It all started on a Christmas evening.
There was nothing special about the day.
I woke up just like I do every single morning. I went through my usual morning routine and put on clothes that were a bit more festive. I went to the travel agency, where I worked from morning until night, because at our company, even Christmas Day isn't a holiday. Not that I really minded—being 26 and living alone, it didn't make much of a difference to me. But those who have families at home are always outraged that we don't get the day off.
And just like always, I stayed there until evening.
But what I didn't expect was that this day would turn out to be completely different—and would turn my life upside down.
It was already dark when my shift ended at 7 PM. I gathered my things and headed home with excitement because I had invited my family over for dinner tonight.
I said goodbye to my coworkers and stepped out into the cold Seoul air.
A wide smile stuck to my face—Christmas decorations and lights always enchanted me.
They were so beautiful, there are just no words to describe them.
It's definitely one of my favorite holidays.
All that was missing was snow, but unfortunately, there was none yet.
As usual, I turned into a not-so-popular street I walk down every day, when I suddenly stopped in front of a beautifully lit bookstore and began gazing at the window display.
I quickly scanned the selection with my eyes and one particular book caught my attention.
"The Mystery of Christmas?" I read aloud to myself.
Suddenly, a strange feeling came over me.
It felt as if someone were choking me, even though there wasn't a single person around.
It felt like the ground opened up beneath me and I began trembling uncontrollably.
I couldn't take my eyes off the mysterious book.
It was as if something had possessed me.
It wouldn't let me go.
Then, all of a sudden, everything went black. I must have fainted...
So that's how my Christmas started.
Not bad, huh?