I sensed a lengthy, juicy tale ahead, so I sat opposite him. He continued solemnly, "She was always very frail and was bedridden her whole life. Her little brother was fine though, fit as a fiddle.
Not wanting to neglect her, the parents gave her many presents. Unlike her younger brother, Aiden, they couldn't take her with them whenever they went on holiday.
On one occasion, they brought back this music box. She absolutely adored it. She would listen to it every night before she went to sleep.
The music disturbed Aiden's slumber since his bedroom was right next to hers. It would cause many arguments." I can see where this was going. "One day they went too far and the sister coughed up blood. She was confined to her bed, with many doctors visiting her every week.
When Aiden was allowed to visit her, she wasn't very ecstatic to receive him. She bitterly blamed him for her deteriorating body. So, as he scarcely turned to leave, she murdered him." Hold on a moment."How?" I asked, taken aback.
"She was near death. How could she have possibly killed a kid in full health?" I asked sceptically.
"She hid a knife under her pillow. He was pierced in the neck," he replied grimly.
"Where in the world did she secure a knife?"
"Her mother was very indulgent. She provided her daughter whatever she desired. She provided her daughter with a knife without question when she asked for one," Woonsik said with regret.
What a foolish woman.
"I hope she regretted it," I said spitefully. He nodded affirmatively. "Oh yes. Primarily since her daughter died not two days later." How satisfying.
"Hence I suppose the music box has been haunted since her death?" That would be so predictable.
"One would think, but no." Tsk. "All her possessions were put up for sale. The box haunting started in the eighties."
"And no one has done anything about it?"
"No one could. The only advice they were promptly issued was to get rid of it. But Ji feels this is a memento of her parents. She doesn't want to let it go. Therefore, the sole option we have left is you." He gazed at me pleadingly. I sighed hopelessly.
"It's haunted by the two siblings. One is obviously hostile, the miserable girl. And the boy is not. I have this impression that he's protecting you. But that's only my opinion. She's probably harming Ji." I observed as I played with my ponytail.
"Nevertheless, I want a complete exorcism. I want my house to be clean of spirits," he replied resolutely. "I understand." The guy is the client and I'm being compensated, so sorry kid.
After requesting some red paint from Dae, I trudged back upstairs to the guest room. Once again I opened the lid and let the music play.
Edith appeared dancing on the bed, surrounded by a dark fog. I had to exorcise her, or she'll undoubtedly become a Fallen.
I carefully drew the Spell of Release, giving fleeting glimpses to see if I was noticed. If she did, she never gave a sign. I backed away and chanted. Her merrymaking halted once she sensed the effects of my spell.
[What is going on? Stop it! You are hurting me. I said, stop it!"] she shrieked while rushing towards me, fingernails glinting. Dammit. Where's Mars when I need him? Her appearance instantly changed from a child to a grotesque monster in one second.
I was horrified at the bloodlust she gave off. I couldn't break off the chant, or there will be dire consequences. What now?
[Wait, don't injure him! Stop, Edith.] I heard a young boy's voice cry out. My saviour. A small shape flew out from behind me and slammed into her, unwittingly making them both stumble.
[You brat! You are always in the way. Why do you refuse to leave me alone?] she wailed. Aiden avoided her accusing eyes. [Blame me. Hurt me all you want, but those people are innocent.]
[Innocent? Ha! They stole my present from our mama and papa. They deserve punishment.]
What an interesting conversation. Due to the end of the spell, I had to cut their argument short. Edith's face was still red and puffy, but she had mostly returned to normal. Quickly, I hid behind the wardrobe and peeked at the result.
[If it wasn't for you! The good, perfect boy who got to go everywhere with them, I could have had everything!] She choked with bloody tears falling down her cheeks.
[They loved you. Please, sister, let us leave? I'm sure they are anxiously waiting for us.] Aiden reasonably begged. It was too late. Edith no longer listened and screamed, ripping her clothes in fury.
[I will make anyone who possesses my music box die like I did. They will wither away like I did! They will—] She never finished as she was pulled down by the ugly brown light. There was so much arguing between them that neither noticed the light of the spell surrounding them.
Aiden stared mournfully at the now pure brilliance beneath him.
[Where is my sister?] he implored me. I came out from the wardrobe. "She went to the place she belongs." What can I say to a child? She was hurled to hell? I don't think he'll take it very well.
[Will I see her again?] he beseeched me anxiously. I doubt it. "Sure," I lied. He smiled apprehensively. The pale light surrounded him, gradually towing him in. It never changed colour. Yep, they will never be reunited. I observed silently as Aiden vanished. Yeah, I don't like children.
"It's been purified of all spirits like you wanted. You can assure Ji that she won't be experiencing any more nightmares," I informed Woonsik as I presented him with the ivory music box.
"Thank goodness. Ji would be happy to hear that. I'll deliver the money before the end of the day," he received the box in relief.
"Out of curiosity, how did you find my contact details?" I inquired with interest.
"Oh. I'm a sponsor for Sahagu Junior High. I spoke to a woman called Sung Min regularly during my visits." he responded as he pulled out a folded paper." She wrote down your email when I complained about our extraordinary circumstances."
I clasped the paper in disbelief. That woman! Will she never disappear from my life? I emitted a fake laugh. "Wow. What a small world, huh? Good thing you met her, right?" I said awkwardly. I didn't want to talk about that woman.
Woonsik tucked the paper back in his pocket. Smiling, he said, "You're right. Once again, thank you for your help." We firmly shook hands.
I took my departure, driving home on my motorcycle just as it started raining.