Chapter 3
Do you still think coming to korea was a bad idea?"mom said her voice laced with a hint of curiosity as she settled into the couch in front of me.
But as I met Mom's gaze, I felt a sense of conviction wash over me. "Well, to be honest, Korea is better than Nigeria," I said, my voice firm and resolute. "And I promise you, I am never going back to Nigeria again." Mom's expression softened, and she smiled slightly, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Suit yourself," she said, reaching for her phone on the table. Her fingers flew across the screen as she scrolled through it, her brow furrowed in concentration. "I don't know what we can order for dinner," she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible.
I watched her, feeling a sense of detachment wash over me. The exhaustion of the day was catching up with me, and all I wanted was to rest. I sank further into the chair, my body relaxing into its cushions.
Just then, Mom looked up at me with a suggestion. "How about we eat fried chicken?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with hope. I looked at her, shrugging my shoulders in response. "Mom, whatever," I said, my voice laced with indifference. "Anything you eat, I would eat because I don't know any Korean dish here, so I can't give a suggestion."
Mom nodded understandingly, her expression sympathetic. "Okay, let's order something then," she said, her fingers flying across the screen once more. As she ordered our food, I stood up, stretching my tired limbs. The movement felt good, loosening up my muscles and helping to shake off some of the fatigue.
"Don't I have a room?" I asked, realizing that I had been so caught up in our conversation that I hadn't even thought about where I would be sleeping. Mom's expression softened, and she nodded, her eyes warm and inviting.
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As we ascended the stairs, Mom's voice wove a narrative of Dad's meticulous preparations for our arrival. "You know, your dad had come here and even had people arrange this place," she said, her tone laced with affection. "He even had them decorate your room. Isn't he a great man?" Her eyes sparkled with appreciation as she glanced back at me.
I nodded "Mm-hmm," I murmured, my gaze drifting over the intricate details of the house as we walked. Mom continued to lead the way, her steps light on the stairs, until she stopped in front of a door. A hint of confusion clouded her face. "I think I've mixed this up somehow," she said, her brow furrowed. "Sarah, can you just check out all the rooms and find the one with a pink wall? That's your room, okay?"
I sighed.
"I will go check if the order has arrived" she said, her voice trailing off as she descended the stairs. "The rooms are only five, so just keep opening doors until you find the right one," she called out, her words fading into the distance.
With a frown, I began my search, opening doors one by one. Each room was a universe unto itself, unique and intriguing. Finally, after checking four rooms, I pushed open the door to the last room. And there it was – a pink wall, and a beautiful pink duvet adorned the bed, its soft hue like a warm embrace.
I couldn't help but give a small smile; pink was my favorite color, after all. As I entered the room, I felt like I'd stepped into a sanctuary, a place where dreams were woven into the very fabric of the air. The bed felt cool and inviting, its softness beckoning me to sink into its depths. Everything about the room seemed perfect, tailored to my tastes in a way that felt almost magical.
I placed my luggage to one side and noticed a wardrobe where I could put my clothes. The fresh smell of wood wafted out as I opened it, and I felt a sense of satisfaction, of belonging. "Everything feels nice here," I thought to myself, the words a silent promise. "I will try to make my stay here worth it," I resolved, sitting down on the bed and taking a deep breath. The softness of the bed enveloped me, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me, like I'd finally found a place to call home.
This was my new beginning, and I was ready to make the most of it.
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As I entered the bathroom,the soft glow of the evening light streaming through the window highlighted the cozy atmosphere, and I felt a sense of comfort wash over me. It seemed to envelop me in a warm embrace, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. I took a moment to appreciate the simple elegance of the space, the way everything seemed to fit perfectly together, creating a sense of harmony.
Deciding a quick bath was in order, I headed to the bathroom, the warm water a soothing balm after the long day. I let out a contented sigh as the water washed over me, melting away the tension and fatigue. Fresh and relaxed, I donned a bonnet and slipped into my sleeping wear, ready to unwind. The soft fabric felt gentle against my skin, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy as I settled into the tranquility of the moment.
Just as I was drifting off into a state of relaxation, Mom's voice called out from downstairs, "The food has arrived, dear! Come down for dinner." I made my way down, curiosity piqued about what Mom had ordered. As I entered the dining area, my eyes widened in surprise. The spread before me was overwhelming – a variety of dishes that seemed to cover every inch of the table. There were steaming bowls of noodles, plates of savory meats, and an assortment of colorful vegetables, each dish more enticing than the last.
"How would two people eat all of this?" I thought to myself, taken aback by the sheer quantity of food. Yet, not wanting to complain, I took a seat as Mom began setting out plates and removing food from the package boxes. The aroma that wafted up was unfamiliar, a mix of spices and ingredients I'd never encountered before. My stomach growled in anticipation as Mom handed me a pair of chopsticks.
"Well, let's give it a try," I thought.