Deen-Words Can Sting

'Kid, do you love attracting trouble? Didn't you tell your mother about last time?' he shouted at me.

'If I had told her, she would have fired the lady,' I shot back. 'And it'll only add to my mother's burden. She'd have to juggle between looking after me and her job. She might even quit her job if she found out that I've been left alone at home.'

'Unbelievable! So you are home alone? Again? That babysitter is only gonna keep repeating this! What if you get into trouble?'

'I won't! I just don't want Mee to leave her work for me.'

'Oh and you think she'll be happy if you fall in danger?' he asked angrily. 'Kid, you are burdening your mother more by putting yourself in danger.'

As usual, his words stung. But I knew he was telling the truth. I lowered my head in shame.

'I'm sorry,' I said, looking down.

Angry ahjusshi took a deep breath. Suddenly, my stomach growled.

'Did you even eat?' He asked.

'The babysitter made some soup noodle before she left, but it was spoilt,' I said.

The ahjusshi gave me an incredulous look. He picked up his guitar and stood up.

'Come on,' he beckoned, heading towards my house. 'I'll make you something to eat.'

'Why don't we go to your place then?' I asked.

'Because,' he said. 'Jan is crying in there.'

'Why?'

'His new girlfriend dumped him, that's why.'