5 February, 2000
Soft raindrops tapped gently against the hospital window, a quiet rhythm that echoed through the otherwise silent room. The sky was a muted shade of gray, but the drizzle was light—just enough to create a soothing hush over the bustling city outside.
It was 'Seollal '— Lunar New Year—a day when families gathered to honor their ancestors and welcome the promise of a new beginning. But inside this quiet hospital room, another new beginning was unfolding.
Tae Hyun's father stood by the window, his eyes fixed on the raindrops tracing delicate paths down the glass. The air was thick with anticipation, his heart pounding in his chest. His thoughts were a jumble of hope and fear. After years of heartache and miscarriages, today felt different. Perhaps the heavens had finally heard their prayers.
A soft knock pulled him from his thoughts. The door opened, and a nurse entered, cradling a small bundle wrapped in pristine white cloth. Her smile was warm as she approached.
"Congratulations, Mr. Mayor," she said softly. "It's a boy."
Time seemed to pause as Tae Hyun's father took the baby into his arms. His hands trembled slightly, but as soon as he looked down at the tiny face, a wave of warmth washed over him. The baby's eyes blinked open, dark and curious, peering up at him as if recognizing the man who would protect him.
"Congratulations, honey," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath as he turned toward his wife. "We've got a new member of our family."
His wife, lying in the hospital bed, looked exhausted but radiant. Her face was pale, her hair clinging to her forehead, but her smile was brighter than the dawn. Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered, "Yes… finally…"
Tae Hyun's father lowered himself beside her, gently placing the baby in her arms. "Look at him," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder. "His eyes… they look just like mine."
His wife let out a breathless laugh, her gaze never leaving their son. "He's perfect," she murmured, brushing a trembling finger across the baby's cheek.
For a moment, everything felt right. The sound of rain tapping softly against the window, the warmth of their newborn in her arms, and the quiet promise of a new beginning on this auspicious day.
But the moment was fleeting.
The door creaked open again, and this time, an air of gravity followed. A renowned monk, who had served their family for generations, stepped inside. His presence commanded silence, his robes dampened by the drizzle outside, but his face remained calm and unreadable.
Tae Hyun's family immediately rose and bowed respectfully before taking their seats.
With a quiet reverence, Tae Hyun's father handed the baby to the monk. The old man's hands, weathered by time, were steady as he cradled the infant. His eyes softened as he looked at the child, and he began murmuring an ancient chant—low and melodic, a sound that seemed to vibrate through the very air of the room.
The baby stirred slightly but remained calm, his tiny body relaxed as the monk placed a gentle hand over his head.
A heavy silence followed, broken only by the faint dripping of rain against the glass.
But then, the monk's expression darkened.
"I fear," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "this child may not live a long life."
The room grew cold.
Tae Hyun's father froze, his eyes widening. "What…?" His voice cracked, barely able to form the words.
The monk's gaze met his, filled with sorrow. "Your clan was cursed decades ago," he said quietly, his voice laced with regret. "The curse decreed that the bloodline would not continue beyond the thirty-ninth descendant. Even though this child has been born…" He paused, his voice growing heavy. "I do not believe he will live beyond half of his life. His fate is sealed—unless…"
"Unless?" Tae Hyun's father's voice was barely a whisper now, his throat tight with dread.
"Unless he finds a life partner who can guide him away from this vulnerable fate," the monk said gravely. "Only then can he escape the curse."
A shiver ran through Tae Hyun's father. His mind raced. After all their struggles—after so many years of waiting, hoping, and praying—was fate still so cruel?
"No…" he murmured, shaking his head in disbelief. "We had this child after… so many miscarriages. We waited so long for him. And now…" His voice cracked, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You're telling me we won't even get to see him grow up? That he will… die before he has the chance to have his own family?"
Tae Hyun's mother, silent until now, clutched the baby protectively against her chest. Her body shook with quiet sobs as she pressed her lips to the baby's forehead.
"Nothing like that will happen to my child," she whispered fiercely, her voice quivering but resolute. Tears streamed down her face as she cradled the baby, holding him as if her love alone could defy destiny.
The baby, sensing the warmth and security of his mother's embrace, stirred slightly before settling into peaceful sleep. His tiny breaths were steady, his body completely at ease in her arms.
Outside, the drizzle continued, the raindrops tapping softly against the window like a quiet promise.
But fate was already weaving its intricate threads—silent, unseen, and inescapable.
And so, on that rainy day, amidst the whispers of ancient curses and unspoken fears, Tae Hyun's story began...
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TO BE CONTINUED...