Another Winter
the Another Winter 39

Without feeling it, the day changed too quickly.

In the past, if he went, worked long distances or came home late, there would be someone who always put on an upset face then got angry, or even did not hesitate to accuse him of going with others. Jealous.

But now there is no sound that might just welcome his arrival or nag when he comes home late.

The clock shows ten o'clock in New York time, John still sitting behind his desk. Look at the computer screen that is still on. The fingers are still busy on the keyboard board to complete the work that makes the brain boil.

"Haaahs... "John let out a long sigh, resting his tired back on the back of the chair. Crippling for a moment feeling tired.

It's been almost three months that John has been in the country. Doing this and that, attending meetings here and there, until he feels like a workaholic robot.

Tired, but his hard work produced unexpected results. The company began to develop, building little by little a good image of investors who believe in the company under John's current leadership.

John re-enforced his body, reaching into the cell phone in the pocket of material pants wrapped in sturdy thighs that felt pain because of a day of walking non-stop to various different meeting places. Contacting someone who lives in a different country at a different time.

Within seconds, John's call was answered.

"Hello, Mr. John!"

"Eummm, how? Did you get the land I asked for?"

"Already sir!"

"Where's the location?"

"Guil!" replied the person across, who was none other than John's confidant in Korea.

"Thank God then! So when will construction begin?"

"As soon as the ownership and payment of the land is done!"

John nodded, relieved.

"Well if it's like that! Do your job well! And remember, don't let your mom know!"

"Ready sir!"

John ended the call and moved to turn off his computer screen. Tidying up some of the files and putting on his suit back, then walking out to return to the apartment to close the day with rest.

***

Hyuji helped his father pick apples in his garden. The stomach that used to be small and flat, now looks enlarged. Six months—ahua's pregnancy.

Hyuji takes good care of her baby intake, thanks to the help of the mother who never stops giving and channeling affection that she never stops pouring for her daughter and future grandchild in Hyuji's womb.

"Enough for today Hyu, let's go home!"

Hyuji smiled with a nod, then looked up to map the thick gray clouds imprinted in the sky of the daegu. Looks like it's going to rain.

Hyuji rushed over to help the father push the car full of apples with a considerable amount of which they had just picked up and were ready to take home and clean, then sold to apple collectors.

"John never called you?" asked sanga father unexpectedly.

Hyuji shook his head to make sure. "It ended three months ago, but Hyu never replied!"

"Hey, you think this is a hard job? You can even lift these fruits at home with your back!"

Hyuji's heart slipped, looking at the wrinkled face of the father who was now laughing softly. Hyuji felt that he was now a burden to his father as well as his mother, how not, both of them seemed to be working harder since he returned to the daegu.

"I'm sorry, father Hyuji! I should have sat quietly at home, not even worked like this!"

"What are you talking about! Never mind, don't talk shit! I'm fine!"

For some reason, Hyuji just wanted to cry to hear his father's answer. But what he always did over and over again was to hold back all those tears and allow himself to be tormented in return.

-

Actually, drizzle has started to fall since Hyuji and his father are only half way through the vast apple orchard. But now they have reached the terrace of the house, immediately Hyuji helps the father move the apples so as not to be exposed to rain.

And sure enough, it rained heavily a few minutes after Hyuji and his father were inside the house.

Suddenly Hyuji's phone rang, and he immediately received the call.

"Gee! What's up Yoon?"

"Hyu, my uncle wants to rent out the building on top of their house! And I've got the cheapest rental price for you!"

"really? When can we meet?" hyuji said excitedly.

"Come on the weekend! I'll be waiting for you at the station!"

"All right!"

The call ended with Hyuji looking sumringah.

"Who's Hyu?" asked the mother while carrying Hyuji's favorite chicken soup from the kitchen.

"Friend ma'am, he has found a place to stay for Hyuji! The price is pretty cheap!" hyuji replied calmly, but could not hide the pleasure on his face.

"Go after your child is born! If you leave now, how can you help me take care of that baby?"

Hyuji laughed softly and warmly. "Hyuji doesn't want to trouble mom! Hyuji will find work as well as care for and raise her without bothering mom and dad anymore! You rest up, thank you for accepting Hyuji back!"

"Hyu—"

Hyuji knew for sure that his mother would forbid and persuade him not to leave. However, Hyuji is usually stubborn. He won't give up.

"Trust Hyuji! Hyuji will be fine there, and will take care of hyuji's child affectionately!"

Hyuji's mother and father bowed simultaneously. They won't be able to stop Hyuji.

"And Hyuji asked one thing to father, and also mother—"

Hyuji's breathing slightly stiffened as he was about to say his next sentence. But he tried hard, raised his face and smiled sweetly while saying. "— if one day John suddenly comes and looks for Hyuji, please don't tell John where Hyuji lives! Hyuji doesn't want John to take this kid from Hyuji!"

The mother grabbed her daughter in an embrace, patting her back slowly. " Dear no, I'll keep it a secret from anyone!"

"Even if John insists, never say anything to him! He had enough to let Hyuji down!"[]