The 24th Newsletter

The setbacks in my hometown and Part 1 of the story of "Condition of Love".

November 04, 2024

Hi there 

This is your A.thentic Jong Hee. 

And this is my 24th Newsletter for you. 

How are you there? 

And how’s everything with you? Hope you are doing all well now. 

How’s the weather there? Here in Korea, especially in Busan, we still have nice, mild weather. The average temperatures are around 20 degrees during the daytime and 12-14 degrees at night. With these temperatures, the weather reflects the beautiful autumn season here. 🍁🍂

Here are some current views of the streets in my town, Busan.

It has been cloudy for almost two weeks, and it has rained occasionally. However, according to the forecast, we can expect sunny days for the entire next week, which I've been eagerly waiting for. ☀️🌞


Fortunately, we haven’t experienced any heavy rain so far, so there has been no damage from the rain. I did hear news that other countries, like Spain, have had heavy rain that caused significant damage and loss of life. I feel very sorry about this, and I hope my readers are safe despite the rain damage. 🙏💜

And now, finally, I will share the story of 'Condition of Love' (Part 1) here, but first, let me talk about the setbacks of the story.

As I mentioned earlier, I’d like to introduce the places that serve as the background for my love story in the piano album. As I posted before on my Instagram, the backdrop is in my hometown. I took the pictures when I visited my parents during Chuseok, the biggest holiday in Korea. I wanted to talk about these places in my newsletter earlier, but as you may remember, I had to discuss soul food first. 🥘🍚

Now, I finally have a chance to explain it because my new piano single, “Condition of Love,” which is also the 6th track of my love piano album, was released on October 31st.🎹💖💓

I’ll add the links to the new piano single here later.

Okay, here are the pictures of the places. 📸

Yong Du Mountain

The view on the opposite side

The left photo is the background of the scene where Hyun shows Jane (Ji Soo) how Yong Du Mountain looks up close, after they get out of the car near the bridge to take a better look at it. (After the incident when Jane got lost in the pine forest, Hyun decided to show her around to prevent anything like that from happening again). 

This spot offers a much clearer view of Yong Du Mountain than the photo shows, and it’s actually a real place where I used to go and play frequently when I was a kid.

The right photo shows the background from the opposite side of the bridge, meaning that Yong Du Mountain is on the left side of the bridge, while the scenery on the right side is depicted. As mentioned in the story, a river flows beneath Yongdu Mountain and passes under the bridge.

And now check this out below:

Now, this photo reveals the whole landscape we talked about earlier. It’s a photo I accidentally took a few years ago when I was briefly living with my parents in my hometown after climbing a high mountain and looking down.

I had gone up there to take pictures of cherry blossoms in the spring. 🌸🌸 The mountain was quite tall, and since it was during the height of COVID-19, I ended up climbing it wearing two masks, which is why you can see me drenched in sweat, with my hair looking wet. 🌸💖

The mountain painted pink in the back is Yong Du Mountain. The mountain in the foreground looks like it has been cut off, resembling the head of a dragon, which is why it has been called Yong Du Mountain for a very long time. (Yong Du - “Yong” means “Dragon”, “Du” means “Head”). 🐉

If you go down about halfway up that mountain, it opens up like a large cliff, and below it, a wide plain and a green river flow quietly. This is exactly the place I described in the story where Hyun took Jane (Ji Soo). (The song that accompanies the scene is “We Walked Together.”)

In fact, when I was younger, I used to swim in the river there every summer and play with my friends. 🏊🏻‍♂️🐟 It was such a beautiful place. So seeing that photo now makes me feel sad. In the past, I could walk from the pine forest all the way into the mountain, but unfortunately, that’s no longer possible.

The city has blocked it off under the pretense of 'urban development,' and they are building railways and major roads over it. So I feel even sadder that I can’t take pictures of the scenery inside.

