Suspicious Apartment

Episode 4

고모

22nd floor? I'm not sure.

My aunt answered indifferently, picking up the laundry that was hanging around her feet. Then she tiptoed into the room.

김다현

The elevator keeps going to the 22nd floor. It's really weird.

I said seriously.

고모

What's so strange about that? It's not strange at all, is it? Kim Dahyun! Don't worry about other people's business. Most people here live alone.

고모

Some people live alone because they have no choice, but many others live alone because they find living with others inconvenient and cumbersome. It's to live freely, you know.

고모

People like that don't like it when someone interferes with their business or takes an interest in them. So, they just don't care about other people's business.

My aunt pinched my nose and twisted it, winking one eye.

고모

Let's just sit tight. Since there's only one room, I guess I'll have to stay in one. Yeojin, you sleep on the floor. I've never slept on the floor before.

I've never slept on the floor either. But I guess I'll do whatever the owner wants.

My aunt washed the rag and cleaned the floor.

It was so sloppy. The floor was glistening with water from a poorly wrung mop.

Phew, that's bad. I held back from snatching the rag my aunt was holding and trying to wash it again.

고모

Yejin, you're my niece, but I'm the type of person who has to speak up. I'll tell you about the rules you must follow while living here.

My aunt took the blanket from the closet and spread it on the damp floor. She didn't realize the moisture was soaking into the blanket.

I barely managed to hold back my words.

고모

Is the inside of the house a bit of a mess?

I know you do.

고모

Of course, you can stay clean if you call a maid.

I was thinking about that earlier, too. My aunt is a magazine writer. It's the best-selling magazine in our country, after all. She must be getting paid quite well, so she's not broke.

고모

But I don't like people coming to my house and seeing how I live. It's a little messy, but I like living this way. I can do whatever I want.

고모

So, what I'm saying is, I won't be taking care of you or anything. Don't expect anything like meals. I eat everything out, from breakfast to dinner. I'll buy rice. You're in sixth grade, so you can cook, right?

고모

As for side dishes, I think there's a side dish shop inside the apartment complex. I buy some there. Oh, and there's also a bakery, so it'd be convenient to buy some bread for breakfast.

고모

I saw a sign on the bakery window that said fresh bread arrives at 7:30 a.m. You'll have to get there on time. The first batch sells out quickly. It says they'll all be gone within 10 minutes, so you'll have to hurry.

고모

And since there's a washing machine, you can take care of the laundry yourself. Wait a minute...

고모

I'm not sure if the washing machine will work well. I usually use the laundromat. I'll give it a try.

고모

The vacation is about a month, right? Dad said he'd take you there during that time, so let's get along even if it's uncomfortable for both of us. I'll put the money on the dresser.

My aunt threw a stuffed dog from the corner of the room to me and told me to use it as a pillow.

김다현

Okay, don't worry, I'll do what I have to do.

I spoke confidently, even flashing a smile. My aunt shrugged, seemingly surprised. Did she know I'd be whining?