Chapter 122: Trip to Busan part 2

The grandfather took Geon's hand and led him into the guest room. Despite feeling uncomfortable about staying at someone else's house, Geon had thought it too risky to ride his bike at night on dark, rural roads, so he reluctantly followed his grandfather into the room.

"Rest here for a moment. I'll tell the kitchen to prepare a meal and come back."

After the grandfather left the room, Geon stood in the middle, surveying it.

"It's surprising to find a house like this these days, not even a hanok from the Joseon era. But it has a TV, and everything else one might need. Except there's no bed... Sleeping on the floor will hurt my back..."

Sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall, Geon recalled the little child he had seen earlier.

"Did he say his name was Hakdu? What was he trying to tell me earlier? Why did he ask me to save him? Could it be that I have some unknown power? Ha, what am I thinking."

Geon dismissed his own thoughts as ridiculous and began to quietly play his guitar.

It was late at night, and with a sick person in the house, he couldn't play loudly, only gently strumming the guitar as he sat there. Soon, he heard someone outside the door.

"Ahem, may I come in?"

Geon quickly set his guitar aside and stood up.

"Oh, yes, sir."

As Geon responded, the door opened, and the grandfather came in, looked around the room, and said,

"My wife will bring the meal soon. But is there anything you find uncomfortable? It might be inconvenient for a young person like you."

Geon waved his hands and replied,

"No, sir. Please, have a seat here."

Offering his seat, the grandfather sat down with a smile.

"You have good manners, not like most young people these days. But why are you wearing a hat and sunglasses indoors? Even a mask, isn't it stuffy?"

"Oh, I forgot about them."

Geon took off his mask, sunglasses, and hat, causing the grandfather to exclaim,

"Wow, you're incredibly handsome. I wish my Hakdu would grow up to be as handsome as you. So, what do you do?"

Kneeling in front of the grandfather, Geon said,

"I'm still a student. I was just passing by on my way to Busan to visit my grandparents' graves."

"Is that so? A good student, then. Make yourself comfortable. As they say, the formality matches the generosity."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

Geon adjusted to sit more comfortably, which made the grandfather ask,

"What's your name?"

"My name is Geon Kim, sir."

"Which Kim family are you from?"

"I'm from the Sunsan Kim clan, sir."

"Sunsan Kim clan? From the Silla period? Which branch?"

"I belong to the Jeongjo Gong branch, sir."

"Ah, you seem young but well-educated. My name is Minjun Choi, head of the Yeongcheon Choi clan."

"Sir, it's an honor to meet you."

"No, the honor is mine. You saved our seventh descendant. My grandson, Hakdu, is the direct descendant of the Yeongcheon Choi clan. You've done a great service to our family. I haven't properly thanked you. Let me express my gratitude again."

Minjun bowed deeply towards Geon, who frantically waved his hands,

"No, please don't, sir. I haven't done anything significant. Just a few words."

Straightening up, Minjun smiled kindly.

"Those few words saved my grandson. Even a powerful shaman we brought from the south couldn't save him after three days and 20 million won spent on rituals and prayers."

Geon, unsure how to clear Minjun's misunderstanding, hesitated when Minjun noticed his guitar and asked,

"Is that a guitar? Are you a student who loves music?"

"Yes, sir. I'm majoring in music at college."

"Really? Which college? You sound like you're from Seoul, are you attending a school there? Is it a good college?"

"Ha, actually... I'm studying in the U.S. I've completed my military service and am on a break right now, but I'm returning to the U.S. in a few days."

Minjun, visibly surprised, exclaimed,

"What? The U.S.? That's impressive. I hope Hakdu grows up to be someone who can navigate big waters like you. Having a brother like you would be perfect for Hakdu. So, which school in the U.S.?"

"I attend Juilliard, sir."

"Ju... Juilliard? Isn't that a woman's name? What an odd name. Ha."

"Ahaha... Yes, it's a bit funny. Ha..."

As Minjun and Geon chatted, noises came from outside the room. Turning his head towards the closed door, a gentle woman's voice could be heard.

"Father, the meal is ready."

Minjun struggled to his feet and opened the door, saying,

"Oh, Hakdu's mother. You shouldn't have brought it yourself in your condition. Why didn't you ask the maid?"

The woman in her late thirties, looking pale but smiling, replied,

"No, Father. It's my duty to do this for the person who saved our Hakdu's life. I'm fine."

"Come in, then. And you, dear, come and greet our guest."

As Geon awkwardly stood up, two women entered, each carrying a side of a lavishly prepared tray.

Geon's jaw dropped at the sight of the sumptuous feast, while the grandmother covered her mouth with her hand, giggling gracefully.

"Don't think it's too much. We just want to offer a warm meal to our savior. Please, sit down."

Geon sat down somewhat clumsily, and the three family members all focused their attention on him. Unable to start eating under their gaze, Geon could only manage an awkward smile. Noticing this, the grandmother said,

"Oh dear, are we making you uncomfortable? Here, try this."

She picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks and put it into Geon's mouth. Sweating profusely, Geon forced a smile to show his appreciation.

'I can't tell if I'm eating through my mouth or my nose...'

