Chapter 9
4260words
The Next Morning -1 Day Before Christmas
At the Hospital
The doctor walked into the ward with a bright smile.
“Mr. Paul, I think you can go home now. By the way, where’s Leni?”
Then Leni appeared from the hallway, wearing a white frock and a pretty headband that looked almost like a halo.
The doctor smiled. “You okay, Leni? Are you feeling any pain now?”
She rose, the knife heavy and steady in her hand.
Leni shook her head softly. “No, Doctor. And it’s because of you. I’ll pray for you.”
The doctor placed her hand gently over Leni’s. “May God bless you too, child. I hope your innocence never dies… and that God punishes the one who hurt you.”
Leni smiled — that soft, forgiving smile. “It’s okay, Doctor. I’ll pray for that person, too, so that God can forgive them. See you, Doctor. Bye-bye!”
The doctor chuckled. “Bye, Leni. And Mr. Paul—take care of her, alright?”
Mr. Paul gave a small nod.
When they stepped outside, the cold winter air brushed their faces. Leni took a deep breath—it felt like her first real one in days. She tried calling Chaerin, but the call went unanswered.
Leni sighed, whispering, “I hope you’re okay, Sister…”
“Leni! Come on, we have to go home!” Mr. Paul called from the taxi.
“I’m coming, coming!” she said, running over.
Inside the taxi, Leni leaned her head against the window. The city lights blurred as they passed by. Even though she was finally discharged, her heart felt heavy. She didn’t know why.
Hours later, they reached their small store.
When Mr. Paul and Leni stepped out, they both froze, looking at the old wooden door. Their eyes filled with tears. Then, without saying a word, both of them bent down and kissed the door.
People passing by stopped and stared. One woman whispered, “Are they… kissing the shop?”
Another man muttered, “Maybe it’s some new Christmas tradition?”
Mr. Paul didn’t care. “Ah, home sweet home,” he said dramatically, wiping a tear.
Leni giggled, “You’re so weird, Mr. Paul.”
“Shush. Respect your elders,” he said, pretending to be serious.
They opened the door — the smell of dust and memories hit them. The inside was messy, but it was their mess.
Mr. Paul took a deep breath. “Alright, Leni. I think I have to get back to work. We’re reopening on Christmas Day.”
Leni smiled, “Alright, here I come—”
Mr. Paul stopped her. “Whoa there. You don’t have to work today. Take some rest, at least for one day.”
“Why? Come on, I’ve taken so much rest in the hospital!”
“I said what I said. Or are you planning to disobey me?” he said, raising an eyebrow.
Leni crossed her arms. “Okay, sir… if you say so.”
“Good girl,” he said proudly. “Now sit down there.”
Leni flopped onto the chair, scrolling through her phone. She called Chaerin again… but still no answer.
“Hmm,” she murmured, “She’s probably still mad.”
After a few minutes, Mr. Paul shouted, “Leni! Bring the broom from the kitchen!”
“Now you want me to work?”
“Did you say something?”
Leni blinked innocently. “No, sir!”
She went into the kitchen, still mumbling under her breath.
“First, he says no work… then broom. Hmph.”
She picked up the broom—then froze.
A faint sound echoed from behind the kitchen. It was like the crack of a cane hitting the floor.
Her heartbeat quickened.
She held the broom tightly, whispering, “Okay, Leni… maybe it’s a cat. Or a ghost cat. Great.”
She slowly walked toward the back door that led behind the store. “Is there someone? Come out… please?”
Another noise. A soft thud.
Her palms started sweating. She pushed the door open slightly, and the cold wind brushed her face.
There—someone lying on the ground. Motionless.
Leni’s breath hitched. She stepped closer, broom shaking in her hand. She knelt down, brushing the hair away from the face—
Her eyes widened. “Sister…? Sister Chaerin!?”
She dropped the broom and screamed, “Mr. Paul! Help! It’s Chaerin! She’s here!”
Mr. Paul came running, out of breath. “What happened, Leni—oh my God, it’s Chaerin! What’s she doing here?!”
Leni was already kneeling beside Chaerin, shaking her shoulders. “Sister! Please wake up!”
