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By: [Author's Name]
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In the company where projects are piling up and a long vacation is planned for next month, a moment of unexpected absence arose when there was no one available to watch over Bok-yi. Urgency loomed as I needed to purchase plane tickets the moment my manager approved the leave. As a result, I missed a crucial meeting for an important project facing its deadline.
At home, checking emails, I sighed heavily, overwhelmed with a sense of responsibility. Unexpectedly, Bok-yi, who was playing alone, suddenly peeked at my face. Trying to hide my mixed feelings, I offered a smile, yet it must have been partly concealed. Bok-yi, after glancing at me, confidently grabbed my hand and led me to a room. Pointing to the floor with a serious yet adorable demeanor, he instructed me to sit. Smiling at this gesture, I complied.
As if he had been waiting, Bok-yi brought over his toy ice cream cart. With a generous scoop of pretend ice cream, he placed two spoonfuls in my hand and urged me to 'eat.' Playing along with a pretend bite, Bok-yi beamed with satisfaction and mimicked the eating gesture himself. Surprisingly, the toy ice cream felt sweeter than I imagined, bringing unexpected joy. Relishing these moments with Bok-yi, I briefly put aside worldly troubles and laughed alongside him.
As I ponder on this moment, a thought crossed my mind, "When you grow up and face the burdens of the world, I hope to bring a bright and pure smile to your beloved face, just as you have done for me. Thank you and I love you, Bok-yi!"
On this particular day, the lyrics of Kim Dong-ryul's song "Naesarang" echoed in my mind:
“When the breath of a weary day seems to catch, one person by my side knows it instinctively, so it’s comforting to just smile and say nothing.”
This narrative captures a significant yet simple personal experience, revealing the profound bond between family amidst the stresses of work life.