But one day, I’ll go up to Yong Du Mountain again and take photos of the beautiful fields below it when I visit my parents. Even though the city has blocked access to the area, I’ll keep creating beautiful stories inspired by that scenery.✍️📝

So now, let me share Part 1 of the story for Condition of Love. I hope you remember the previous stories—this one follows Journey of Love. Before we dive in, I’ll add the link to the new piano single, Condition of Love. It might help to keep listening to the music as you read to stay immersed in the story. 🎹🎧

“Condition of Love”

Thank you for reading 🙏💜

Have a nice day and week.

I will see you in Part 2 of the story, soon.

Have a nice day and week.

Bye 🌹

Best Regards

A.thentic Jong Hee 

P.S. You should read 'The End of Part 1' at the end to check if this newsletter has been delivered to you properly. Thank you. 🙏

………………………………………………………

#6  Condition of Love

Written by A.thentic Jong Hee

The same afternoon that Hyun and Jane left for their seaside trip, at Hyun’s house on the farm.

The owner of Sung Jin Fertilizer, Han steps out through the front door, followed by Hyun’s mother.

“Please, don’t come all the way out, ma’am.”

Han bows politely to Hyun’s mother and begins to walk toward the yard.

“Oh, it’s nothing, sir. You must be tired from coming all this way,” says Hyun’s mother.

“Oh, don’t worry about that! I should be coming here on better terms, and it pains me to visit under these circumstances,” Han responds with a sheepish expression, turning back to face her.

“Not at all, sir. I’m actually so grateful that you came all this way.”

“Oh, not at all. But, if you don’t mind, please speak with your son about this matter,” he adds, bowing his head.

“Yes… I will.”

“Well, thank you … then, I’ll take my leave now.”

Han respectfully bows, heads to his car, and drives away, leaving Hyun’s mother standing there watching him leave. A gentle breeze from the distant pine forest stirs the edge of her skirt as she watches the car disappear.

On the road, Han’s phone rings as he drives. When he sees the caller ID, he flinches and quickly answers.

“Hello? Oh, Seok Ki, it’s you! Where are you now..? What? You’ve already arrived? You’re early! Why didn’t you call sooner? I’ll be right there.. No, no, I’m not busy. Just stepped out for a moment. Hang tight—I’m coming..!”

He hangs up and wipes sweat from his forehead.

“What time is it? He’s here already? And why hasn’t Jane called me back? She’s driving me crazy.”

He presses harder on the accelerator and speeds up.

At Sung Jin Fertilizer’s parking lot.

Shortly after, Han arrives and parks. He steps out, straightens his clothes, and hurries into the building.

Inside, his wife and a middle-aged man, Yoon Seok Ki, are seated on the living room sofa, sipping tea. Yoon Seok Ki stands up and bows when he sees Han.

“Oh, you’re here, Seok Ki. I didn’t expect you’d come all the way to this humble place, especially with how busy you must be at the company.”

Han reaches out to shake his hand, and Yoon Seok Ki reciprocates.

“Not at all, Uncle Han. How have you been, Sir?”

“Thanks to you, I’m well. How are you? And I know you must be busy, too. Sit, sit..”

“I’m fine, thank you. I’m glad to hear you’re well.”

They both sit down on the sofa.

“So, how’s the company? Is everything going smoothly?”

“Yes, more or less.”

“Well, I know you’re doing a fantastic job. I heard the U.S. branch is expanding?”

“Yes, it’s getting there.”

“Ah, I knew it.. Oh, honey,” he turns to his wife, “why are you just sitting there? Our dear nephew-in-law is here all the way from afar, and you’re just sitting around. (To Yoon Seok Ki) You haven’t eaten, have you? You probably haven’t had time yet. Honey, what are you doing? Start preparing dinner. Goodness, it’s not polite to leave a guest unfed.”

His wife frowns at his brashness, then silently rises to her feet.

“I’m on it. I was already preparing.”

“No, no, it’s okay,” Yoon Seok Ki interjects, glancing apologetically at her. 

“I had a late lunch on my way over, so I’m really not hungry.”

“But it’s dinnertime already, you must eat,” Han insists.

“I’m fine, really,” Yoon Seok Ki replies, waving his hand lightly.

“By the way, where is my wife? I haven’t heard from her all day, no calls, no messages, and she’s not home.”

Han and his wife exchange a troubled look.

