Chapter 1: Memories in the Mirror
The soft glow of the afternoon sun cast a warm light on the quiet room. Jiha sat in front of the antique mirror, her small hands clutching a faded photograph. The frame, adorned with delicate flowers, held a precious memory – a picture of her and her mother, smiling and happy. Jiha's eyes, red-rimmed from holding back tears, gazed at the photo as if searching for reassurance.
She wore a dress her mother would have loved – a soft pink hanbok with intricate embroidery. Her dark hair was styled in neat braids, and a small bow adorned her head. But Jiha's heart felt heavy, like a stone weighing her down.
The sound of footsteps outside her room broke the silence. "Jiha, hurry up! Everyone is waiting!" her nanny's voice called out. Jiha's grip on the photograph tightened. She didn't want to go downstairs. She didn't want to see the strangers who would soon become a part of her life.
Jiha's eyes wandered to the window, where memories of her mother flooded her mind. She remembered laughter-filled afternoons, picnics in the park, and bedtime stories. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she recalled her mother's warm hugs and gentle voice.
How could her father do this so quickly? It had been only a few months since her mother's passing. Jiha felt like she was losing everything – her sense of security, her happy memories, and now, her father to someone else.
The room seemed to fade away, and Jiha was transported back to happier times. She remembered her mother's smile, her laughter, and her warm touch. The pain of losing her mother still felt like an open wound, and the thought of her father marrying again made it feel like she was losing him too.
"Jiha, please hurry!" the nanny's voice persisted.
Jiha took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She glanced at the photograph one last time, then carefully placed it on the dresser. She smoothed out her dress, took another deep breath, and stood up. Her eyes met the mirror's reflection – a small, determined face with tears welling up in her eyes.
With a quiet resolve, Jiha turned away from the mirror and walked slowly toward the door. She knew she had to face whatever lay ahead, even if it felt like her world was crumbling around her.