The grandmother continued to offer various dishes, placing them on Geon's rice and asked,

"So, who exactly is the savior of our Hakdu?"

As Geon was about to answer, after quickly chewing his food, the grandfather interrupted,

"Now, now, let the guest eat in peace. His name is Geon Kim, from the Sunsan Kim clan, studying music at a college in the U.S. The school's name was... Ju... Juilliard, was it?"

Listening quietly, Hakdu's mother widened her eyes in surprise,

"Juilliard? You attend Juilliard?"

The grandmother looked at her daughter-in-law and asked,

"Is that a famous school?"

"Oh, Mother-in-law. It's a school for musical geniuses, among the most renowned music colleges in the world. Juilliard..."

Upon closely examining Geon's face, the mother gasped,

"Kay? Could it possibly be Kay?"

Dropping his spoon, Geon gave an awkward smile,

"Ah... Yes, Mother. That's me."

The mother covered her mouth in shock,

"My goodness! Kay in our house!"

Seeing his daughter-in-law's reaction, Minjun alternated his gaze between Geon and her, asking for clarification,

"Speak clearly, daughter. Do you know him?"

The mother, excitedly, explained,

"Father! Remember the Nepal earthquake fundraising campaign? You even asked to donate after watching the broadcast, remember?"

"Of course, I remember. It was quite a hassle figuring out how to donate."

"Do you remember the young man from the fundraising broadcast?"

"Yes, I remember. That young man moved even an old man like me to tears. But why?"

The mother pointed at Geon and said,

"This gentleman is that young man, Father."

"What??"

Minjun and the grandmother both turned to Geon with expressions of astonishment. As all three stared at him, Geon fidgeted with his fingers, emitting an awkward laugh.

The grandmother, having also seen the broadcast, was so taken aback she couldn't take her eyes off Geon. Minjun, recovering first, spoke up,

"Ahahaha, we didn't recognize you with all the dust and everything. Such a fine and handsome young man you are! A combination of looks, character, and education. It's a pity we don't have a granddaughter for... Ha."

The grandfather's remark brought the grandmother back to her senses, and she grasped Geon's hand, her eyes welling up with tears,

"I saw the broadcast. Oh, we didn't recognize a noble soul. You've been through so much, truly."

"Ha... No, grandmother."

"Could you take a picture with our Hakdu tomorrow? He'll have it for memories. Would you do us this favor?"

"Of course, grandmother. I'd be glad to."

"That's wonderful. Oh, we've made you so uncomfortable. Let's leave you to eat in peace."

As the grandmother stood up, Geon looked at the mountain of food in front of him, sweating,

'I've already eaten a lot, grandmother... How can I... Ha...'

The mother bowed gracefully, and Minjun also got up, saying,

"The maid is waiting outside. When you're done eating, let me know. Rest well, and if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask. We can't do enough for our benefactor. Good night, cough."

Geon stood up and bowed respectfully,

"Yes, sir. Have a good night."

Minjun smiled warmly and exited. Outside, the grandmother eagerly spoke to Minjun, still waiting,

"We've had a very famous person in our home. Is this an honor for our family?"

"Indeed, it seems so. Let's ensure Hakdu is fully recovered tomorrow before we send our guest on his way," Minjun responded thoughtfully.

A look of worry suddenly crossed the grandmother's face,

"He seemed fine before falling asleep earlier, but what if something happens again?"

"We've invited our benefactor here for that very reason. If anything happens to Hakdu tomorrow, we'll have to ask for our guest's help again. Now, let's get some rest. It's late."

After a while, Geon, who had slightly opened the door, informed the waiting maid in an apologetic tone that he had finished his meal. The maid then carried away the tray. After removing the tray from the room, the maid fetched a blanket from the closet, spread it carefully on the floor for Geon, and left, leaving Geon scratching the back of his head,

"This is too much hospitality..."

Deep into the night, someone hidden among the branches of a 500-year-old Zelkova tree belonging to the Yeongcheon Choi family estate peeked out at the guest room. A small creature, about the size of a small monkey, blinked its large eyes thoughtfully,

'I have to make sure he didn't follow me here to harm my family too! Oh, my legs are trembling with fear, just hold on a little longer, Miso Pae Es.'

The small demon, concealed in the Zelkova tree, continued to watch nervously long after the lights in the guest room had gone out, keeping vigilant in the deep night.

Dawn broke. Misophaes, dozing off on a tree branch, was startled awake by a sound from the house.

Geon Kim, guitar in hand, quietly stepped off the porch, putting on his shoes without making a sound. Misophaes, sweating coldly, couldn't take his eyes off Geon, tense with anticipation.

"He's coming this way! He must know I'm here!"

Geon, spending his first night outside his home, had a restless sleep. Rising early, he felt bored and decided to take a walk.

Noticing a huge Zelkova tree, Geon thought, "Wow, it's even bigger than the trees I saw in Jamaica."

Smiling at the gently swaying branches, Geon admired, "Such an ancient tree."

Misophaes, hiding among the branches, trembled, thinking, "He smiled at me! Is he thanking me for waiting to kill me?"

