Withered - Chapter 47: Chapter 47
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"Aurora Orphan Home?"
Chaeyoung reads the faded wooden signboard, almost lost amongst the weeds. He finds themselves in the middle of the countryside and notices a big tree, impressively wide and full, sitting far behind the sign and is half-covered by it. Come to view also an old church stands on the far east from the orphanage. He gets off the car then jogs to the passenger seat, opens Mina's door to help her out. She smiles and holds his hand, nodding.
"I've seen it on the map, it's the only orphanage here in Jeju. I figured out, it will be an experience to visit them and spends time with the kids" Her eyes sparkling with her words and the guy can't help but to smile.
"So, that's the thing with all the cupcakes, gingerbread, toys and the stationery you asked to buy just now, for the kids?" He asks, eyes pointing to the plastic bags and boxes on the rear seat. Once again, she nods with enthusiasm. Chaeyoung chuckled and proceed to carry all the stuff, each hand are occupied. He arcs an eyebrow when Mina pout while her feet still glued to the ground. She then grabs the plastic bag he's holding.
"You don't have to, I can carry----"
"I can't hold your hand" She boldly says and slides her arm into Chaeyoung's, almost dragging him to walk as he's still stunned by her statement. As they go inside, some of the kids are playing football around the front, and a few younger ones, boys and girls, sits on a low wall. Chaeyoung scrutinized their faces, one by one and happiness can be seen, which instantly brings a smile across his face. The children stare wide-eyed at this strange man with a big toy giraffe sling over his shoulder. Chaeyoung snaps his head to the side when Mina nugs him, he follows her eyes as she watches someone approaching them.
The old lady is wearing a brown, ankle-length dress cinched at the waist by a white "cord" and paired with a black veil. A rosary chaplet hangs loosely around her neck. She smiles at them which they reciprocate then bows to show respect.
"Sister Cecilia"
"Welcome" The sister says and gesture them to goes inside the long wooden house. She prepares them with tea and sweets which they gladly take while she expresses her gratitude upon the couple's presence and for the gifts they brought. They talk for a while before the sister walks them around the place then settle down under an oak tree. Mina and Sister Cecilia is sitting on a bench as they watch Chaeyoung joins the football team, playing with the kids as he laughs along.
The sister looks over her shoulder then to Mina's bump "Your husband?" She asks, her voice sounded light and almost as soft as Mina.
Mina looks down, fidgeting with her fingers "Yeah" Hesitancy could be heard within her tone.
"Something clouding your mind" The sister states and smiles. "We are disturbed when things happen beyond our control. Have faith in yourself and you'll overcome it" She taps her hands, calling for Mina's attention and she succeeds. "Don't be scared. Follow your heart"
Mina nods to the words and gives an assurance smile. They back to silence as the only sound that engulfs them comes from the front, where the kids are laughing and screaming in joy.
"I heard there was a fire years ago" Mina starts, opening a conversation based on what she read on an article about the orphanage if people searched the place on the Internet.
"Oh, there was, 18 years ago. It's been a long time" Her voice merely a whisper as she takes out a picture from one of her habit pockets, a picture that has been forever with her. Her fingers trail the image, each and every single person "Half of us were killed, including another founder, Sister Anne, Sister Mary, Sister Darlene and Mother Gabriel" It's then when her voice cracks and Mina learns that she shouldn't start talking about the subject. It might be too sensitive.
"I'm sorry" Mina mutters slowly, regretting to jump to the topic from the first place. The sister shakes her head and blinks rapidly, wiping her tears.
"Nothing to be sorry dear. There's no wrong in asking questions to answers curiosity" She's right. Mina presses her lips because it's true that she is curious about the incident that occurred in the place.
"What happened?"