Chaerin’s face was pale… her lips dry, her hands cold.
They carried Chaerin inside the small room and carefully laid her on the bed.
Mr. Paul checked her pulse and sighed.
“She’s fine, Leni… just sleeping.”
Leni frowned, her voice trembling a little.
“Sleeping? Outside the store like that? There must be something wrong…”
Mr. Paul shook his head. “I don’t know what happened, but let her rest for now. We’ll talk to her when she wakes up.”
Leni nodded silently, though worry clouded her eyes. She locked the door, then walked back to the hallway and sat down, hugging her knees.
Mr. Paul returned to cleaning the store, humming faintly, trying to shake off the unease. But Leni couldn’t stop glancing toward the room.
Her heart felt heavy — uneasy.
What happened to you, Sister Chaerin? she thought.
Why were you sleeping out there all alone…?
Meanwhile, in Shibuya
Asumi sat quietly on the school playground, her eyes fixed on the old tree where she and Chaerin used to sit and talk for hours.
The winter wind brushed through her hair as her thoughts wandered back to their last phone call — the way Chaerin’s voice trembled, how her words didn’t sound like her anymore.
From behind, a gentle voice broke her silence.
“Hey, Asumi… sitting here all alone again?”
Asumi turned. It was Teacher Wae, her teacher.
Her voice was soft but carried concern.
“Yes, teacher,” Asumi replied quietly.
Teacher Wae sat beside her. “What’s wrong? You seem… down today.”
Asumi hesitated, eyes still on the tree. “Teacher, I’ve been thinking about Chaerin. I feel like something’s wrong with her.”
Teacher Wae didn’t answer right away — she just looked at Asumi’s worried face.
“My last phone call with her…” Asumi continued, “She talked about something called ‘The Garden.’”
Teacher Wae blinked. “The Garden?”
“Yes, teacher,” Asumi nodded slowly.
Teacher Wae gave a faint smile. “You’re just overthinking, Asumi. Maybe she’s fine.”
Asumi sighed. “Maybe you’re right… I just have this feeling.”
Teacher Wae stood up and offered her a hand. “Come on. It’s getting late. Go home, get some rest.”
Asumi smiled faintly and stood. Together, they walked toward the school gates as the evening sky faded into deep orange.
In Seattle
Meanwhile, in a dimly lit apartment, Erika slammed her phone on the table.
“Damn it! Why isn’t she picking up?” she hissed, her voice low and sharp.
“That stupid creature…”
She leaned back, a crooked smile curling on her lips — the kind that never reached her eyes.
Hours later, Chaerin finally woke up. Her eyes blinked open slowly, adjusting to the light. She realized she was lying on a bed she didn’t recognize.
“Where… am I?” she whispered.
She stood up carefully and walked toward the door. Her hand trembled as she turned the handle and peeked outside.
The hallway was quiet — until a familiar voice called from behind.
Chaerin turned, startled.
“Leni… Leni? Is that you?”
Leni ran toward her, smiling brightly.
“Yes, Sister! I’m home now! The doctor said I’m fine!”
Tears welled in Chaerin’s eyes. “You’re discharged already?
Oh, thank God…”
Leni nodded. “But why were you sleeping outside like that?”
Chaerin looked down, her voice soft. “I’ll tell you everything. But first… can I eat something? I’m hungry.”
Leni smiled. “Of course. Sit down, I’ll get you something.”
After breakfast, Leni sat across from her.
“Now tell me,” she said gently. “What really happened, Sister?”
Chaerin hesitated. “Where’s Mr. Paul?”
“He went out to buy some supplies — we ran out of stock for Christmas,” Leni said. “Now… tell me.”
Chaerin took a deep breath, her hands trembling as she spoke.
“My parents… abandoned me,” she began. “Because of what I did. I… worked for Derek. I made… adult videos.”
Her voice broke. “The videos were leaked. Everyone in school found out. The principal sent a message to my mom — and they expelled me.”
Leni’s eyes widened, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Sister… why? Why did you do such things in the first place?”
Chaerin shook her head, crying harder. “I don’t know, Leni. I don’t know anymore… but there’s something worse.”
