Kim Ji-hoon’s home was unassuming, a modest two-bedroom house nestled within the warm town of Gwonseon-gu. Its white-washed exterior, though faded with time, still managed to exude a sense of welcoming warmth. The house wasn’t much by urban standards, but it was filled with love, laughter, and the echoes of a family that stood resilient in the face of life’s adversities. The small front yard was dotted with vibrant marigolds and neatly trimmed hedges, thanks to the diligent hands of Ji-hoon’s mother, Lee Mi-sook. For her, the garden was more than just a space for growing vegetables and flowers—it was her haven, a small patch of earth where she poured her heart and energy.
Inside, the home was just as humble as its exterior. The living room doubled as a study area for Ji-hoon and his siblings, Ji-sung and Ji-yeon. A sturdy wooden table stood in the corner, piled high with textbooks, notebooks, and the occasional hand-me-down dictionary. The walls were adorned with framed family photos and a calendar that Mi-sook updated meticulously every month. Despite the lack of modern conveniences like air conditioning or a sleek entertainment center, the house radiated a sense of comfort. The faint aroma of freshly cooked rice and side dishes often lingered in the air, a testament to Mi-sook’s culinary prowess.
Ji-hoon, the eldest of the three children, had grown up with an acute sense of responsibility. At 17, he was in the final year of high school, juggling his studies with a part-time job to ease the financial strain on his parents. His younger siblings, Ji-sung and Ji-yeon, were still in their teens, navigating the ups and downs of high school life. Ji-sung, the eldest of the two, was an avid reader like their father, often found with his nose buried in a mystery novel. Ji-yeon, on the other hand, was spirited and outspoken, her laughter often ringing through the house like a melody. Despite their differences, the siblings shared a bond rooted in mutual support and understanding.
Their father, Kim Joon-seok, was a man of few words but boundless wisdom. At 47, he had spent the majority of his life working as an office clerk at Daejin Corporation, a local firm with a small branch in town. His job, though monotonous and modestly paying, was a source of pride for him. Joon-seok believed in the dignity of labor and often told his children that no job was too small as long as it was done with integrity. His evenings were usually spent fishing at the nearby pond or tinkering with carpentry projects in the backyard. Ji-hoon often joined him, not just to learn the craft but to soak in his father’s life lessons, delivered in the form of quiet musings as they worked side by side.
Books were Joon-seok’s sanctuary, and his collection, though modest, was diverse. From historical biographies to classic literature, he read anything he could get his hands on. He often visited the local library, a quaint building run by an elderly librarian who shared his passion for reading. For Joon-seok, books were more than just stories—they were gateways to understanding the world. He encouraged Ji-hoon to read widely, believing that knowledge was the key to overcoming life’s challenges.
Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
“Your circumstances don’t define your destiny,” he often said, his eyes glinting with conviction. “It’s what you do with what you have that truly matters.”
Ji-hoon took these words to heart. Though life wasn’t easy, he harbored dreams of a brighter future, not just for himself but for his entire family. He knew that his father’s unwavering optimism and work ethic had laid the foundation for those dreams.
Meanwhile, their mother, Mi-sook, was the glue that held the family together. At 42, she managed the household with the precision of a seasoned planner. From cooking and cleaning to budgeting and gardening, her days were a whirlwind of activity. Yet, she never once complained. Instead, she approached her responsibilities with a quiet determination, ensuring that her family was cared for in every way possible.
One of her greatest strengths was her financial understanding. Despite their limited income, Mi-sook had a knack for stretching every won to its fullest potential. She maintained a detailed ledger of the family’s expenses, carefully planning meals and shopping trips to stay within budget. Her frugality didn’t mean compromise, though. The meals she prepared were not only nutritious but also delicious, a perfect blend of traditional Korean flavors that brought comfort to the dinner table.
“Ji-hoon, always remember,” she often told him, “it’s not about how much you have, but how well you use it. Being prepared for the unexpected is half the battle won.”
Her savings were a testament to this philosophy. Though small, the amount she managed to set aside each month was a safety net for emergencies, whether it was for medical needs, school supplies, or the occasional unexpected expense. She shared this habit with Ji-hoon, teaching him the importance of financial discipline and planning for the future.
The garden was another of Mi-sook’s passions. Rows of chili peppers, spring onions, lettuce, and radishes thrived under her care, providing fresh ingredients for the family’s meals. The sight of blooming marigolds and daisies added a touch of cheer to their home, drawing compliments from neighbors who often sought her gardening tips. Mi-sook’s generosity extended beyond her family—she was known for sharing fresh vegetables and homemade side dishes with those in need, a trait that earned her respect and admiration within the community.
Despite their individual roles and responsibilities, the Kim family made it a point to come together every evening for dinner. It was a time for sharing stories, offering advice, and simply enjoying each other’s company. These moments, though simple, were what anchored them amid life’s uncertainties.
On this particular evening, as Ji-hoon sat down with his family, he couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude. The day had been long, filled with challenges and responsibilities, but it was these quiet, shared moments that made everything worthwhile. His father spoke about an interesting article he had read, while his mother discussed the garden’s progress. Ji-sung and Ji-yeon chimed in with stories from school, their laughter filling the room.
As the conversation ebbed and flowed, Ji-hoon realized that their modest home was more than just a physical space—it was a sanctuary of love, resilience, and unwavering support. And though life might pull him in different directions in the future, this house, and the family within it, would always be the foundation of who he was and who he aspired to become.
Patreon and get exclusive access to novels before they hit the public pages! — absolutely free!
FictionFever