Sister breathes out, looking in front as she's reminiscing the tragedy that took half of the children and half of her soul. "It was Wednesday and we were split into two groups for an evening prayer lead by two founders on each group. Mother Gabriel and I was the first group that went to the church but...when we came back, the orphanage was already on fire. It spread all over the place and there was nothing we could do but to only heard the scream in agony and cries that slowly died. I tried to stop Mother Gabriel but she insisted to went inside to save them, asking me to take care of the others. And that was the last time I saw her."
Mina watches the Sister's eyes become glacier under the sunlight then allowing the tears to flow without pause. The waves of grief and sorrow that hit the Sister have caught her unaware. They must have been silently building up while she is recalling the string of heartbreaking events.
Mina sits closer and holds the Sister's hands tightly, a burn mark could be seen on the back of her hand. "I'm really sorry"
Sister Cecilia faces the brunette and smiles weakly "Its okay dear, everything happened for a reason. I believe God's ways are the best, and one day we will have a much clearer picture." She says then wipe the small droplets that fall onto the old photograph.
"What's the cause?"
"Until now no one knows, some says it was the electrical short circuit, some says there was sabotage, some says the children played with fire but really, no one knows. The police investigator said nothing about it even after I demand an explanation. Unfair isn't it?"
Mina's eyes travel to the photo and a mixture of sadness and pity comes like a wave, hitting every bit of her emotions. It is that depressing. As she examined the old picture, her eyes clouded over as it fixes to a particular boy. She squints as she leans closer to get a better look. "He looks familiar, like someone I've seen...or something"
Sister Cecilia follows her gaze then shakes her head "It couldn't be. That boy also died in the fire. Their soul is so beautiful they leave us so soon"
Mina nods and thought to herself that there is no way the boy is the man she is thinking, considering all the possibility, it must be a mere coincidence that they shared the same feature. "What's his name?" She asked out of curiosity.
"We called him by Wanwan."
"Nice name" Mina smiles then lean back. She locks her eyes to the front, and continue watching Chaeyoung who is now playing the toy they bought and entertain the children. "Can you tell me something about him?"
The Sister hums before opening her mouth "If there's someone that knows Wanwan better than me, it would be Mother Gabriel. She was the one who brought him here and the only person that Wanwan felt comfortable with and talk to. Wanwan is a very quiet type of boy based on what I observed. He was a smart and polite kid, but he didn't like to socialize that much. Creative as well, love to make an electronic devices from the recycle stuff he found in the trash. He really passionate in reading books and could memorize things easily. He was different than the others, leaving a great impression towards me. I've always seen potential in him. If only he had survived the fire, he could be more."
Mina's heart sink as the words processing in her mind, and the accident playing like a raw film in her head. How much in pain the child must have felt, the hopelessness that they are trapped inside the house and no one can save them. They just an innocent kid with the hope that there is someone that will take them as their family member, waiting for years for the love and attention everyone deserved, but they died with all their dreams and wishes.
She glances to the front and meets with two concerned orbs, a football in his arms. Mina waves and forces a smile but he could see behind that facade. Chaeyoung furrowed his brow before raising a hand and curves a broad smile on his face, showing all his teeth as he scrunches his nose. The girl instant laugh and do the same thing as he does before she shoos him away, gesturing the guy to continue playing with the kids.
"He reminds me of someone"
Mina looks to the side and tilts her head in confusion. Sister Cecilia nods while putting back the photograph inside her pockets. "We rarely have visitor after the incident, and aside from this beautiful couple--" She smiles at Mina then shift her eyes back to Chaeyoung "--There's a gentleman that always visits us every weekend, the kids called him The Appleman since he never misses bringing boxes of boxes of fresh apples. Even the one who planted the apple tree, around the house, playing with the kids, fixed the leaking pipe, renovated the house and build another space just for the children to read books that he bought for them. What a kind person"
"Did he come today?" Mina question as the sun is slowly falling and the day will end, replaced by a new start, and a new shine of Monday.
