Jungtae spread out his bankbook on the table, and beside it, Mrs. Han placed hers.
The two of them stared at the numbers, counting the savings they had been collecting over the year.
Jungtae's own savings from his job at the restaurant, other small part-time jobs, small side gigs, and careful spending.
His mom's savings, quietly accumulated over time from the flower shop, larger than he had imagined.
"Mom, if we combine our money," Jungtae said slowly, pointing at the totals, "we could afford to rent an apartment in the city. Not a huge place, but a decent one."
Mrs. Han nodded. "Yes, I think it's time. It will be safer than staying here. This house… we've had too many problems already. Because we've lived here for years."
Jungtae looked around. The paint on the walls was peeling in some corners, the kitchen cabinet doors barely closed, and the bathroom door scraped against the floor.
