Beomseok wakes up to an empty house. Scant clouds billow over the horizon, vermilion from the early sun.
He goes to feed the dog.
With dawn's light painting orange streaks in the sky, everything is picturesque. It's no different than a cheap, cliche drama, he thinks. As always, Beomseok is the star.
There's no humor in the thought, not this time around. Beomseok slaves away with chores.
The nearest corner store is a half-hour walk away and Beomseok braves it because he must. The fridge is still stocked with food but Beomseok's mother was never one for booze. Alcoholism has to be a trait that Beomseok inherited from his shit dad.
When he's back after the trip, the dog greets him, barking and wagging its curled tail, bouncing with unprecedented excitement.
"Get off me, dumb mutt," Beomseok wrestles with the creature to unlatch the clip on the collar, letting the animal roam free in the yard.
