MAMA MY HOME

“A Picture from the Past”

Do Do Hee sat alone outside the class, on the edge of the steps where the students who watched ball usually gathered. Her left hand scrolled lazily through her phone while her right hand busily shoveled a snack into her mouth. She didn’t feel bored—being alone was normal for her. In fact, she often found it peaceful, a moment away from the noise inside the classroom.

Then, someone walked toward her with purpose. A photo slipped from his hand, fluttering toward the ground. He bent quickly to pick it up, brushing off the edges.

Do Do Hee glanced up at him, curiosity prickling at the edges of her mind.

Minjae: “I’m so sorry, it slipped from my hand.” (He held the photo, dusting it carefully.)

Do Do Hee: “It’s nothing. Really.”

But when he turned the photo toward her, her stomach twisted. Shock froze her in place. Without thinking, she stood.

Do Do Hee: “Sorry… can I… can I take a look at that picture?”

Minjae: “Yeah… sure.” (He handed it to her, his hand brushing lightly against hers.)

Her eyes scanned the photo. Her heart skipped. She looked up at Minjae, trying to mask her curiosity, but her wide eyes betrayed her.

Do Do Hee: “Where… where did you get this picture? Of these two women?”

Minjae: (raising an eyebrow) “This… came out of the blue. Why do you ask?”

Do Do Hee: “Oh, I… it’s nothing serious. The woman in the blue shirt… she looks like someone I know. That’s all.” (Her voice faltered slightly, but inside, curiosity burned fiercely.)

Minjae: “I’m Minjae.” (He extended his hand for a handshake, a small, reassuring smile on his lips.)

Do Do Hee: “I’m Do Do Hee.”

Minjae: “Can I join you? You’re the only one here.”

Do Do Hee: “Yeah… sure.”

They sat side by side on the steps. The conversation started with small, random things—the weather, the upcoming tests, classmates’ gossip—but underneath it, Do Do Hee’s mind was spinning. How did Minjae even have that photo? And who was the woman next to her mother?

Over time, she learned that Minjae was her senior in school, a detail that made her a little more comfortable, yet still cautious. He had an easy smile, quiet confidence, and something about him made her heart beat faster, even though she couldn’t name why.

⸻

After school, Do Do Hee returned home, clutching her bag tightly. She immediately searched for the family photo album, rifling through the pages in a desperate attempt to find the exact picture. But no matter how carefully she looked, it wasn’t there. Not the photo. Not the woman beside her mother. A small, anxious pit formed in her stomach.

Not long after, Chang Wook walked in, noticing her intense focus on the album. He moved closer, his footsteps soft.

Chang Wook: “Did you… miss Mom and Dad?”

Do Do Hee: “Yeah… I miss them.”

Chang Wook moved closer, wrapping his arms around his sister in a hug. For a moment, the worries of the day seemed to fade.

Chang Wook: “Should we… relocate?”

Do Do Hee froze, her eyes widening in shock. In ten years, she never expected her brother to say that word aloud.

Chang Wook: “Let’s just move to the U.S…

Do Do Hee: (staring at him, confused) “Why… why move all of a sudden?”

Chang Wook: “I just feel… since you want us to move.”

Do Do Hee: “Yeah, but I’ve asked before. Why now, out of nowhere?”

Chang Wook: “I just want us to try something new.”

Do Do Hee: “No… I like this place. I want to stay. I have friends here.” (Her mind drifted to Minjae and Hanuel, and to the question that refused to leave her: how did Minjae get the photo, and who was the woman next to her mom?)

Chang Wook: “Friends? You mean Hanuel?”

Do Do Hee: “Yes… and now I have a new friend too. A boy… Minjae.”

Chang Wook: “But that doesn’t stop you. You can have as many friends as you want in the U.S.”

Do Do Hee: “No, brother. I’m not going. I like it here.”

Do Do Hee stood up and headed to her room, her steps quiet but determined. Chang Wook remained in the living room, his eyes fixed on the floor, his mind wrestling with memories he had long tried to forget. The thought of the past, the decisions he had made, and the secrets he had kept pressed against him like a shadow he couldn’t shake. Alone in the quiet house, he let out a slow breath, wondering if some truths were better left buried—or if they were finally ready to surface.