect. “Sim Min-ji.”
“Kang Sae-byeok,” Said the girl, half dismissively, but it looked as if she also didn’t want to disappoint the two younger kids.
“Seo-yeon, come on, we should go play and let them talk.” Cheol said, grabbing her by the hand and leading her away.
She sat down beside Sae-byeok, keeping a respectful amount of distance from her.
“Do you want to get your brother out of here as well? Live in a small cozy house with him?” Min-ji asked, getting straight to the point.
“Yes.” Sae-byeok replied sharply, with a monotone voice.
“We could all be roommates, you know? We want to do the same thing. We could all live together and evenly split the bills.” She turned around to face her.
“It’s not just me and Cheol. I’m bringing my mom over the border.” Sae-byeok spoke, not looking back at Min-ji.
“It’s okay. She can come too. It will be easier to pay bills.” She shrugged.
Sae-byeok turned, finally looking at Min-ji for the first time since they met.
“We have a deal. But I want to make it clear, I’m doing this for the kids.” Min-ji nodded, although Sae-byeok’s words were harsh. She understood. They were practically strangers, she couldn’t expect Sae-byeok to care about her.
“I know.” Min-ji said. “Me too.”
Sae-byeok extended her hand. The gesture took Min-ji by surprise, but she grabbed it, shaking on the promise.
“Whatever happens, we make sure both of the kids get out of here.” Sae-byeok says.
“Yes.” Min-ji nods. “Whatever happens.”