“Ah, Jane… Well, she’s been fine, but this morning.., she got a ..sudden call from a friend and had to step out..”

“A friend?”

“Yes, it seemed urgent.. when she mentioned it on the phone this morning….”

“Does Jane have friends around here?” he asks, puzzled.

“Yes, not here in this town, exactly.. But maybe someone she knows who was visiting nearby.”

Han fumbles through his response, and his wife lets out a quiet sigh before heading into the kitchen.

“She’s always been a bit impulsive, you know? I’m sure you understand… ever since she was young, she’s had to do everything her way. She ran off without even picking up her phone. But don’t worry, it’s probably just her battery running low. She’ll be in touch soon.”

Seok Ki listens to Han’s rambling without saying a word.

Meanwhile, at Hyun’s home.

Hyun’s mother is sitting at the kitchen table, dialing Hyun’s number. After a few rings, Hyun picks up.

“Hello? Oh, Hyun?”

‘Yes, Mother. Is everything okay?’

Hyun's voice comes through the phone. His mother speaks.

“Yes, I’m fine. How are you? Are you doing well?”

‘Yes, Mother. I just spoke to Han Bin, too. He’s doing fine. How about you?’

“Yes, yes, I’m fine. And… That young lady… is she there with you, too?”

‘Yes, Mother. Why?’

There’s a brief pause before she continues.

“Oh, no particular reason. Just making sure. Look after her, will you? Since you’re the one taking her out, she’s your responsibility. I’m counting on you, okay?”

“Of course, Mother. Don’t worry. Please remember to take your medicine. We’ll be home soon.”

“No need to rush back, Hyun. Make the most of your time there. Don’t hurry back because of me, okay?”

There’s a short silence on Hyun’s end.

“Hyun? Are you listening?”

‘Yes, Mom.. I’ll call you later.”

Hyun’s mother hangs up, stands up slowly, and gazes vacantly at the pine forest through the large glass window in the entryway before lying down in her room.

The next morning.

It’s early in the morning, and the yard at Hyun’s house is filled with sunlight. Soon, Baekdu, their dog, notices something and starts barking as Hyun’s pickup truck pulls into the driveway. Recognizing Hyun, Baekdu wags his tail eagerly.

Inside the truck, Hyun and Jane are sitting side by side.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“Of course, Hyun. Don’t worry about me,  just go ahead.”

“I’m sorry, Jane. I should’ve dropped you home first, but since we’re passing by, I need to check the cows quickly. Han Bin texted me that there might be an issue with them. It shouldn’t take long.”

Jane smiles and nods in understanding.

Hyun gets out, dials a number, and heads straight to the barn.

“Hello? Han Bin? Yes, I just got home. Heading to the barn now. Which cow was acting up again?”

Baekdu follows Hyun, who pats the dog’s head as they both head to the barn.

Left alone in the passenger seat, Jane glances down and sighs before lifting her gaze. Suddenly, she looks up in surprise. Slowly, she steps out of the truck and bows slightly as she spots Hyun’s mother standing at the front door.

“Did you have a good trip?” Hyun’s mother asks, a few steps away.

“Ah..Yes…”

Jane replies cautiously.

“And where is Hyun?”

“Oh, he just went to check the barn.”

Hyun’s mother nods calmly.

“I apologize for yesterday, for leaving with Hyun so suddenly…”

“It’s alright.”

Hyun’s mother smiles warmly, making Jane even more uncertain.

"Well then, I'll be on my way…”

Just as Jane bows her head to say goodbye, ready to take her leave, she hears Hyun’s Mother’s voice.

“Would you like to have breakfast before you go?”

“Pardon..?”

“I’m sure you haven’t eaten yet.”

“Oh, no, I was just about to head back. I apologize again..” 

As Jane bows again, Hyun’s Mother’s voice comes through once more.

“Please, stay and eat something before you go. You can’t leave without a meal.”

“Really, I…”

“Breakfast is ready, I just need to set it. Come on inside. Hyun will be back soon.”

"But…"

"Come inside. He's busy right now. Come in, have a meal while you wait. He’ll probably finish up soon and take you himself. Come in, all right?"

