Light Through the Shadows

A New City, A New Beginning

A cool breeze slipped through the open window, carrying the gentle chill of May into the room.

Yujin stood in the middle of his half-unpacked bedroom, looking at the boxes scattered around him. Their new house still felt unfamiliar.

A new city.

A new home.

A new beginning.

He walked over to the window and looked outside.

He didn't know these streets yet, but strangely enough, he felt excited.

I'll get used to it.

His mother's voice suddenly came from downstairs.

- Yujin! Come down for a second!

- I'm coming!

When he reached the living room, he found his mother, Minseo, surrounded by moving boxes.

She looked tired, but the moment she saw him, she smiled.

- There you are. We don't have much food left. Can you take this list and run to the market?

Yujin took the list from her.

- That's it?

- It's probably more than enough for one trip.

- Probably?

Minseo laughed.

- We haven't even finished unpacking the kitchen.

Yujin folded the list and slipped it into his pocket.

- Okay. I'll be back soon.

- Don't wander too far.

Yujin grinned.

- Mom, I'm just going to the neighborhood market.

Minseo smiled, but there was still a trace of worry in her eyes.

Yujin noticed.

He knew neither of his parents had really wanted to move.

They had come here because of his father's work, leaving behind the life they had built over the years.

It hadn't been an easy decision.

And Yujin knew that.

But he didn't want his parents to feel guilty because of him.

So he smiled.

- I'm really okay, Mom.

Just then, his father, Jisung, appeared in the doorway.

- Heading out?

- To the market.

- Take your phone.

Yujin held it up.

- Got it.

His father nodded.

- Don't stay out too late.

- I won't.

Yujin slipped on his shoes and headed for the door.

- See you!

- Be careful! Minseo called.

- I will!

The door closed behind him.

For a moment, Minseo stood quietly.

- I hope he's really okay.

Jisung looked toward the door.