Leni wiped her eyes. “What is it?”
Chaerin’s lips trembled. “I… I beat my mother. Just like I hurt you.”
Leni’s tears fell faster. She reached forward and pulled Chaerin into her arms.
“Don’t cry, Sister. Please… don’t cry. I’m here. I’m with you.”
Chaerin buried her face in Leni’s shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably.
“Help me, Leni… please help me. I’m not like this. I never was.”
Leni held her tighter.
“I know. I know, Sister. You’re lost — but I’ll find you. I’ll bring you back.”
The two girls sat there, wrapped in each other’s arms — broken, trembling, but still holding onto a small flicker of light in the darkness.
Mr. Paul came in, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Why is it that every time you two are together, someone ends up crying?
Be like men for once—stop crying already.”
Then he turned to Chaerin. “Are you okay now? It’s good that Leni found you right away. But tell me, why were you sleeping outside? Don’t you have a home?”
Leni quickly cut him off, changing the topic. “Woah, you bought a lot of stuff, Mr. Paul!”
Mr. Paul chuckled. “Yeah, yeah.”
Leni clasped her hands and gave him puppy eyes. “Sir, can Chaerin stay with us tonight? Pleaseee?”
Mr. Paul sighed. “Fine. I can’t say no when you look at me like that.”
Chaerin bowed slightly. “Thank you, Sir… and thank you, Leni.”
Leni smiled softly. “It’s okay, you’re my sister after all. But, sister… I think you should take a shower.”
Chaerin’s voice trembled faintly. “Yeah, Leni…”
Chaerin entered the bathroom, closed the door, and slowly undressed. As the water poured down her body, steam filled the room. For a moment, the warmth almost felt comforting—until she heard it.
A whisper. Soft. Twisted.
“Dear Chaerin… dear Chaerin… come to me. I’m waiting.”
Her eyes widened. She quickly turned off the shower. Silence. Only dripping water echoed.
Then—she saw it.
In the mirror stood her reflection… but darker.
Her skin looked blackened, charred like ash. Her eyes—glowing crimson.
And that reflection… it smiled at her.
Chaerin’s scream pierced through the silence.
Leni rushed in, panicked. “Sister! Are you okay?”
Chaerin, trembling, pointed at the mirror. “There’s someone here… in the bathroom…”
Leni checked, but the mirror only showed their reflections. No one else. She turned back—and saw Chaerin collapsed on the floor, shaking, whispering, “What have I become…”
Leni knelt down, eyes welling with tears. She wrapped her arms around her sister. “Listen to me, sister. There’s no one here. It’s just us. Please don’t cry. I’m right here with you.”
Chaerin sobbed into her shoulder. “Leni… help me… please. There’s something wrong with me.”
Leni brushed her hair back gently. “You should rest for now. I’ll bring you something to eat.”
Chaerin nodded weakly.
Leni handed her some clothes. “Here—these are mine. They’ll be a little short on you, but it’s fine. I’ll be back soon.”
Chaerin changed, combed her hair, and sat on the bed. Her phone buzzed violently—it was Erika.
She froze when she saw the screen. 120 Teachered calls.
With shaking hands, she called back.
Erika answered immediately, her voice syrupy sweet. “Chaerin! Where are you? I was so worried. Are you all right? If possible… meet me at the school at noon. I’ll be waiting.”
Chaerin whispered, “Okay.”
Just then, Leni came back with a tray. “Here, sister. Eat as much as you can.”
Chaerin smiled faintly. “Leni…”
“Yes, sister?”
“When you said… ‘Your death will come soon’—what did you mean?”
Leni froze, her face pale. She whispered, “It means your sin will soon come to an end.”
Chaerin looked down at her food, her voice breaking. “I wish I was never born. I’m a curse to everyone around me.”
Leni reached out and touched her cheek gently. “Hey… don’t say that. You’re still my sister. Concentrate on eating, okay? Let me feed you.”
Chaerin’s lips trembled, but she smiled weakly. “Thank you, Leni…”
Leni smiled back softly, but deep down, her heart ached with fear. Because somewhere inside her, she knew—
this peace would not last long.
