After a few days of staying at the hotel, Eun Young had already found a place where they could permanently stay. Little Jung Hyun requested badly for a penthouse. They were a little expensive but she wanted a home where they could start anew too! Besides, she wanted the kids to live comfortably so she purchased the unit without anymore hesitation.
The place was minimally furnished when they arrived. They could reorganize and redesign the place to fit their liking but that'll have to wait a little longer. What's important now was that she finds someone who could watch the kids while she earns money. It would definitely take her a little more time to figure out everything. But with her clients already inquiring about their next appointments, she has to settle with the most attainable plans.
There was only one person she ever trusted the children with and that's Mrs. Bong. However, she was currently employed as a house helper back at their previous home. It would be easier if she had Mrs. Bong around. However, it would also be rude for her to suddenly ask Mrs. Bong to quit her job and work for her instead! Eun Young's phone buzzed, momentarily distracting her from the dilemma she was facing. Checking the screen, she read the message from Dal Rae.
Dal Rae: Kim Eun Young!!! What's happening to you?! Why aren't you answering my calls?!? I went to your house this morning and they said you haven't returned for almost a week now! Geez! Where are you woman?! Please tell me you're okay.
Eun Young sighed upon reading the text. That was true. She hasn't been taking any calls for the past few days. Temporarily, she isolated herself from everyone. Because after everything that had happened, she desperately wanted a time out--she wanted space for her to think and time for her to slowly heal. There were some days where she would just stare at herself in the mirror, thinking about where she went wrong or what did she lack. There were so many questions yet the ending was always the same: she would silently cry to herself.
Her insomnia had gotten worse too. Usually, she could still fall asleep after midnight. But these days, she would welcome the sun rising from the horizon without even a single wink of sleep. She resorted to a few doses of sleeping pills to help out her system. Soon after, she was able to rest as if nothing terrible ever happened. Perhaps the only thing keeping her sane right now was little Jung Hyun and Hye Soo. And for this, she was contented that at least she had them with her.
Just as she was about to bring her phone back to her pocket, it vibrated again. It was another text message from Dal Rae. Part of her wanted to dismiss it. But she already felt guilty for not answering her calls! And so after a few minutes of mentally debating, she finally chose to open the text.
Dal Rae: I hope you're okay. It's been quite busy around here without you. I'm not trying to pressure you to come back right away but... please do inform us or even just me of you reasons. I'm really worried and everyone here's been asking about you. Don't do anything stupid, okay? If you need someone to talk to, I'll be there as soon as I can. See you soon!
Eun Young smiled upon reading the message. It wasn't much yet she really appreciated how she can truly rely on Dal Rae. At least... she knew there were still genuine people whom she can trust--people whom she could run to when things get too heavy and difficult. Having made up her mind, Eun Young dialed Mrs. Bong's number.
"Hello? Yes, Mrs. Lee?" Mrs. Bong answered from the other end. Eun Young was unsure yet she felt like she heard relief and happiness from the tone of Mrs. Bong's voice.
"Uhm... could I ask you to come over for a little while? If you're not busy that is. I wouldn't be at ease leaving the children to just someone else that's why I called you." She explained. "It's okay if you wouldn't be able to make it though! I understand that you have responsibilities over there too." Eun Young suddenly retorted.
After a few moments, Mrs. Bong gave her answer. "Mrs. Lee, of course I'd love to help you out. Please send me your address and I will be with you shortly." Mrs. Bong sincerely said.
With that, Eun Young was already beaming. She was overwhelmed! She gave Mrs. Bong the address of their new home before ending the call. By the dining room, the kids were seated at the table as they ate their cereals. Little Jung Hyun was drawing while baby Hye Soo played with her favorite toy piano.
Eun Young sat opposite them. Clapping her hands, she announced with a smile. "Guess who's coming over today?"
"An astronaut?" Little Jung Hyun guessed. Eun Young shook her head.
"A princess?" Baby Hye Soo guessed next and Eun Young shook her head again.
They both took turns guessing. However, their answers weren't even close! They only kept suggesting fairytale characters and that alone was already unlikely for a visitor! "It's okay, you'll see our visitor soon anyway." Eun Young encouraged.
After half an hour, the doorbell rang. Eun Young just finished washing the dishes so she hurriedly went to answer the door. She welcomed Mrs. Bong and led her to the living room. When the kids saw her, they were excited too. Even little Jung Hyun said that she was a way better visitor than an elf and a troll!
"Thank you for this favor Mrs. Bong. I didn't expect you'd actually respond right away." Eun Young confessed.
"It's my pleasure. I also missed the kids too!" The lady replied. Behind Mrs. Bong, Eun Young noticed that she had a luggage with her. Was she going somewhere before she came here?
Curious, Eun Young couldn't help but ask. "Are you going somewhere, Mrs. Bong?"
The woman before her gently smiled and slowly shook her head. "Before you called, Mr. Lee asked me for a favor too." Mrs. Bong said. "He told me that no matter what, I should come to your assistance right away... even if it meant me leaving the household I am serving."