The next morning arrived with an eerie stillness, as if the world was holding its breath for what was about to happen. I sat on the edge of the massive bed in our mansion, staring blankly at the floor while Joonseo moved around the room quietly, already dressed. He knew I wasn't ready to talk yet, so he didn't push.
I was dressed too, in black. Not because someone told me to, but because everything inside me felt dark. My mom… gone. Forever.
"She used to braid my hair every Sunday," I mumbled, breaking the silence.
Joonseo sat beside me and gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "She'd be proud of you, Minji. For being strong."
"I don't feel strong," I whispered.
He took my hand, firm but soft. "Then I'll be strong for you today."
I wanted to cry again, but I knew the tears would never be enough. The last time I'd been in that house, I was thrown out like I was nothing. And now I had to go back? With my mother gone? The thought made my stomach twist.
Still, I stood.