Pain Comes Calling
Saturday dawned early with agony. Before the blaring alarm could wake me, a piercing pain shot through my entire body, forcing my eyes open.
“Groooan...!”
Even the simple act of sitting up in bed made every muscle in my body scream. This was only the second time, but I still hadn’t gotten used to it. It was just like the morning after my first workout—the hellish ache all over again. I remembered how my legs had given out trying to get out of bed, sending me crashing to the floor.
If it weren’t for that promise of three times a week...
Dragging my sore body to the gym yesterday had been the problem. ‘Sir! Consistency is key! Let’s push through today!’ That trainer’s thumbs-up and cheerful face haunted even my dreams.
Still, amid the throbbing pain, a thrill bubbled up that I couldn’t suppress. Today was camping day.
I forced my stiff body to move, double-checking my camping gear one more time. Then I gazed at Maximus, sound asleep in the little home I’d set up for him in the corner of the living room. The white fluffball rose and fell gently with each breath. Leaving this adorable little life behind... my feet wouldn’t budge.
Just a few more months... then we can go together, right? Sis’ll show you all the fun stuff!
I loaded up the camping gear and Maximus’s stuff, then headed to Im Nana’s apartment. Smart move waking up early—my movements were two or three times slower thanks to the muscle pain. I arrived a bit before our agreed time, but there was Nana, bundled in a thick puffer jacket, waiting at the apartment entrance. Spotting my car, she waved both arms high in greeting.
I pulled up, and sure enough, she went straight for Maximus instead of me. Guess he really won her over.
I got out and flung open the back door.
“Whoaaa...!”
She gasped in awe at Maximus sitting obediently in his carrier. He whimpered a bit at the stranger, but soon wagged his tail under her onslaught of affection, pretending he couldn’t resist.
Watching that, I suddenly understood the heartache of a mom dropping her kid off at daycare for the first time. Sob, Maximus. Be good?
“Maximus still needs small meals spread out since he’s young—about four times a day. Keep his water full, and put the pee pads in front of the bathroom; he’ll use them on his own. If he has an accident, don’t scold him—just put it on the pad and...”
“Pfft! Don’t worry, go have fun! You think I didn’t study up? Maximus~ Let’s play lots, okay?”
“...Tch.”
“Huh?”
Why did it bug me so much seeing her hug him and rub cheeks? Even Maximus licking her hand felt like betrayal. Sob, having to watch my Maximus play with someone else’s hand. And I won’t see him for two whole days...! What if he forgets my face...!
“Uh, Areum? Your face looks scary... What’s up?”
“A-hem... Nothing. Take good care of Maximus, okay?”
“Yep! Have a safe trip! Send pics!”
“Wang!”
Maximus barked energetically from her arms as I climbed back into the driver’s seat. Through the side mirror, Nana was already totally smitten, not even glancing as the car pulled away.
The weekend morning roads were clear, and we zipped to Ganghwa Island in no time. Hmm, stomach’s rumbling a bit. Skipping breakfast for early prep had caught up with me. Any good eats around? Ganghwa’s famous for... fermented seafood, fresh catches, ginseng, sweet potatoes, rice...? Nothing jumping out.
If Nana were here, she’d rattle off local specialties in seconds. Kinda miss that.
As I cruised, scanning for food, one sign kept popping up everywhere.
“Why are there so many knife-cut noodle places?”
Was Ganghwa known for knife-cut noodles? Come to think of it, I never got that bowl in Daejeon after all the hype—pushed aside by Ssangshim-dang bread. The regret bubbled up again. The bread was good, but I’d craved that hot, refreshing broth and chewy noodles that day.
Yep, this was a sign from above. Eat knife-cut noodles today.
I spotted a standout sign among the many and pulled over.
[Original Grandma’s Acorn Knife-Cut Noodles]
Acorn noodles? Sounds unique. Risky, but worth a shot.
Parked and stepped inside; rich broth aroma hit me. I sat, ordered the signature acorn knife-cut noodles and acorn pancake side.
Soon, a server set down a massive bowl and plate.
Huh, noodles have a weird color. From acorn starch?
Dark brown strands in milky broth, topped with chopped green onions and seaweed flakes. I slurped a big mouthful.
Oh...! Totally different from wheat noodles. They snapped cleanly but got chewier with each bite. Subtle acorn earthiness woke up my appetite. The clam-packed broth was fresh and clean.
Hmm... something’s missing for perfection...
Aha!
“Auntie! Can you chop some green chilies for me?”
“Right away~”
I dumped them into a small dish, stirred into the noodles, and sipped the broth...
“Ahhhh...”
Yes! The clean broth with fiery kick—perfection. Washing away my Daejeon regrets. The fried bits were tasty, but Koreans need hot soup, yesss.
Belly full, I headed to the zipline for planned fun. Noodles fueled me; muscle pain faded a bit.
After safety briefing, we boarded the lift to the peak. First run, so just me and a couple with their kid.
Gazing out the window, the kid next to me piped up.
“Sis, you here alone?”
“Yeah. Solo adventure.”
“Why? No friends?”
...?
Kids these days are bold. Stunned silent, the mom scolded.
“Hey! You can’t say that!”
“...?”
Hey, that hurts too...?
“But sis is super pretty—how could she have no friends? Weird...”
“Sorry about her...”
“...Sis is that pretty?”
“Yeah! Prettiest I’ve ever seen! Like a TV idol!”
Hmm, good eye. Adult compliments feel awkward, but pure praise from a little elementary kid? Honestly delightful.
“What’s your name?”
“Areum! Kim Areum!”
“No way? I’m Areum too. Han Areum. Areum’s way prettier than sis, though.”
“Whoa, really?”
“Of course~ Why would sis lie?”
Chatting along, I felt warm gazes from the parents. Dad looked relieved I wasn’t offended. A-hem. As if I’d snap at a kid over that...
We reached the summit amid her chatter. Geared up, watched the family zip down first.
My turn. First time ziplining—nervous, but kid did it fine.
Staff explained kindly: “Ours isn’t one long run—platforms midway for multiple segments. Great views.”
“One thing I wondered: do people stop midway?”
“Haha, yeah. Spreading legs creates drag. But stretch ’em out like trained, and you won’t. If you do, staff’ll rescue safely.”
It happens... but follow instructions, no problem.
Gripped the rappel, admired winter-bare peak views—refreshing.
“Ready? Three, two, one—go!”
I launched. Thrilling float, cool wind on cheeks, Ganghwa’s green hills and distant sea below. Pure freedom—wanted to yell.
But then... Gahhh...!
Arms, shoulders, back straining to hold—dormant muscle pain roared back like a demon.
“Guh... F-fuck...!”
Muscles screamed, tearing agony everywhere. Like 100 pull-ups on a bar—screams escaped.
Aaaargh! Hurts! Let go? Might ease up...!
“N-no...”
Damn, release here and drag stops me mid-wire like a hooked fish. Staff’d haul me down—mortifying!
No way! Grip!
I clenched harder, ignoring limb shrieks, desperate for dignity.
But... couldn’t hold the scream. Pure agony exploded.
“Kaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!”
Eons of torment later, I hit the first platform. Legs buckled on landing; I collapsed. Soaked in cold sweat, gasping.
A beaming staffer approached.
Bowing to meet my eyes: “Haha, that scary? Your scream echoed here! Must’ve been thrilling!”
Face full of job pride.
The kid from before: “Sis! Super fun, right?!”
“...Yeah.”
Two more courses to go...?