"He stops coming the last few months ago. The kids are always waiting for his arrival. I'm only hoping there is nothing bad happened to him" A hint of worriedness lies behind her tone. But soon her lips quirk upwards as she watches Chaeyoung running around covered with sweats. "They do share a similarity, the way they moved, the way they laugh, their voice, their feature and their humour" Both of the ladies chuckle to the confusing look the kids have whenever Chaeyoung crack a joke but then laugh along with the guy.
The cub jump in joy when he finally scored, it's one against fifteen and a competitive person he is would never back off until he marks a goal and he succeeds after a few tries. Mina smiles and raises an eyebrow when the guy jogs towards her.
"Mina, did you see that?" He asks eagerly while bending down with hands on knees. The girl nods as she takes out her handkerchief and wipes the bead of sweat that trails from his temple to his chin. Chaeyoung still catching his breath, heart pounding out of his ribs either because of the exhaustion or Mina's small action. "Won't you congratulate me?" His eyes twinkling while Mina blankly stares at him, causing the light on his face slowly fades. She suddenly lifts her hand then ruffles the younger's hair.
"Congrats"
Chaeyoung stays still then laugh. Not only it is unpredictable, but the happiness that passes him also a complete surprise. After all, he's only joking, not expecting an answer. He's about to say something but notice a pair of eyes watching them, it is just then he noticed the Sister and smile sheepishly before he runs away, towards the kids. "Next round!" He shouts while brushing his hair back, keeping it away from the front.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mina and Chaeyoung donate ten million won for the charity after debating with the Sister who couldn't accept such a large amount of money but finally gives up to the persistent couple. They bid their goodbye and promises they will come back in the future, giving their last hugs to all the kids. Sister Cecilia calls for Mina as the couple walks out of the entrance, they turn around and meets with a concerned expression. She looks at Mina then to her bump, a faint smile crossed her face.
"Our footstep may slip without the order of God. Beware"
Mina wears a puzzled look exactly reflecting Chaeyoung's. In a split of a second Sister Cecilia change from a gloomy expression on her face to a bright smile.
"Nothing, just, take care of your health"
Chaeyoung reads the faded wooden signboard, almost lost amongst the weeds. He finds themselves in the middle of the countryside and notices a big tree, impressively wide and full, sitting far behind the sign and is half-covered by it. Come to view also an old church stands on the far east from the orphanage. He gets off the car then jogs to the passenger seat, opens Mina's door to help her out. She smiles and holds his hand, nodding.
"I've seen it on the map, it's the only orphanage here in Jeju. I figured out, it will be an experience to visit them and spends time with the kids" Her eyes sparkling with her words and the guy can't help but to smile.
"So, that's the thing with all the cupcakes, gingerbread, toys and the stationery you asked to buy just now, for the kids?" He asks, eyes pointing to the plastic bags and boxes on the rear seat. Once again, she nods with enthusiasm. Chaeyoung chuckled and proceed to carry all the stuff, each hand are occupied. He arcs an eyebrow when Mina pout while her feet still glued to the ground. She then grabs the plastic bag he's holding.
"You don't have to, I can carry----"
"I can't hold your hand" She boldly says and slides her arm into Chaeyoung's, almost dragging him to walk as he's still stunned by her statement. As they go inside, some of the kids are playing football around the front, and a few younger ones, boys and girls, sits on a low wall. Chaeyoung scrutinized their faces, one by one and happiness can be seen, which instantly brings a smile across his face. The children stare wide-eyed at this strange man with a big toy giraffe sling over his shoulder. Chaeyoung snaps his head to the side when Mina nugs him, he follows her eyes as she watches someone approaching them.
The old lady is wearing a brown, ankle-length dress cinched at the waist by a white "cord" and paired with a black veil. A rosary chaplet hangs loosely around her neck. She smiles at them which they reciprocate then bows to show respect.
"Sister Cecilia"
"Welcome" The sister says and gesture them to goes inside the long wooden house. She prepares them with tea and sweets which they gladly take while she expresses her gratitude upon the couple's presence and for the gifts they brought. They talk for a while before the sister walks them around the place then settle down under an oak tree. Mina and Sister Cecilia is sitting on a bench as they watch Chaeyoung joins the football team, playing with the kids as he laughs along.
