Chapter 322
As the summer heat began to wane, early autumn set in.
September 1st marked the anniversary of her parents’ passing. As she reflected on how, during the first three years, she would break down in tears whenever this day arrived, Min-Ji let out a bittersweet smile. Was it a good thing that time had dulled her emotions, or should she mourn the fact that she was growing indifferent? Min-Ji wondered about it briefly.
The layers of dust in the kendo dojo were as thick as the years that had passed. She visited every year on this day, cleaning the place once a year, but it was impossible to restore it to its former pristine state.
After finishing the rough cleaning, Min-Ji put on the kendo uniform and gear hanging on the wall and picked up a bamboo sword.
The bamboo sword sliced through the air with a woosh, and the hollow reverberation echoed in her chest. She swung to vent the emotions that had dulled over the years. An hour passed before she removed her protective gear, exhaling in deep, heavy breaths. Her face and hair were drenched in sweat.
It almost felt as if she could still hear her father’s stern voice.
“Your stance is off again.”
“I told you, if you move like that, you’ll only hurt yourself!”
Back then, she had hated it. Especially on days when her mother wasn’t home, her father would make her practice her moves all day long. As a middle schooler going through puberty, she had wanted nothing more than to hang out with her friends, dress up, and go out to have fun. Yet, twice a week, she was required to head straight to the dojo after school.
I do miss it, Min-Ji admitted to herself.
She stepped out of the dojo and headed upstairs. The first floor had been the dojo, while the second floor was her family’s home. Now, it was just an empty shell, devoid of furniture or belongings. Still, the space alone was enough to evoke nostalgia.
She looked toward the kitchen, remembering how she used to sit there in silent frustration after practice, her lips pouting. When she refused to speak, her father would start cooking in the kitchen.