Suspicious Apartment
Episode 6
Yeah, it's much better to stand there staring at the wall than to meddle in other people's business like that.
The bakery was crowded. There were several tables, but most were occupied. Everyone was sitting alone, enjoying coffee and pastries, and looking at their phones.
The hedgehog-head and the white-haired old man who had ridden the elevator with me also entered the bakery. Hedgehog-head quickly bought two red bean buns and left, while the old man bought some castella and milk and left.
My grandfather dragged his right leg as if he was having trouble walking.
I bought a sausage bun and sat down to eat it while looking at my phone like everyone else.
As I came out of the bakery, the man in the hat I had seen in the elevator was walking in front of me, holding a plastic bag.
It was a plastic bag with the words "Healthy Side Dish Shop" written on it. Which floor did they live on? The 22nd, perhaps? I followed them, quietly, making no sound.
Brrrrrr.
I stopped walking, startled by the sound of my phone vibrating. Suddenly, the man in the hat turned around. I quickly turned and answered the call.
김다현
hello?
엄마
Mom. How are you? Is your aunt doing well? Did you eat breakfast?
김다현
Okay. Aunt treated me well, and I ate breakfast. Okay?
I tried to hang up the phone in a hurry.
엄마
What did you eat? Breakfast, I mean.
김다현
bread.
엄마
Why are you eating bread? You should be eating rice. Doesn't your aunt make you rice? I knew you would. That's why I told you to go to your grandmother's house, but why are you saying you're going to your aunt's house?
Mom's nagging started.
The man in the hat leisurely entered the apartment.
김다현
Mom, I'm busy right now.
엄마
What are you busy with?
My mother constantly told me that I shouldn't slack off on my studies because of this situation, that I should memorize English words, solve math problems, and read books every morning and evening, etc.
김다현
Okay, I got it.
I answered that I knew it unconditionally and walked briskly into the apartment.
The man in the hat had already gone up, and the elevator was descending to the third floor. A moment later, an elderly woman got off the elevator.
Brrrrrr.
Mom called again.
김다현
Why again? I missed it because of my mom.
엄마
What are you missing? You're not doing anything useless, are you? Did you get a call from Dad?
김다현
Here you go.
엄마
What did you say?
김다현
Listen to your aunt and behave well.
엄마
Was there anything else to say?
김다현
What are you talking about?
엄마
No, just what......
김다현
There wasn't any.
I didn't tell my dad when he said he'd take me when he found a house. Then Mom and Dad would fight again.
Since we can't meet, we'll fight until the phone blew up. He might even suggest splitting me in half.
엄마
Mom's looking for a job. Once I get one, I'll find a house near my place. Then I can bring you here. Okay?
Standing in the foyer, I looked inside the house and sighed. Should I clean? I need to wash the clothes I wore yesterday, and should I wash my aunt's laundry too?