The Silent Canvas (Catnipz)

|| 13 ||

The weekend arrived, bringing with it a sense of calm that Minji had been longing for. She stood patiently outside Haerin's house, her hands tucked into her pockets to ward off the chill of the morning air. The door finally opened, and Haerin stepped out, her quiet presence instantly soothing. Together, they set off toward the nearby lake, the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft breeze creating a peaceful backdrop.

They walked in comfortable silence, the lake's surface reflecting the sky in rippling patterns. As they reached a spot where the view stretched wide and serene, Minji paused, turning to face Haerin. Her hands moved gracefully, signing with care. "Did you eat yet?" she asked, her gaze steady, filled with quiet concern.

Haerin blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question, before giving a small shake of her head. A hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips, appreciating Minji's attentiveness even in the simplest of things.

They continued their walk, the gentle rhythm of their steps leading them to a cozy Japanese restaurant tucked away on a quiet street. Minji held the door open for Haerin, who offered a small smile as she stepped inside. The warm, inviting aroma of the restaurant enveloped them, and they found a quiet corner to sit.

When the waiter arrived, Minji took charge, translating Haerin's ASL into spoken words with ease, ensuring everything was ordered just as Haerin liked. The waiter nodded, jotting down their order before leaving them alone to wait.

As they sat in the peaceful ambiance, Haerin's hands moved softly, signing her gratitude. "Thank you, Minji," she signed, her expression earnest and appreciative. Her eyes reflected the warmth she felt, grateful for the thoughtful gestures that made her feel seen and understood.

Minji's heart fluttered at Haerin's gratitude, a soft smile spreading across her lips. Without a word, she reached out and gently ruffled Haerin's hair, a familiar gesture of affection that spoke louder than any words could. Haerin's eyes softened, a hint of a smile playing on her lips as she leaned into the comforting touch, feeling the tension of the past few days melt away.

They sat there in silence, the quiet connection between them growing stronger with each passing moment, a bond that needed no words to be understood.

After they finished their meal, Minji quietly paid the bill, brushing off Haerin's attempt to contribute. As they stepped out of the restaurant, the evening air was cool and refreshing. Haerin glanced at Minji, her hands moving as she signed with a determined look.

"I owe you a meal next time," Haerin signed, a playful glint in her eyes.

Minji chuckled softly, shaking her head before reaching out to ruffle Haerin's hair again. "It's okay," Minji said gently, her smile warm and reassuring. "You don't owe me anything."

As they strolled along the quiet street, Haerin glanced at Minji, her hands moving in soft, deliberate motions. "I don't remember the last time I ate out," she signed, her expression thoughtful.

Minji tilted her head, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Why not?" she asked, her gestures gentle.

Haerin hesitated for a moment before signing again, her gaze dropping slightly. "My parents are always busy," she explained. "And... they don't know ASL. It's just easier to stay home."

Minji's heart ached at Haerin's words. She reached out, gently touching Haerin's arm, her eyes filled with understanding. "You don't have to stay home anymore," Minji signed softly. "We'll go out more often, together."

Haerin looked up, a faint smile breaking through her usually stoic expression. The warmth of Minji's words eased the weight she carried, making her feel just a little less alone.

Minji watched as Haerin disappeared behind the door, a small wave exchanged between them before it gently shut. She stood there for a moment, the cool evening air brushing against her face, a sense of calm settling over her. With a quiet sigh, she turned around and began the walk home.

Each step felt lighter than the last, her thoughts lingering on the day they'd spent together. The tension that had weighed on her shoulders just days ago seemed distant now, replaced by a warmth she hadn't realized she missed. The quiet companionship, the shared understanding; it all brought a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time.

By the time Minji reached her front door, a soft smile played on her lips. She felt happier. Happier than she would have been a week ago, and it was all because of Haerin.

As Minji stepped into the quiet of her home, the warm feeling from her time with Haerin still lingered in her chest. She was just about to take off her shoes when a shadow loomed over her. Before she could react, her father's rough hand grabbed her arm, yanking her forward with a force that made her stumble. Her back hit the wall with a sharp thud, knocking the breath out of her lungs.

Her father's face was twisted with anger, his eyes burning with frustration as he loomed over her. "Do you think you can just waltz in here like everything is fine?" he barked, his voice low but laced with venom. "Do you know what your cousin just achieved? A scholarship offer for university! And here you are, wasting time with your little friends instead of focusing on your future."

Minji's head spun from the impact, but she forced herself to meet his gaze, even as her body trembled. She wanted to speak, to defend herself, but her voice caught in her throat, trapped by the weight of his words and the fear that had become all too familiar.

"You think life's a joke?" he continued, his grip on her arm tightening. "Do you even care about what happens to you? About making something of yourself? Or are you content to just be a failure, embarrassing this family?"

The words cut deep, sharper than any physical pain she had endured. Minji bit her lip, swallowing the urge to cry. She had heard this all before, the relentless comparisons, the impossible expectations. It didn't matter how hard she worked; it was never enough.

"I'm trying," she finally whispered, her voice barely audible, but it felt like a feeble attempt against the storm of his fury.

"Trying?" He sneered, his grip finally loosening as he stepped back. "Trying isn't good enough. You'll never get anywhere with that attitude. I expect better, Minji. Much better."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her slumped against the wall, her heart pounding in her chest. She stayed there for a moment, trying to steady her breathing, the warmth from earlier completely extinguished by the cold, harsh reality she faced at home.

Minji slowly pushed herself off the wall, her legs feeling like lead as she made her way to her room. She shut the door quietly behind her, the weight of her father's words pressing down on her. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she took a deep breath, her hands clenched into fists.

The contrast between her time with Haerin and the confrontation with her father was stark. The fleeting happiness she had felt seemed so distant now, replaced by a familiar ache. Yet, despite the pain, a part of her clung to the warmth from earlier. It was a small comfort, a reminder that there were still moments worth holding onto, even in the darkest times.