Leni: “Okay, sister — you sit here. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll help Mr. Paul.” Chaerin nodded, voice small: “Okay…”
While Leni helped Mr. Paul, he glanced down at her and asked, blunt and worried, “How is she?”
Leni kept her voice light but honest. “She’s not well. I’m afraid one day she’ll—” She stopped, not wanting to say the word. Mr. Paul’s face hardened. “Listen to me. If she hurts you, that will be the end of it. You understand?” Leni’s smile faltered. She didn’t answer. She walked back to the storeroom to check on Chaerin.
Chaerin was standing in front of the little mirror, pulling on a jacket. Leni stepped in softly. Leni: “Sister, are you going somewhere?” Chaerin: “Oh — it’s you. Yeah. I’m going to meet Erika. She wants to see me.” Leni’s hand gripped the broom a moment too hard. “Sister, please don’t go. She’s evil.”
Chaerin’s laugh was brittle. “I know that. But I have something to say to her. Don’t stop me, Leni. Listen to your sister.”
Leni: “Okay… fine. But I’m coming with you.” Chaerin: “Okay.”
They dressed quickly. Mr. Paul paused at the door. Mr. Paul: “Where are you two off to?”
Leni: “Sir, she wants a little fresh air. I’m going with her.” Mr. Paul, trying to be stern but anxious: “Alright — don’t be late for lunch.” Leni, chirping too loudly: “Yes, Captain!”
At the school gate, Leni tugged Chaerin back behind a lamppost.
Leni: “Sister, you go meet. I’ll hide here behind the pole.”
Chaerin: “Why?” Leni, whispering: “Because I’m scared of the devil.” Chaerin gave her a brief look. “Okay. I’ll be right back.”
Chaerin stepped forward and found Erika waiting, too calm under the winter sky.
Erika: “Chaerin… is that you? Mask and goggles — dramatic. Woah.”
Chaerin’s hand closed on Erika’s collar like a vise.
Chaerin, voice low and raw: “It’s because of you. I will kill you.”
Erika’s smile was honeyed and poisonous. “Okay, okay. But take this — I bought you something to eat.”
Chaerin shoved the food away. “I don’t need that. First — tell me why you did it.”
Erika shrugged, as if answering a child. “I didn’t do anything. I only showed you the path. Aren’t those your words? Why want a soul when you can have the whole world?”
Chaerin didn’t speak. Her shoulders trembled. Erika reached out and gently wiped a tear from Chaerin’s face.
Erika, soft as velvet: “Don’t cry, Chaerin. I’m with you. Leave your friends. Follow me. I will give you a new life a new mind and soul .”
Chaerin, through a breaking voice: “Last night I beat my own mother because of you — because you exposed me.” A small, satisfied shadow crossed Erika’s face; she hid it with a smile.
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Chaerin. You beat her because you had to save yourself. Everybody does that. Leni deserved it the same way. You didn’t do anything wrong — get what they deserve.”
Chaerin’s hands curled into fists. She heard herself say, almost involuntarily: “If I die, my sin will die with me.” Erika’s expression shifted — a flicker, like a pulse at the edge of her calm. “No — no, don’t die, Chaerin. Don’t be absurd. You don’t have the guts. Leave that talk.” She reached into the bag and shoved it at Chaerin. “This bag is full of cash. For expenses. If you want more, call me. And I’m not going to tell you every time to kill Leni. I promise I’ll give you everything… everything in this world — beyond everything.”
Chaerin’s defenses wavered as the money clinked in her palm. The old craving returned like a drug.
Then Erika lifted her chin, eyes bright with an animal patience. Erika: “Say hi to Leni for me. She’s been hiding behind the pole the whole time.” Chaerin, startled: “How did you know that?” Erika: “I know everything, Chaerin. Kill Leni. Bye-bye.
Meet you another day. And don’t kill yourself — I love you, sweetheart.”
When Erika finally left, Chaerin walked toward the pole where Leni was resting.
Leni had dozed off under the soft afternoon sunlight, her hair falling across her face.
Chaerin knelt beside her and gently shook her shoulder.
“Leni… wake up. Let’s go home.”