Geon sat under the tree, placing his guitar on his lap. He closed his eyes to feel the dawn breeze and lightly plucked his guitar.

Recalling a conversation with Shiva in Nepal, Geon whispered, "Listen not with your ears, but with your heart."

Strumming the guitar from top to bottom, he continued, "Live like water. Water flows without obstacles and stops when blocked. If water gathers, it breaks the dam and flows again. It takes the shape of the container it fills. Because it is humble, water is necessary and strong."

The beautiful melody from Geon's guitar blended with the early winter dawn, creating a soothing harmony.

Misophaes, his music easing the demon's spirit, was shocked, "Incredible! I was almost relaxed by a mere instrument after thousands of years."

Geon, with his eyes closed, sang,

"I close my eyes and see everything. I know I'm still there when I open my eyes."

Misophaes nearly fell from the tree in surprise, "He already knows I exist!"

Geon continued, "Whatever you do, you will not always be there. I just want to naturally disappear the dam between you and me."

Misophaes, scared and curious, listened intently to Geon's voice from below.

"Then I'll just come close to you like water and wrap it around you."

Misophaes, now terrified, thought, "Pyemon! The voice of Pyemon, the ruler of the western hell! Could it be that a Count-level demon like Pyemon has come to this primitive human world? If it's really Pyemon, a blink could obliterate me! I must flee!"

In panic, Misophaes flew away. Geon, noticing the tree shake, looked up in confusion.

"What was that? A bird?"

As the morning came, the Choi family was relieved to see their son lively again, jesting and running around like before.

The family prepared an elaborate breakfast for Geon, who had to leave their traditional house only after eating the most he ever had. The Choi family waved goodbye until he disappeared, hoping he would visit again.

Feeling bloated from breakfast, Geon skipped lunch and headed straight to Busan. In the afternoon, Geon arrived in Gijang County, Busan.

Checking his phone for the address at a stoplight, he saw "Gijang County, Busan Memorial Park."

Turning at the sign, Geon found the tranquil memorial park on a mountain, a peaceful resting place overlooking Busan.

Searching for section 5, Geon parked his bike and walked into the grassy area with gravestones, careful not to disturb the peace.

"Grandma, Geon is here," he said, kneeling before his grandparents' gravestone, faces he never knew.

Raised by a Christian mother, Geon preferred talking to his grandmother over traditional bowing.

"Grandma, I've completed my service. I'll be returning to the U.S. soon, so I came to see you."

Geon continued his one-sided conversation until an employee asked him to leave for the evening. He then visited his grandmother's apartment in Yeongdo, Busan, maintained well by his twin aunts, preserving the home as it was.

Inhaling deeply at the entrance, Geon seemed to smell his grandmother. After a shower and changing into comfortable clothes, he called his mother.

"Mom? I've arrived at Grandma's place."

"Good, Geon. Did you have a safe trip? I was worried when you didn't call. You must be tired, go to sleep. Oh, and when you come upstairs, open the second drawer of the dresser in Grandma's room. Her portrait is there; bring it home."

"Okay, I will."

After the call, Geon found the portrait in the drawer. Trying to close it, he noticed something blocking it.

"What's this? Did something fall behind when I opened the drawer?"

Struggling with the drawer, Geon finally pulled it out to discover a plump white envelope that had fallen behind. Curious about its hefty content, he opened it to find it filled with white letters.

Tearing open one, tears welled up as he realized, "These are letters from Grandma to Grandpa."

Sitting on the living room couch, Geon began reading the letters one by one. The letters revealed a strong woman who had single-handedly raised her children after losing her husband at a young age, yet, at heart, she was just a woman longing for her lost love.

The letters, never sent, were filled with words of love, longing, and life's trials, accumulated over the years. Reading over a hundred letters, Geon stumbled upon one that seemed to have been written just before his grandmother passed away.

"This must have been written shortly before she passed..."

Laying the letter on the couch, Geon wiped away tears, noticing a stain on the white paper that seemed like someone else's tears.

"To my husband in heaven," the letter began, calling back to a time 40 years prior, expressing the pain of losing him and the daunting prospect of raising their five children alone.

"I raised our children by working at the Jagalchi Market, always had to be the strong mother in front of our crying children, even when I missed you so much."

The letter expressed a fear that her husband, remembering her as she was in her youth, wouldn't recognize her aged self in heaven, a sentiment mingled with humility and love.

"My dear, I have married off all our children. Just tell me once that I've done well, that I've endured the harsh and difficult world without you. Just once, tell me, 'You've done well, you've suffered enough.'"

Overcome by emotion, Geon wept, feeling the depth of his grandmother's pain and longing through her words. Her letters weren't just expressions of love and longing but a testament to her enduring strength and resilience through decades of hardship.

All she yearned for in those letters was a simple acknowledgment from her late husband, a recognition of her struggles and sacrifices.

After a while, Geon carefully folded the letters back into the envelope, placing it tenderly among his belongings, ensuring it wouldn't crease.

Gazing at his grandparents' photo on the wall, the ticking of the old clock filled the quiet room, marking a moment of growth for Geon as he navigated the complexities of love, loss, and legacy through his grandmother's words.