Corrupt Destruction

Orphan

"Wake up, Kids! It's time for breakfast!"

The sun was rising over Kang Nam Children's Home and us orphans were eager to start the day.

Our foster Mom, Miss. Choi, woke me up early yesterday so I could go to the market before rush hour, even though we were instucted not to go outside alone. Why do the older kids had to do outside work? As a girl of fourteen, I would be okay by myself despite the warnings. We're perfectly fine!

I went downstairs wearing a flanel and jeans, guiding the toddlers down safely. Miss. Choi was drinking coffee while watching the news on "Missing Schoolgirls". Her black hair tied up in a bun even though she was in her uniforn. Mr. Jung, a friend of the workers and a*****e worker, had dropped off some essentials for the bathroom.

“Are you excited about delivering a pacage to Ae-ri Ro this afternoon, Kyu-Ri?” Mom asks, serving breakfast to the children.

I rub my eyes, “Yeah, I am.”

Ae-ri was an elderly woman that would say wise phrases to us, one time she gave me a Pujok -a lucky charm- after my delivery and asked to say hello to Miss. Choi for her.

She also knew some people in the United States by f*******:. Frank and Vivian Mirano and their daughters Bella and Florian are good people who support their country.

To her, it seemed to be a sweet place to be, but I think it's the opposite. Guys can be jerks, popular girls are seen as spoiled brats, and nerds are at the bottom of the food chain. LOL has a similar trope when I watched it two days ago in Koean subbed. Romance, boy drama, and overprotective parents lurk around every corner.

The older kids said not to get involved in drama and focus on school instead. They want me to help the place as best I can because I need to, for the kids' safety.

With a brave face, I kissed mom goodbye and headed off to Ae-ri's house. On the way, I saw a bunch of kids wearing uniforms and talking to eachother for company. Two of them were the westerners studying abroad.

By the time I made it to the apartment, Ae-ri was writing to soneone when I she saw me.

"Kyu-ri! It's been a while since I've seen you!" She hugged me tight. "How are the children?"

"They're alright, Unnie." I put the package down. "Any news on the Mirano family?

Ae-ri's smile faded a little. "Yes. In fact, Vivian's neice, Angel Hunt stopped by earlier today. She said orders were given out at school about a boot factory."

Glancing at her hanbok, she showed me a picture of the orders. She recognized this from history of the Japanese occupation, it was a scam like the olden days.

"Her sister, Lizzie wanted to go like half he class. Angel and I contacted her family, so I'm hoping they head home safe."

"I'm sure they'll be fine." I shrugged. "Now, anything you want me to do?"

By the time I finished helping Ae-ri, the sun started to set. Miss. Choi might scold me, so I'll try to lay low until I get home. Waving goodbye to the elder, I stop when she said something important.

"Head home as soon as you can. You might get kidn*pped without even knowing it."

I smile and head to the orphanage. Without reason, I tripped over and someone helped me up. Pang Sochun -the man that helped me- was in his forties and wore all black.

“Why, hello there!” He says, patting my head. “Do you wanna go to Grallo?”

The question seems odd. “What?

“It’s a futuristic city in another world, I'll take you there.”

This is k********g, and I knew it from his looks. The kids and Miss. Choi are waiting for me back home and they need to know I’m alright.

My mind was clear as day. “No, I don’t trust you.”

Sochun’s eyes were manipulative. “Oh? I think it is interesting.”

“But I-” I say, but he prevents me from talking and grabs me by the hand. He’s getting on my nerves.

"The city is great! Now, quit talking and come with me." He said as I sighed and follow him.

Maybe following him would help me figure out if Grallo is more than just a rumor.