(1) Yet Another Day
(Hyunjin's PoV)
"I'm sorry, my love. No food today," I sigh to my child, rubbing my empty and pregnant belly. I wish I could do better for my unborn child. My boyfriend impregnated me, then abandoned me out of shame. My parents were disgusted and kicked me out of the house. I had some money, but it quickly ran out. I live on the streets, begging and occasionally taking on whatever work I can. I would sell myself, but, because of my child, I can't. Felix, I've decided. It's more of a boy's name, but I think it's neutral enough. That name is very special to me. I know they will be beautiful. I can feel it. I see a library ahead, I decide to go and use the computers to look for another job. I roll up the blankets and tuck my necklace into my pocket. I hide the blankets in a corner and stand up, almost falling over from dizziness. I walk up and open the door. A lady about 50 smiles and waves me over. "Hi, honey. How can I help?" I'm not used to hearing that question, it feels great to my ears. "Well, I'd like to use the computer for a bit. I was also wondering, are library cards free?" she smiles and hands me a slip of paper. "Here's a login for the computers. The cards are completely free. Would you like one?" I smile, for the first time in months. 'Yes, please."
After she signs me up and hands me the card, I sit down and log in, then search for jobs that don't need qualification. I see an old lady who wants her apartment cleaned every two weeks, and she lives about 1 kilometer away. She offers 2,000 won. Perfect! I note down her address, then keep looking. I scroll through more things too far away, then notice something unusual. Marriage offer? To a CEO? I click on the link, confused. Some millionaire wants to get married, to someone of any gender. He lists his requirements, and I read through them. Intelligence? I think so, I've always had great grades and did lots of extracurriculars. Kindness? Absolutely. Manners? That depends on his standard, but probably. Looks? Hell no. I frown but keep scrolling. He lives in Gangnam, of course. That's not too far, maybe 5 kilometers? I'd have to eat first, though. I decide to try. I have some nice clothes tucked away. Clean, blue jeans with a white T-shirt and black casual blazer. I also have pristine Adidas, a gift from my sister, Yeji. I've considered selling them, but I know that I would need them. Guess I was right, huh? I note down the date, time, and address, then shut down the computer. I thank the woman and walk back down to my hiding spot. It's actually not terrible. It's under a bridge and blocked on 2 of the sides, so there's no rain and not too much wind. I unroll my blankets and curl up to sleep.