The sister looks over her shoulder then to Mina's bump "Your husband?" She asks, her voice sounded light and almost as soft as Mina.
Mina looks down, fidgeting with her fingers "Yeah" Hesitancy could be heard within her tone.
"Something clouding your mind" The sister states and smiles. "We are disturbed when things happen beyond our control. Have faith in yourself and you'll overcome it" She taps her hands, calling for Mina's attention and she succeeds. "Don't be scared. Follow your heart"
Mina nods to the words and gives an assurance smile. They back to silence as the only sound that engulfs them comes from the front, where the kids are laughing and screaming in joy.
"I heard there was a fire years ago" Mina starts, opening a conversation based on what she read on an article about the orphanage if people searched the place on the Internet.
"Oh, there was, 18 years ago. It's been a long time" Her voice merely a whisper as she takes out a picture from one of her habit pockets, a picture that has been forever with her. Her fingers trail the image, each and every single person "Half of us were killed, including another founder, Sister Anne, Sister Mary, Sister Darlene and Mother Gabriel" It's then when her voice cracks and Mina learns that she shouldn't start talking about the subject. It might be too sensitive.
"I'm sorry" Mina mutters slowly, regretting to jump to the topic from the first place. The sister shakes her head and blinks rapidly, wiping her tears.
"Nothing to be sorry dear. There's no wrong in asking questions to answers curiosity" She's right. Mina presses her lips because it's true that she is curious about the incident that occurred in the place.
"What happened?"
Sister breathes out, looking in front as she's reminiscing the tragedy that took half of the children and half of her soul. "It was Wednesday and we were split into two groups for an evening prayer lead by two founders on each group. Mother Gabriel and I was the first group that went to the church but...when we came back, the orphanage was already on fire. It spread all over the place and there was nothing we could do but to only heard the scream in agony and cries that slowly died. I tried to stop Mother Gabriel but she insisted to went inside to save them, asking me to take care of the others. And that was the last time I saw her."
Mina watches the Sister's eyes become glacier under the sunlight then allowing the tears to flow without pause. The waves of grief and sorrow that hit the Sister have caught her unaware. They must have been silently building up while she is recalling the string of heartbreaking events.
Mina sits closer and holds the Sister's hands tightly, a burn mark could be seen on the back of her hand. "I'm really sorry"
Sister Cecilia faces the brunette and smiles weakly "Its okay dear, everything happened for a reason. I believe God's ways are the best, and one day we will have a much clearer picture." She says then wipe the small droplets that fall onto the old photograph.
"What's the cause?"
"Until now no one knows, some says it was the electrical short circuit, some says there was sabotage, some says the children played with fire but really, no one knows. The police investigator said nothing about it even after I demand an explanation. Unfair isn't it?"
Mina's eyes travel to the photo and a mixture of sadness and pity comes like a wave, hitting every bit of her emotions. It is that depressing. As she examined the old picture, her eyes clouded over as it fixes to a particular boy. She squints as she leans closer to get a better look. "He looks familiar, like someone I've seen...or something"
Sister Cecilia follows her gaze then shakes her head "It couldn't be. That boy also died in the fire. Their soul is so beautiful they leave us so soon"
Mina nods and thought to herself that there is no way the boy is the man she is thinking, considering all the possibility, it must be a mere coincidence that they shared the same feature. "What's his name?" She asked out of curiosity.
"We called him by Wanwan."
"Nice name" Mina smiles then lean back. She locks her eyes to the front, and continue watching Chaeyoung who is now playing the toy they bought and entertain the children. "Can you tell me something about him?"
