Episode 6
Mrs. Hana park (caretaker)
Gently Yuria, how about we bake some cookies together? Your mom used to make the best chocolate chip cookies. Would you like to try?
Yuria hesitated at first but eventually nodded, her face lighting up at the thought of honoring her mother’s memory through baking
[In the Kitchen with Mrs. Park]
As they mixed the dough together, Yuria smiled, finding joy in the moment. But in the back of her mind, she still felt the absence of Yun-soo.
Kim yu-ria
Quietly, while stirring I used to have a friend named Yun-soo. I wonder if he remembers me…
Mrs. Hana park (caretaker)
Paused, looking down at the girl with empathy.
Mrs. Hana park (caretaker)
It’s normal to miss friends, sweetie. But sometimes, we meet new ones along the way.
Yuria nodded, accepting the truth, even if it didn’t completely ease the ache in her heart
As the days continued to pass, Yuria learned to navigate her new reality, even if it meant letting go of some memories. Mr. Kim worked tirelessly to create a stable life for his children, ensuring they had love and support as they healed from their loss.
The sun shone brightly over the schoolyard as Yuria and her three brothers arrived. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, but for the Kim siblings, it was a mix of excitement and lingering sadness. They had been back at school for a few weeks now, trying to find a new normal.
Kim yu-ria
Gripping her brothers’ hands tightly Do we really have to go in?
Kim Se-huana
Playfully nudging her Come on, little sis! Remember what Mrs. Park said? We can make new memories!
Kim je-huan
Grinning Yeah! And I bet today is pizza day! What could be better?
Yuria's eyes brightened at the thought, momentarily distracting her from the heaviness in her heart.
Kim tae-sunga
And if we finish our work early, we can challenge the others to a race at recess!
Kim yu-ria
😄😄You mean, who can fall down the most times?
The brothers burst into laughter, imagining their usual antics during recess.
As they entered their classroom, Yuria noticed her friends waving at her. She felt a rush of warmth, remembering how her classmates would often ask about her mother. Today, though, they seemed to sense that she was trying to be brave
Kim yu-ria
Whispering to her brothers Let’s stick together, okay?
Kim je-huan
Nodding Always.
After a busy morning of classes, the bell rang for recess, and the kids dashed outside. Yuria joined her brothers as they raced to the swings, but not before Tae-sung tripped over his own feet.
Kim tae-sunga
Laughing as he tumbled down I meant to do that! It’s my new strategy to beat you guys!
Kim je-huan
Sure, whatever helps you cope with losing!
As they swung back and forth, Yuria felt the familiar thrill of happiness. The wind whipped through her hair, and laughter echoed around her.
Kim yu-ria
Giggling I bet I can swing higher than you, Tae-sung!
Kim tae-sunga
Swinging harder No way! I’ll touch the sky!
Just then, a couple of older kids walked by, and one of them shouted.
random
Teasingly Hey, little ones! Don’t fly away before you finish your homework!
Kim yu-ria
Shouting back At least we’re not too busy trying to look cool to remember how to play!
Her brothers burst into laughter, and even some of the nearby kids joined in. Yuria’s cheeky response felt good, and for a moment, she forgot her worries.
[Later That Day – Back in Class]
When the bell rang for class to resume, Yuria sat quietly, doodling in her notebook. Her mind drifted back to her mother, but instead of tears, she felt a warmth in her chest, as if her mom were there cheering her on.
Teacher
Noticing Yuria’s doodles That’s a lovely picture, Yuria! What’s it about?
Kim yu-ria
Brightening It’s my mom’s restaurant! She made the best cookies ever!
Classmate: excitedly Can we have some in class?
Kim yu-ria
Smiling softly I’ll try to bring some next time.
Teacher
The teacher smiled, seeing how Yuria was learning to express herself despite the sadness
Present Day – A Month Later]
The days turned into weeks, and the weeks into a month since the accident. The Kim household was filled with a quiet resilience, each family member adapting to their new normal. Despite the heartache, they were learning to move forward together
Yuria sat on her bed, sunlight streaming through her window, illuminating the small space filled with drawings and stuffed animals. She was doodling in her sketchbook, a habit she had picked up to express her feelings. Today, she was drawing a picture of her family, complete with her mother’s smiling face.
Kim yu-ria
To herself I wish I could show you this, Mom.
As she drew, she felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She missed her mother’s laughter, her cooking, and the way she always knew how to make everything better. Taking a deep breath, Yuria set down her pencil and looked around her room, her eyes landing on the matching necklace and bracelet she wore—a small reminder of Yun-soo.
Downstairs, her brothers were already gathered at the breakfast table, the familiar smell of toast filling the air. Mr. Kim was reading the morning newspaper, his brow furrowed as he tried to balance work and parenting.
Kim je-huan
Chewing his toast I can’t believe we have another math test today.
Kim Se-huana
Rolling his eyes You’re just mad because you didn’t study!
Kim tae-sunga
Chiming in I’ll help you study later, but only if you promise to share your dessert with me.
Kim yu-ria
Entering the kitchen Can I join your study group?
The boys exchanged glances, then burst into laughter
Kim je-huan
Sure, but don’t blame us if you end up failing!
Yuria giggled, grateful for her brothers’ banter. It was moments like this that reminded her of the warmth of family, even amidst their sorrow.
After school, the four siblings walked home together, their backpacks slung over their shoulders. Yuria noticed the vibrant colors of the flowers blooming along the path and couldn’t help but smile. Spring was in the air, and the world around them was awakening
Kim yu-ria
Pointing at a flower Look at that! It’s so pretty!
Kim Se-huana
Teasing It’s just a flower, Yuria. But if you want, we can name it after Mom.
The comment hung in the air, and for a moment, silence enveloped them.
Kim je-huan
Earnestly I think that’s a great idea. Let’s call it “Mom’s Flower.
Yuria felt her heart swell at the thought. It was a simple gesture, but it felt meaningful—keeping their mother’s memory alive in their hearts and the world around them.
That evening, as they settled on the couch for family movie night, Yuria clutched her sketchbook close. They chose a lighthearted film, but as the laughter filled the room, Yuria felt a familiar ache in her chest.
Comments