Dinner tonight was fried rice. Diced carrots, onions, and shrimp were stir-fried together in olive oil. There weren’t any special meat dishes, but the seasoning was perfect, and thanks to Yoon-Hee’s exceptional cooking skills, Yong-Yong was already on his third bowl.0

However, Byeol only ate about half of her usual portion. After setting her kid’s spoon down on the table, she closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, bowed slightly, and said, “Thank you for the meal,” before getting up. This was her way of signaling that she was finished with her meal.0

Looking at Byeol’s half-eaten bowl, Yoon-Hee asked softly, “Did you not like it?”0

“I did! It was yummy,” Byeol replied with a smile.0

“Then why did you leave so much?”0

“Because today’s the day I go to the store.”0

It was Wednesday. Today’s date was circled on Byeol’s personal calendar, which featured a cute illustration of a chick. Finally, Yoon-Hee understood why Byeol had eaten less than usual and smiled faintly.0

Byeol opened the second drawer beneath the TV stand. Inside were two wallets she cherished dearly—one with a chick print and the other...0