With Hyun’s mother insisting, Jane stands there awkwardly, unable to decline.

At that moment, Hyun steps out from the barn, talking on his phone.

"Hello? Yes, Doctor Choi. It’s me. I checked on the cattle, and a few of the cows, including the calf, seem to be showing some unusual symptoms… I was hoping you could come by… Yes… okay…"

As he speaks, Hyun glances over and smiles faintly; he sees Jane, hesitatingly following his mother into the house. Something about it makes him feel unexpectedly good.

“Yes, you can come around 1 PM. Alright. Is there anything I should prepare beforehand? Right, I’ll separate the cows, check the barn temperature… the barn floor too? Understood. Anything else?”

Hyun heads back into the barn, continuing the call.

Inside Hyun’s house, kitchen

Jane sits cautiously at the dining table, where dishes are already laid out, looking noticeably uncomfortable. Hyun’s mother walks over with rice, and Jane stands up quickly.

“Oh, you don’t have to get up! It’s fine. Just sit and relax,” 

Hyun’s mother says with a smile, encouraging Jane, who still looks unsure.

“Oh, but please let me help with something…”

“No, no, you’re a guest! And there’s nothing left to do—I’ve already prepared everything. It’s nothing fancy, but please sit down and enjoy.”

Jane finally takes a seat as Hyun’s mother cheerfully continues, “All that’s left is to bring over the Jigye(stew). I heated it, but he still isn’t back yet…”

She goes to the kitchen, carefully wrapping the pot with a cloth before placing it on the table. Jane looks more flustered, watching her.

“Let’s go ahead and eat ourselves. He’ll come in when he’s done with his work. Go ahead, start,” Hyun’s mother encourages, picking up her spoon. Jane, not meeting her eyes, picks up her spoon as well, somewhat reluctantly.

“I’m not sure if you’ll like the taste. This is just a meal for us, really, so I’m sorry I didn’t prepare anything special…”

“Oh, no, it’s no trouble at all… I should apologize for imposing…”

“You don’t need to say that,” Hyun’s mother replies with a smile as she begins to eat. The more she smiles comfortably, the smaller and more apologetic Jane feels. She quietly starts eating.

“Here, try some of this too, and this as well. Our kimchi is particularly good lately—it’s just the right flavor now. Try some.”

Hyun’s mother places various side dishes in front of Jane, who nods and lowers her head in thanks each time, taking a few careful bites.

After a quiet moment, Hyun’s mother speaks.

“So, did you have a good trip?”

The unexpected question catches Jane off guard, and she seems flustered.

“Yes… thank you. I’m sorry for having Hyun come out suddenly like that…”

Jane lowers her head.

“Oh, it’s okay. Really, don’t feel that way, I didn’t ask to make you feel sorry… I just wanted to know if you both had a good time. It was actually good timing that he took a short break—he’s been so busy since coming down from Seoul, with the farm and everything.”

Hyun’s mother smiles reassuringly. Jane says nothing, feeling even more at a loss.

“Please, go ahead and eat. Does everything taste alright?”

“Yes…”

“Good, I’m glad.”

Hyun’s mother smiles warmly.

“He still hasn’t come in… I hope the cattle are okay,” she says, glancing out the window. Each time she does, Jane feels more apologetic, like it’s somehow her fault, lowering her head again.

“So, where are you originally from?”

“Oh, Seoul…”

“Really? That’s my hometown too. I moved here after I got married, but I still speak with a Seoul accent. I think that’s why Hyun doesn’t have a local accent either.”

“I see…”

“Then… are you related to the owner of Sung Jin Fertilizer?”

“Yes, he’s my uncle. My father’s older brother.”

“Oh, I see…”

Jane hesitates, then asks, “But how do you know my uncle…?”

“Oh, he came by yesterday,” Hyun’s mother answers with a smile, but Jane looks surprised.

“My uncle came here? Why?”

“Oh, nothing special. He just stopped by briefly.”

“Oh… I see…”

Hyun’s mother smiles, but Jane can’t hide the concern in her eyes, trying not to show her surprise and worry.

