Manager Kim, who resigned in tears saying Samuel must take care of his health, passed away not long after. It was said he had cancer that had progressed beyond treatment.
With even this person who had been by his side for decades leaving the world so emptily, Samuel clung to the woman even more. And the woman, using Samuel's trust as a stepping stone, gradually siphoned off his assets.
Then she fled, leaving behind just one small 660 square foot officetel as if bestowing alms.
It was a cold-hearted departure without even a short note left behind.
At first, Samuel trembled with a sense of betrayal, but after a month, two months, and then half a year passed, all that remained was loneliness.
Now, not a single person remained around the old man who once lived in a large house surrounded by many people.
He had to eat alone, bathe alone, and sleep alone. Samuel was realizing these days just how quiet a house could be.