She watched TV for a while before looking at the clock. The hour hand was already nearing 8. When she opened the curtain slightly, she saw that a thick purple atmosphere was enveloping the residential area. She didn’t know that it had become so late already.

“It’s late,” said her mother, who was looking outside just like her.

“Mom, do you want to sleep over for the night?” Haneul asked her.

“I can’t. Your dad will be lonely.”

“Well, I guess he really can’t do without you.”

Her mom stood up and started scanning the living room and the fridge. She really was overly worried. Even after having looked at them all day, she looked at them one last time before going back.

“I’ll eat and clean up well, so don’t worry.”

“Who says I’m worried? I was just curious.”

“Should I take you to the bus stop?”

“Forget it. It’s just around the corner.”

While her mother put on her shoes, she went to her room and got her wallet. She took out five ten-thousand won bills and folded them twice before hiding them in her hand.

“Mom.” She grabbed her mother’s hand and handed her the money.

“This is my first pocket money for you.”

“You don’t have to give me this. You should use it for yourself.” Her mother stubbornly refused.

She knew words wouldn’t work, so...