I Want a Baby

* * *

Calming her racing heart, Sohwa returned home. On the way, she saw a hen with her chicks and felt a pang of longing.

‘I want cute babies too.’

Though she usually didn’t think about it, every winter she felt lonely out of habit. There was an instance where she had even marked out a territory in front of the house, hoping to start a family.

But all those attempts and thoughts were all in vain. No matter how much love she shared with Dohwi, the stork wouldn’t bring them a baby.

“Dohwi, didn’t you say there’s a way for us to have a baby?”

Dohwi, who was diligently making soup at the hearth, turned to look at Sohwa as she nervously played with her earmuffs.

“You mentioned something magical for couples like us... When can we get it?”

“The orb?”

“Was it an orb?”

Pretending not to know, Sohwa asked again.

“Oh dear, it must be something the Imoogi treasures. How could we possibly borrow it....”

“You already ate it, Sohwa.”

“What? When?”