14 The Value of a Meal

Gayoon was truly surprised. Her grandmother used to take her to bustling restaurants ever since she was a child and she used to enjoy those moments a lot. Even now, whenever she felt sad or overwhelmed, she stopped by crowded restaurants to savor the food.

"My dad only takes me to European eateries or to some fancy place with less people," Jina replied. "I never knew restaurants like these also existed."

All these years, she thought restaurants and cafes served only fancy food. She had seen upscale outlets where people ate with forks and knives while holding soft conversations. But seeing the place full of energy, she was completely shocked yet curious.

"Do you eat here everyday?" she asked.

"Of course!" Gayoon replied. "Anyways, you want chicken fry right?"

Gayoon looked around and raised her hand, signalling at a passing server. "Mister! Can you get us two plates of chicken fries with kimchi, tomato sauce and colas?"

"Sour and spicy or normal spicy?" the server asked.

"Both!"

The server disappeared behind the counter and yelled out their orders to the cooks. Jina was still gaping wondrously at the people around her.

"Lady Cop, why do these people look so happy when they're eating the food?" Jina asked. "It's just food right? They can get better food elsewhere!"

Gayoon observed Jina for a minute. There was an air of naive elegance about her which clearly indicated that she was from a very wealthy family. She was probably surrounded by servants who did her bidding and no doubt her father had only given her a sheltered and privileged life. The little girl was growing up without any idea about the world outside of her circle yet, unlike other children of her status, she was curious about everything.

As an adult, Gayoon believed that children needed to be given a variety of experiences to help them shape their own future. A closed and sheltered life would only make Jina isolated from the world and she would grow up without understanding how to tough it out in society.

"Yes, they can probably get better food elsewhere," Gayoon agreed. "But the food they're tasting right now, is precious to them. Do you know why?"

Jina shook her head.

"You see these people have been working for hours," Gayoon explained. "A lot of us here have given many years to our jobs. Some are construction workers who have no schedule. Some are office workers who have fixed routines."

"But all of them work hard to earn their money," she went on. "They even starve for hours in order to earn even one dollar! So after working so rigorously, when they come here and pay for this food with their hard earned money, it appeases not only their stomachs but also their hearts. The food they're eating is a result of their hard work. So for them, even this oily chicken tastes better than any high scale restaurant."

Jina tried to process her words. "I didn't get it," she said, feeling confused.

Gayoon smiled. All this was too much for Jina's innocent mind.

"Tell you what," she said. "Once you go home today, start helping around the house until dinner time. Do some chores, help your household staff in cleaning or in any other way you could. Try it and then go for dinner after you're done. Tell me how you felt when you had the food after working so hard."

"Alright!" Jina nodded enthusiastically. "I'll do it!"

Just then, the server came with their food. Jina stared at the sizzling chicken fries which were inviting her to take a bite.

"Let's dig in!" Gayoon said enthusiastically, putting a drumstick on Jina's plate.

Jina took a bite. Immediately, her tongue was on fire with the spiciness.

"Too spicy?" Gayoon asked in concern. Jina nodded, her eyes tearing up. Gayoon poured some cola in her glass.

"Drink up," she said. "Try the less spicy one then."

But Jina shook her head. "I wanna try it all!" she announced, feeling determined. Despite the spiciness, it was the best chicken fry she ever had. She munched on happily while Gayoon laughed at the little girl's enthusiasm.

My daughter must be her age, she thought. Is she eating well?

Gayoon spaced out, thinking about her daughter. What was she doing? Was she happy? Were the spirits bothering her as well? The questions and guilt would not leave her. It was her punishment for being so selfish. Even if she was desperate to get rid of the curse, she did not realize that giving up her child would be a million times more painful.

"Lady Cop!"

Jina's voice broke her reverie. "Aren't you gonna eat?" Jina asked, pointing at Gayoon's half eaten chicken.

"Uh yes!"

They finished their lunch while Jina chattered about what she learnt at school. Gayoon giggled at some of her antics but was impressed by how intelligent Jina was.

Finally, they were done. Gayoon paid the bill and they headed back towards the precinct. Escorting Jina to her car, Gayoon bent down to reach her level.

"Lady Cop, today was fun!" Jina exclaimed. "Can I come back tomorrow?"

"Jina, you can come by anytime you want," Gayoon smiled. "But don't lie to your dad anymore, alright? He'll be very worried if he finds out. Tell him the truth when you go home, promise?"

She held out her hand. Jina pouted a little before giving in.

"Alright," she sighed. "I'll tell him the truth."

"Good girl," Gayoon said, ruffling her hair. "Now go home and do what I suggested."

"Hmmm!" Jina nodded. Jang, who was staring at the duo, was surprised at how close they seemed. He held out the door for Jina who got inside the car. Looking back at Gayoon, she happily waved.

"Bye bye Lady Cop!"

Gayoon waved back and watched as they drove away until the car was out of sight. For reasons unknown, her heart felt hollow when she was bidding goodbye to Jina. The hour she spent with the little girl gave her an inexpressible joy which she had not felt in many years.

"Bye bye, Jina," she said softly, her eyes moist with unshed tears.