In the backyard barn, Hyun checked the health status of the cows after noticing that part-timer Jung Han-bin looked unwell the day before. He went to a separate area where those cows had been isolated and inspected their condition, then inspected the barn floor and checked the water troughs and feeders, busily finishing his tasks before heading inside the house.

“I’m back,” Hyun said as he entered the house. Feeling something was off, he glanced around. Jane was nowhere to be seen.

“Ah, you’re back? When did Dr. Choi say he would come?” his mother’s voice called from the kitchen.

“He said he’d be here around 1 o'clock. But, Mother, where is Jane?” 

“Who..? Oh, that lady left,” his mother replied as she came out of the kitchen.

“She left? Alone?” Hyun asked, puzzled.
“Yes. She called a taxi and went. Why did you take so long? We have guests coming...”
“Ah...”

Hyun looked out the window. The only sight in the yard was Baekdu lying in front of the doghouse soaking up the sun.

“How did it go? Are the cows alright?” his mother asked.
“I don’t know. Dr. Choi is coming soon, so we’ll have to see then.”
“Really...? They need to be okay. Hurry and wash your hands and sit down. The Jigye(stew) needs to be reheated. It must be cold by now.”

Though his mother spoke while heading back into the kitchen, Hyun remained lost in thought, staring out the window. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, he took out his phone to check his messages.

He had received a text.

‘Hyun, you seem very busy, so I’ll head out first. Don’t worry about me, and take care of your urgent matters. I’ll contact you again. Thank you so much for everything yesterday and today.’

Hyun couldn’t take his eyes off the phone screen as he read the message. At that moment, his mother called out.

“What are you doing? Hurry and wash your hands!”
“Yes...”

Hyun went into the bathroom to wash his hands. When he came out, his mother was setting the table for him.

“By the way, Ji Soo didn’t even get to eat the meal I prepared properly before she left... Was it not good? You should have told me in advance. I could have prepared more. How was I to know she’d come with you?”

Hyun was about to sit at the table but suddenly paused.

“Mom, what did you just call her?”
“Huh? Who..? Ji Soo?”
“Yes. Did you call her Ji Soo?”
“Uh-huh. Han Ji Soo, I believe? Why?”

His mother looked at him with a blank expression.

“What’s wrong? Just sit down. The Jigye will get cold again. You should eat.”
“Yes…”

As Hyun picked up his spoon, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"She said her name is Ji Soo.. to my mom.”

Hyun muttered to himself, and his mother looked puzzled.

“Why?”
“It’s nothing, Mother.”

While eating, his mother quietly observed his expression and silently took a seat across from him.

“Eat slowly. You might get a stomachache.”

“Okay…”

Hyun continued to eat in silence. His mother kept quiet and watched him until he finished his meal.

“Do you want more soup?”
“No, Mother. I’m fine.”
“Eat more rice. You’ll be busy later, you need to eat well.”
“No, I’ve eaten enough. I’ll do the dishes, so you can just sit down.”

Hyun stood up to leave the table, but then his mother said,

“Hyun, sit down for a moment.”

Hyun quietly sat back down.

“I have something I’m curious about...”
“Ah, go ahead, Mother.”
“Did you have a good trip? With Ji Soo?”
“Yes, it was okay. It was sudden, and I’m sorry for that, Mother. It’s just her circumstances...”
“Hyun…”

His mother called out to her son in a quiet voice.

“Do you like Ji Soo a lot?”
“….?”
“Do you really like her?”
“...Yes...”

Seeing her son reply calmly made his mother feel relieved.

“I see... You know her situation, right?”
“What situation...?”
“About her being married...”
“Ah... So you know too?”

His mother was reassured by her son’s calm demeanor.

“Yeah... The owner of Sung Jin Fertilizer from the town came to see me. Yesterday...”
“Here...?”
“Yes... He said she’s his relative.”
“...I see...”

Seeing her son maintain his composed expression, his mother asked again.

“Are you okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean your feelings... are you okay?”

At his mother’s question, Hyun paused for a moment before quietly nodding his head.

“Hyun, she’s a married woman... She has a husband... Do you know that?”
“….”
“Hyun, if you end up in pain later, it’ll hurt me too...”
“….”
“I just don’t want you to meet anyone who’ll cause you pain anymore...”

