Seventeen, and the Death Anniversary (1)
Saturday. Just like every year, after Mom and Dad left for work, I headed out too. Up until last year, it took a solid 2-3 hours, switching trains and buses multiple times, but things were different this year.
"Seojin."
As I reached the main road near our house, the window of a parked car rolled down, and Ajusshi's voice called out. It was a quiet road with little traffic, but I didn't want to loiter on the roadside and bother anyone, so I hurried over, opened the passenger door, and climbed in.
"You got here early. Did I keep you waiting long?"
I asked while buckling my seatbelt. Ajusshi shook his head.
"Nah, not really. Shall we go?"
"Yeah."
Once he confirmed my seatbelt was secure, Ajusshi smoothly pulled away from the curb. The car was spotlessly clean inside. It felt spacious, not cramped at all, and the ride was comfortable. Glancing back, I saw four seats in the rear too—it was a six-seater SUV. No air freshener in sight, but there wasn't a hint of staleness. Leaning my head against the headrest, I felt its soft, cushy support. Looking closer, there was a neck pillow hooked only on the passenger seat. Maybe for guests? It had a faint new-item scent, but I didn't dwell on it. Overall, it was way more comfortable than Dad's car.
...Sorry, Dad.
"This is the address, right? Family Park..."
Ajusshi asked, glancing at the navigation screen.
"Yeah, that's it."
I nodded at him as he double-checked the destination I'd sent via text earlier. Even starting now, it'd only take about an hour to get there. Having your own car really is the best. City buses didn't even go deep into the park; you'd have to walk a long way from the entrance otherwise.
"But you didn't have to drive me..."
I said, feeling a bit guilty. Ajusshi replied casually, one hand on the wheel.
"It's fine. Don't worry about it."
His tone was so nonchalant, but I couldn't help feeling bad. He had zero connection to this, and here I was bothering him. This guy was something else, though. I'd only vaguely said I had to go somewhere far alone, and he'd insisted on driving me. He hadn't even asked what it was for.
"Wanna put on some music if you're bored?"
Lost in thought and staring blankly out the window, Ajusshi's voice snapped me back.
"Sure, that'd be great."
As I answered, a familiar tune started flowing from the speakers. It was pretty old by today's standards—exactly the kind that folks our age would get nostalgic over.
"~~♪ ~~♬"
The melody brought back old memories, and I found myself humming along without realizing it. It'd been ages since I'd listened properly like this.
"Seojin, you know this song?"
Ajusshi asked, looking mildly surprised. I got why—kids my age probably wouldn't. That sparked a chat about old songs: hits from back in the day, anime openings on TV. He was shocked a few times that I knew tracks from 10 or 20 years ago, but mostly just pleased. It made the ride fun for me too.
"Oh, hold on. Can you pull over up there?"
Before I knew it, we were nearing Family Park. I pointed toward the entrance and asked him to stop.
The roadside there was lined with flower shops. Grandmas and aunties in aprons stood holding bouquets, beckoning passersby.
"Heading to the graves? Grab a bouquet~"
"Got your flowers? Don't go empty-handed—pick one up here~"
The moment I stepped out, their voices poured in. It was always like this, even outside holidays. But I always went to the same place: the one at the far right, Chunshim Flower Mart.
"Welcome~ Oh, it's the student from last year too?"
As I entered, one of the aunties spotted me with a warm smile. Holidays got so crowded she probably couldn't remember everyone, but since I came alone during these quiet summer breaks, I must've stuck in her mind.
"Hello."
I greeted her, and she nodded with a grin.
"Yeah, it's been a while. Let me see... white gerberas again this year, right?"
"Yes."
She chatted amiably but didn't get overly familiar, just efficiently pulled out a small bouquet with white gerberas. It was prettily wrapped, with tape on the back for easy sticking. Before taking it, I pulled out my wallet to pay.
"Oh, you brought family today?"
She said, peering behind me. I tilted my head.
"Huh?"
Before I could turn—
"Haha... well, you could say that. How much?"
Ajusshi's familiar voice. Glancing back, he'd quietly gotten out and followed me inside.
"Five thousand won. You look so young—uncle, right? I always worried about this kid coming alone, so I'm relieved."
The auntie chuckled. I grumbled lightly at Ajusshi.
"What're you doing? Stay in the car..."
He scratched his head with a sheepish smile.
"Felt stuffy just sitting there. Thought I'd get some air and tag along."
Then, casually, he took out his wallet and offered his card.
"Oh, sorry, sir. We don't take cards here—cash only."
She smiled apologetically, pointing to the entrance where a big sign read [No Cards / Cash OK].
"Ah, right... sorry about that."
Ajusshi laughed awkwardly, pocketed the card, and fished out a ten-thousand-won bill.
I finally caught on and sputtered.
"What're you doing? Why're you paying?"
I scolded, but he just grinned and handed the bill over.
"Don't sweat it. Five thousand's not nothing."
I grabbed his arm in surprise.
"No, seriously, why? I have money!"
I tried to stop him, but his arm didn't budge. And so, bouquet paid for by Ajusshi in hand, we left the shop.
"What was that, really..."
I muttered as we reached the car. Ajusshi stepped ahead and opened the passenger door for me.
Staring blankly, unsure what to make of it, he smiled.
"Figured it'd be a hassle with the flowers. Hop in."
"What do you take me for? Can't I open a door with one bouquet?"
I said, but this kind of small gesture was new to me. Far from annoying, it felt... nice.
"Stay put."
As I sat, he leaned over, buckled my seatbelt, double-checked it, and closed the door.
...What a gentleman.
"Heading out. Manwoldang Ossuary, right?"
"Yeah."
The car glided forward quietly again. Manwoldang wasn't far. The road was empty, and the parking lot had just a couple cars.
"Should I wait here?"
Ajusshi asked after parking and turning off the engine, glancing my way.
I shook my head right away.
"Didn't you say the car felt stuffy? Come on, it's fine."
His hand on the door handle, he hesitated a moment before getting out. Probably wondering if he should follow from here on. Sharp instincts, as always.
I'd always come alone for my own reasons. Family used to join at first, but not anymore. Still, Ajusshi seemed okay.
I led the way, guiding the directionally challenged Ajusshi into Manwoldang. As always, it was cool inside, with that heavy quiet that hushed voices.
We reached the elevator; I pressed the button. Ding! We stepped in together. Clutching the bouquet tightly, I hit the button for the third floor.
A brief hum, and we rose; the doors opened. The third-floor hall was silent, empty. Relieved, I led the way confidently.
One side was lined with marble niches. Each had a shiny glass door revealing tiny urns, flowers, photos, little decorations.
At the sign for Room 63, I turned right. Amid the rows of numbers and names, I walked quietly to the familiar spot.
And stopped.
There, like the others, a glass-walled niche. Beyond the clear pane: a clearly labeled urn and a framed photo.
I took a breath, lifted the bouquet slightly. Carefully positioning it to avoid blocking the writing or photo, I used the tape on back to stick it to the glass.
"...Who is it?"
I hesitated, not answering right away. No one would believe the truth anyway—they'd just think I was weird.
"This person..."
So I chose words close to the truth, but not a lie.
"...saved my life."
After that, Ajusshi fell silent. I sensed him behind me, but no movement, barely a breath. It felt strange. First time bringing someone outside my family on this day.
"...You?"
Lost in thought, staring through the glass, a woman's voice startled me. A voice I'd known over twenty years. One I never wanted to forget.
One I mustn't forget.
I whipped around toward the sound.
And there—
"Why are you here!"
Someone I absolutely shouldn't meet...
My older sister stood.