Happiness | j.jk

2

The school is finally over.
I heaved a sigh of relief as i walked out of school.

I only have myself.

I ran to the bakery where I work as a part timer.

I stopped as I ran past an alley.

Well, this was the first time.

Even though the alley gives me shivers just by looking at it, my legs wouldnt budge.

Like they were glued to the ground.

I furrowed my eyebrows due the weird reactions i was giving.

I stared blankly at the alley.

whatever.

I shook the thought off and continued to run towards the bakery.

—

"Thank you! Please visit again!" I greeted the last customer politely with a smile.

"Well done for today, darling." Mrs Kim, the owner of the bakery, said as she patted my back.

I smiled back.

"Gotta go for now, Mrs Choi. I have homework to finish." I told Mrs Choi while packing up.

"Alright, leave the rest to me. Take care!" Mrs Choi said as she shoved the bag of bread into my arms.

I thanked her and left the bakery.
I looked at my watch and realised that the time had passed really fast.

I quickened my pace and i walked home.

"help..."

Am i hearing things?

"hElp..."

I heard a soft muffled voice somewhere.
"please...help me."

It was louder this time.

I stopped upon my track.

It was coming from the same alley I passed by this afternoon.

"help me..."

Shivers ran down my spine as i took up the courage to walk into the alley.

It was dark af.

I cant see anything.

I jumped when i felt a hand gripped my feet.

"please help me..."

The muffled voice from previously was clearer now.

I looked down with semi-squinted eyes.
It was an old lady.

My mind screams to be careful of her.

Her lips were quivering and her voices was shaking.

"Food..."

"I need food..."

My heart immediately softened.

Without second thoughts, I grabbed a few bread from the paper bag that Mrs Choi gave me and passed it to the old lady.

She accepted the bag of bread gratefully.

I squatted down so i can observe her facial features well.

She took the bread from the bag and shoved it into her mouth.

As if she hadnt eaten for days.

I passed her a mineral water bottle from my bag.

Dont worry, the cap is sealed.

After drinking the water, she thanked me.

"I've here for days. I've been starving for so long. But no one would listen and help me. Thank you so much." She said while holding my hands giving me a weak smile.

"It's alright, i passed by here and managed to hear you. "I replied while smiling.

"I need to repay your kindness, young lady." the old woman said and she rummaged through the sling bag laying beside her.

"N-no it's okay, you dont need to repay me!" I said as i pushed the box back gently in her hands.

"This pendant will grant you a wish. After wishing, put it under your pillow and your wish will be granted." She said as she placed the box on my hand.

I chuckled at her joke, "Sure, if thats what you said so."

"I dont have enough time, Younha."

I was shocked when she said my name.

"Wha- how do you know my name?"

"Who are you?"

"Trust me." She said as she stared into my eyes.

Something made me believe her at that instance.

Before I can say anything, she disappeared.

I stared at the box on the floor intensely before picking it up.

Who are you?

—

I slumped in my bed after finishing my homework.

"Mom, dad, how are you guys doing up there?" I mumbled to myself as i stared up at the stars in the sky through my window.

Yes, my parents are dead. Because of me.

"Are you doing good? I hope you are.

Because I am not." I continued.

"Wonwoo-ah you promised you will stay by my side and protect me forever, but look where you are now?" I held back the teardrop that threatened to fall.

"I dont think i can blame you for that. It was my fault." I laughed bitterly.

My eyes then traced to the box that laid on the nightstand beside my bed.

It looks very pretty. It was a white box decorated with gold lines and curves. It looked almost,

Magical.

I laughed at myself for believing her.

"Who believes in magic?" I said.