The Sister hums before opening her mouth "If there's someone that knows Wanwan better than me, it would be Mother Gabriel. She was the one who brought him here and the only person that Wanwan felt comfortable with and talk to. Wanwan is a very quiet type of boy based on what I observed. He was a smart and polite kid, but he didn't like to socialize that much. Creative as well, love to make an electronic devices from the recycle stuff he found in the trash. He really passionate in reading books and could memorize things easily. He was different than the others, leaving a great impression towards me. I've always seen potential in him. If only he had survived the fire, he could be more."
Mina's heart sink as the words processing in her mind, and the accident playing like a raw film in her head. How much in pain the child must have felt, the hopelessness that they are trapped inside the house and no one can save them. They just an innocent kid with the hope that there is someone that will take them as their family member, waiting for years for the love and attention everyone deserved, but they died with all their dreams and wishes.
She glances to the front and meets with two concerned orbs, a football in his arms. Mina waves and forces a smile but he could see behind that facade. Chaeyoung furrowed his brow before raising a hand and curves a broad smile on his face, showing all his teeth as he scrunches his nose. The girl instant laugh and do the same thing as he does before she shoos him away, gesturing the guy to continue playing with the kids.
"He reminds me of someone"
Mina looks to the side and tilts her head in confusion. Sister Cecilia nods while putting back the photograph inside her pockets. "We rarely have visitor after the incident, and aside from this beautiful couple--" She smiles at Mina then shift her eyes back to Chaeyoung "--There's a gentleman that always visits us every weekend, the kids called him The Appleman since he never misses bringing boxes of boxes of fresh apples. Even the one who planted the apple tree, around the house, playing with the kids, fixed the leaking pipe, renovated the house and build another space just for the children to read books that he bought for them. What a kind person"
"Did he come today?" Mina question as the sun is slowly falling and the day will end, replaced by a new start, and a new shine of Monday.
"He stops coming the last few months ago. The kids are always waiting for his arrival. I'm only hoping there is nothing bad happened to him" A hint of worriedness lies behind her tone. But soon her lips quirk upwards as she watches Chaeyoung running around covered with sweats. "They do share a similarity, the way they moved, the way they laugh, their voice, their feature and their humour" Both of the ladies chuckle to the confusing look the kids have whenever Chaeyoung crack a joke but then laugh along with the guy.
The cub jump in joy when he finally scored, it's one against fifteen and a competitive person he is would never back off until he marks a goal and he succeeds after a few tries. Mina smiles and raises an eyebrow when the guy jogs towards her.
"Mina, did you see that?" He asks eagerly while bending down with hands on knees. The girl nods as she takes out her handkerchief and wipes the bead of sweat that trails from his temple to his chin. Chaeyoung still catching his breath, heart pounding out of his ribs either because of the exhaustion or Mina's small action. "Won't you congratulate me?" His eyes twinkling while Mina blankly stares at him, causing the light on his face slowly fades. She suddenly lifts her hand then ruffles the younger's hair.
"Congrats"
Chaeyoung stays still then laugh. Not only it is unpredictable, but the happiness that passes him also a complete surprise. After all, he's only joking, not expecting an answer. He's about to say something but notice a pair of eyes watching them, it is just then he noticed the Sister and smile sheepishly before he runs away, towards the kids. "Next round!" He shouts while brushing his hair back, keeping it away from the front.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mina and Chaeyoung donate ten million won for the charity after debating with the Sister who couldn't accept such a large amount of money but finally gives up to the persistent couple. They bid their goodbye and promises they will come back in the future, giving their last hugs to all the kids. Sister Cecilia calls for Mina as the couple walks out of the entrance, they turn around and meets with a concerned expression. She looks at Mina then to her bump, a faint smile crossed her face.
"Our footstep may slip without the order of God. Beware"
Mina wears a puzzled look exactly reflecting Chaeyoung's. In a split of a second Sister Cecilia change from a gloomy expression on her face to a bright smile.
"Nothing, just, take care of your health"
End of Withered Chapter 47. Continue reading Chapter 48 or return to Withered book page.