Leni blinked awake, yawning.
“Are you two done already? I really fell asleep,” she said with
a little laugh.
Chaerin smiled faintly — but her eyes were empty, reflecting nothing but silence.
“Yeah,” she murmured. “We’re done.”
They started walking home through the sunlit street. The air was warm, filled with the sound of children playing somewhere nearby.
Halfway through, Leni sighed, fanning herself.
“Ugh, it’s so hot… I’m thirsty.”
They stopped by a small roadside shop. The bell over the door jingled as they stepped in. Leni grabbed two cold bottles from the freezer and handed one to Chaerin.
As she took a sip, Leni glanced at her sister.
“So… what did Erika tell you?”
Chaerin froze for a moment. Her fingers tightened around the bottle.
“It’s nothing,” she said quietly. “She just wants me back, that’s all.”
Leni frowned.
“Sister, you shouldn’t see her again. Because someday… even I won’t be able to save you anymore.”
Chaerin met Leni’s eyes — her voice soft, almost trembling.
“Okay, Leni.”
Then Leni pointed at the bag slung over Chaerin’s shoulder.
“Whose bag is that? Did Erika give it to you?”
A faint, chilling whisper crawled through Chaerin’s mind — Erika’s voice, smooth and poisonous:
“Lie… lie, sweetheart…”
Chaerin’s lips parted slightly, then she smiled, pretending calm.
“It’s mine,” she said. “She took it earlier, but it’s mine.”
Leni nodded innocently. “Oh, okay.”
As they left the shop, Chaerin noticed a display of jewelry by the window — necklaces glinting under the afternoon sun. One of them caught her eye, a simple silver chain with a crystal pendant.
“Leni, come here,” Chaerin said, pulling her closer.
“What is it, sister?”
“I’ve always wanted to give you something,” Chaerin said softly.
Leni shook her head.
“It’s okay, sister. You don’t have to.”
“But I want to,” Chaerin insisted gently. “This one’s perfect for you.”
She turned to the shopkeeper. “Please pack this necklace for me.”
When the man handed it over, Chaerin gave it to Leni with a weak smile.
“Leni… my beautiful sister. Whenever you see this necklace, remember me.”
Leni smiled and hugged her tightly.
“Thank you, sister.”
Chaerin hugged her back, closing her eyes
At the Store.
When they reached the store, Mr. Paul looked up from behind the counter, his expression softening.
“I told you both to be home early,” he said, then smiled faintly.
“But it’s alright. Sit down — lunch is ready.”
His gaze fell on Chaerin.
“Chaerin, how do you feel now?”
Chaerin’s voice came quiet. “I’m… feeling fine, sir.”
Leni lifted the small bag in her hand, smiling.
“Sir, look! My sister bought this for me.”
Mr. Paul nodded. “It’s pretty, dear. It suits you well. Now both of you — wash your hands and come eat.”
They obeyed. Soon, the warm smell of food filled the air, gentle and comforting. For a brief moment, the world felt peaceful.
“Let’s pray,” Mr. Paul said.
Leni clasped her hands. “Okay.”
Chaerin hesitated, her fingers barely moving.
“Pray?” she murmured. “Why… do we have to?”
Leni looked at her, puzzled. “Because everything we have comes from Him.”
Mr. Paul began softly, “Our Father, who art in Heaven…”
And then —
A piercing scream tore from Chaerin’s throat. The chair rattled against the floor as she clutched her chest, trembling violently.
“Chaerin!” Leni, rushing to her side. “Sister, what’s happening!?”
Foam touched Chaerin’s lips, her eyes wide and distant, as if she saw something no one else could.
“Le…ni…” her voice cracked, harsh and uneven. “I… hate… The One…”
Leni froze. The words cut through her like a knife.
Tears welled in her eyes as she held her sister, helpless, trembling.
Mr. Paul stood still for a moment — the prayer unfinished, the silence heavy. Then he said quickly, “Leni, take her to the room. I’ll bring the food there.”
Leni nodded, barely breathing, and helped Chaerin up.
Her sister’s skin felt cold. Her hands shook as if something inside her had turned against the light itself.
