New Beginnings

"You're leaving??" Madam Kang cried out incredulously as she stared at the resignation letter on the table.

After dinner, she came by the study to deliver some fruits to the Chairman when she caught sight of our presence there, as my Grandma informed the Chairman of our decision to leave.

"Aunt" the Chairman began ignoring Madam Kang "You've been the head housekeeper of the Kang family since before my birth. All these years, I've always thought of you as family. You've been more of a mother to me than my own mother was. I've always thought of Eun Su as my daughter too. Hye Jin too loves and respects you as her very own grandmother. Then why after all these years, do you insist on leaving us now? Is there something you are unhappy with here?"

"Mr. Chairman, I'm grateful for all the kindness, love and respect, this family has bestowed upon me and my family all these years past. I've always tried with the best of my ability to serve you and your family and in return I've receive more than I had a right to. I spent the best years of my life in service to your family and I always did so willingly. However this servant is weary and getting on in years with perhaps little time left in this world. As you know, Eun Su is the only family I have left and with her leaving for studies in Seoul, I regret parting with her and wish to accompany her there. I promised my daughter never to leave her side and I intend to keep doing so" Grandma explained.

"So its because of her that you are leaving us. Time has proven yet again the saying of blood being always thicker than water" Madam Kang exclaimed. "Darling, didn't I tell you not to care too much about the hired help for one day they would tread all over you. But you and your daughter never listened to a word I said."

"Now you could see for yourself what a pair of ingrates they both are. Aunt, outwardly you pretend to be so devoted and selfless towards this family yet this is how you repay us? How could you without prior notice, just up and decided to quit leaving us all in the lurch this way?"

"That's enough Madam Kang" the Chairman warned.

But Madam Kang paid no heed to him as she continued on her tirade "And you Eun Su, have you no shame? Just because you got admitted at Seoul University on your merits, you think you are all that. Never forget that it was our generosity that supported you through school and our sponsorship that'll get you through college. Darling, you should just forget about your promise to Hye Jin and revoke that girl's sponsorship. That will definitely teach her a lesson"

"Enough Madam Kang, I said enough" the Chairman roared out.

Listening to Madam Kang's words, my heart ached for my Grandma. I didn't care what she had to say about me but my Grandma had toiled day and night, breaking back and bone in servitude of this family. Madam Kang had no right to insult her this way but she did so because of me. It was because she was protecting me that Grandma did not utter a word of protest on her behalf and calmly withstood all the criticism.

"Aunt, I apologize for Madam Kang's harsh words. She is just in a state of shock" the Chairman said. "Aunt, you are the most sensible person I know so I'm sure you must have your reasons for wanting to leave. Perhaps there is an issue that I'm unaware of that is making you to take such drastic measures. If you could share it with me, I promise to employ all means to solve it for you."

"Mr. Chairman I assure you my reasons are just as I have stated before. I am leaving your service of my own free will. Please kindly allow me to do so" Grandma stated.

"Very well then, I see that there is nothing I could say to change your mind. I'll respect your decision and let you go. However, Aunt, always know that as long as I live, you would always have a place in this family if you decide otherwise. As for Eun Su, I would like to keep my promise and continue my sponsorship of her education. I hope you would allow me to do so"

"Thank you Mr. Chairman. Thank you"

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A week later, my Grandma and I left for Seoul bidding farewell to our hometown with a heavy heart. I was scared of what the future held for us as we made our way to the city but somewhere inside was a hope for new beginnings.

Life was different and fast paced in the city, each person always in a rush to get somewhere with seldom room to stop and chat. We soon found ourselves lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. We were lucky enough to find a house for rent as we settled into the heart of the city.

In leaving Busan, I had long left behind my dreams and aspirations of entering Seoul University. Grandma protested but in the end she relented as she knew this was the only choice in such circumstances. We severed all contact with the Kang family and in doing so, I had to let go of Hye Jin as well though she was never far from my thoughts and heart. I just stopped writing to her.

Grandma got a job as a part time housekeeper for a family in the neighbourhood while I spent my days rushing from one part time job to the next all the while attending late night classes at a night college. I wanted to make something of myself with my own ability, to make Grandma proud, to strive hard for a better future for us all.

As the months passed by, my body underwent changes too in regards to the pregnancy. People started noticing and speaking behind my back and some even to my face. It was at times like these that I'd missed Hye Jin a lot wishing she was there with me to drive the bullies away, but this fight was mine not hers so I'd borrow her courage and strive on, turning a deaf ear to all the insults and remarks that came my way.

It was a cold and rainy day, when I went into labour. The pain was horrible as contraction after contraction slaughtered me with nary a cab in sight as my Grandma and I waited and waited by the sidewalk. By the time we arrived at the hospital, I was wet and weary throughout but it was nearly an hour later when the twins arrived.

The babies were small and wrinkly as the nurse brought them in. As I first held the baby girl in my arms, I was scared and nervous for I was afraid of dropping her or holding her too tightly. But when she opened her eyes and stared at me, I felt a wave of immense love overwhelm me as I stared back at the little life I had a hand in creating. My baby boy on the other hand, was resting peacefully in Grandma's arms still oblivious to the world outside.

"Have you thought of names for the babies?" Grandma asked.

"Yes, I'm naming her Byeol and his name will be Joon"

"Byeol and Joon, my precious treasures, my children. No matter what happens, I promise to love and protect you always. I would do all within my power to ensure your happiness always."

Life was hard for a young unwed mother like me but through it all Grandma always stood by me as we courageously face forward into the future.