Kimchi Stew

Seong Myin woke up sweating.

It was the third night he dreamed of the dark hooded figure and that wretched smile. And every morning he awoke hoping that the hooded figure was just a nightmare, but the red-gemmed ring on his bed stand proved his fears weren't delusions.

He picked up his phone checking the time, March 13, 11:34. Over a hundred unread messages from his friends at the company and several missed calls from his boss. But he didn't bother to look, much less respond. That dreadful experience still lingered in his mind.

Seong Myin got up and washed.

Looking in the mirror he saw a pale and emotionless face staring back at him. The hair was unkempt and dark sags protruded from under the eyes. The man in the mirror was a stark contrast to his upbeat and confident self just a few days earlier.

As he sat down at the kitchen table for breakfast, his thoughts were mixed and his appearance was as if he had encountered death.

"Oppa, are you alright? You've stopped going to work. Please, tell me what's wrong. We can work this out."

Seong Myin looked up.

"Here, have some kimchi stew. You'll feel better."

Seong Myin thanked Aeyong for the breakfast and sipped the soup. Aeyong was his sister and she was his only consolation these past few years as the two of them endured the struggles of paying rent and canceling their debt.

But since three days ago, Aeyong has become so much more. Aeyong was now his living hope, his source of happiness and joy amidst the confusion he was now experiencing. Aeyong looked back at her brother expectantly, patiently waiting for his answer.

After a few more sips of kimchi stew, Seong Myin spoke.

"Aeyong —" Seong Myin had difficulty finishing his sentence without a stutter.

"Aeyong, I — I need some time alone." His sister looked back with understanding, but not without some concern.

"Alright, Oppa, get some rest. I'll be home by 7 tonight." She paused for a moment then put her arms around her older brother.

"I'm here for you." Seong Myin thought of these words as he watched his sister leave the apartment for work.