As they left the table, the scent of food lingered — warm, comforting, untouched.
But in that quiet air, something invisible had shifted — a shadow that neither prayer nor daylight could reach.
Chaerin closed her eyes as Leni helped her onto the narrow bed. Leni moved quietly, gentle as if handling something fragile. She washed Chaerin’s face with slow, careful motions and smoothed the blanket over her shoulders.
Chaerin whispered, “Leni, I’m sorry… for causing you all this trouble.”
Leni’s thumb wiped a stray tear from Chaerin’s cheek. “It’s okay, Sister. But what happened to you exactly? When I first met you you were not like this.”
Chaerin’s voice was barely a breath. “Leni… even I don’t know.”
Mr. Paul’s footsteps creaked in the doorway. “Chaerin, eat something. After that you can sleep. If you need anything, tell me or Leni—we’re here.”
“Thank you, sir,” Chaerin managed.
Leni smiled, trying to make it light. “Okay, Sister. We’ll leave you to rest.”
They left, closing the door softly. Chaerin stared at the untouched plate on the bedside table. She did not eat. She let a nap take her, hoping for sleep to swallow the noise.
The whisper came then, low and close enough to curl the hairs at the base of her neck. Erika’s voice—slick, velvet—threaded through the dark:
“Don’t die. Kill Leni instead.”
Chaerin’s hands clenched beneath the blanket. “Give me a break, Erika,” she muttered into the pillow, but the whisper kept circling. The words sank like a chill. Finally, exhaustion claimed her and she fell into a dream that felt more like falling into an abyss.
In the dream she stood naked in a black, endless void. Faces loomed—friends, strangers—mocking, spat lines that cut like glass: “Die, witch!” “Sodomy woman!” She saw her parents’ faces contort with disgust: “You should never have been born. Go to hell.” Leni’s voice broke through, small and accusing:
“Sister, you are the reason we lost our happiness…”
Then Erika appeared—smiling, open-palmed—whispering the same cruel comfort as always: “See? They all hate you. Come to me. I will give you everything. But don’t kill yourself…”
Chaerin woke with a start. The room was quiet. Her mouth tasted like iron. Thirst clawed at her throat; she reached for the bottle by the bed only to find it empty. She sat up, heart hammering.
On the meal tray someone had left earlier, a small, folded note caught the light. Leni’s handwriting—rounded and earnest—read: Get well soon, Sister ♥.
A weak smile trembled across Chaerin’s face. For a moment the heaviness eased. She rose, slipped out of the room, and padded down the hall where the house lay hushed under a slow, late hour—only the distant tick of a clock.
Her phone vibrated. Erika’s name filled the screen.
“Chaerin, my dear, how are you? Is everything all right?”
Erika’s voice was sweet; like sugar with a bitter aftertaste.
“Yeah,” Chaerin answered, hardly steady.
Erika’s tone narrowed. “Did you kill Leni yet?”
Chaerin flinched as if struck. Her throat closed. “I’m not going to do that. She’s like my little sister.”
Erika laughed softly—no pity, only calculation. “Dear, come to me. Instead of living in that filthy place with Leni, I’ll make you rich, confident. Don’t you see how your dream came true? Everyone hates you—only I am here to help.”
“How do you know about my dream?” Chaerin whispered, horrified and mesmerized at once.
“Because I’m in your dream, sweetheart,” Erika purred.
“Please—kill Leni. I promise you everything.”
Chaerin’s eyes went blank. The words scraped along the raw places inside her. She felt something answer in the dark where reason should be.
“Are you sure? Will you make me a better person?” she asked, voice small.
Erika’s smile widened until it felt like a blade. “I promise. If I don’t—no matter. If you take the bite of my apple, you belong to me.”
Chaerin closed her hand around the knife she’d hidden in the bedside drawer. It was cold and real. The room tilted.
“Okay,” she whispered, as if speaking to the thing that had been living in her bones. “Okay. I will kill Leni for you.”
Erika exhaled, a sound like triumph. “Thank you, sweetheart.”
Chaerin’s lips formed the apology as if it were the last thing she could give. “Leni… I’m sorry, but you have to die, so that I can live in peace.”