Hearing his mother’s words, Hyun was left speechless.

“Before you came down here, the girl you met in Seoul... You had a hard time because of her.”
“Mom, that was ten years ago. That’s all in the past, why are you still bringing it up?”
“Because you haven’t been dating anyone since then.”
“….”
"You said you wouldn't do matchmaking, you wouldn't accept introductions, and you wouldn't meet anyone..."
“That’s unrelated to that girl, Mom...”
“Are you really sure about that...?”
“....?”
“Can you really say that it’s unrelated?”
“….”
“That’s why I’m worried about you...”
“Mom, I’m sorry but I need to go check on the cows now. We can talk later.”

With that, he stands up and goes outside. His mother looks at her son with a worried expression from behind.

Once in the yard, Hyun turns around and heads back to the barn to check on the cows again. He adds feed, checks the hygiene of the water troughs, and takes care of various tasks, but his mind is in turmoil. Still, he continues his work, not stopping to check on the barn, the cows, adding straw, and inspecting the surrounding area and the floor, just as he has to do after a day away.

He loses track of how much time has passed when he suddenly stops his work and checks his phone. Other than spam messages about loans, there are no new messages. Realizing that it is still too early for the veterinarian to arrive, he goes back outside. He then calls out a bit louder from the front window so his mother can hear.

“Mom, I’m going to step out for a moment.”

At his words, his mother opens the front window.

“Where are you going?”
“I’m just going for a quick walk before Dr. Choi arrives.”
“Come back early. Don’t stay out too long.”
“...Yes...”

As Hyun steps outside, he sees Baekdu wagging his tail at him and walks over to pat his head a few times.

“Wanna come along, Baekdu?”

With that, Hyun unties the leash from Baekdu’s doghouse, holds it in his hand, and walks toward the forest. Baekdu, excited by the sudden outing, wags his tail and trots alongside his owner. From inside the house, his mother watches them with a worried look.

As Hyun walks along the embankment before entering the pine forest, a cool breeze blows in from the woods, feeling quite refreshing. It seems like summer has begun. Hyun smiles at Baekdu, who is trotting beside him.

“Baekdu, aren’t you hot? Are you okay?”

Baekdu glances at him as if he understands the question, then continues walking with a blank expression ahead. Upon entering the forest, a cool breeze rustles the branches of the pines, and unseen birds fill the quiet forest with their songs.


As he walks through the woods, Hyun recalls a remark his mother makes.

“You had a hard time because of the girl you met in Seoul.”

Hyun shakes his head lightly as if trying to shake off the memory, but his thoughts are already drifting back to the past.

Ten years ago, in Seoul, in a cramped one-room apartment in a multi-family dwelling.

Hyun was in the somewhat cramped room with a woman. She spoke to him.

“Just help me a bit more, Hyun. Only you can do it.”
“Na Jung, how much more can I help? I’ve already given you several million won. (*which is roughly over 20,000 US Dollars). I paid the entire deposit for the apartment.”
“I know, but oppa, just a little bit more. Once we’re married, we’ll pay it all back from our own house. My dad won’t just sit back, he’ll get the company back on its feet, and he’ll pay it back in no time. It’s just a temporary hardship. Trust me, oppa. If we leave it like this, my dad might go to jail. He’s done nothing wrong, but the people who invested in my dad are trying to send him to jail. Does that make sense, oppa?”

As she clung to Hyun’s arm with her large eyes, she looked so desperate that Hyun felt.

“Is there no one else? What about relatives?” 

“I told you. All the relatives cut off contact. You know how they treated my dad... They’re all selfish and only care about themselves. When my dad helped them in their tough times, now that he’s in this situation, they’ve all turned their backs.”

Hyun cannot say a word in response to her.

“What should I do? No matter how I think about it, I have no way to raise several hundred million won (* around 300,000 US Dollars), Na Jung...” 

“Hyun, I told you. Just go down to the countryside and ask your father for help. Since he runs a farm, he’ll be connected to the local bank. He’ll be able to arrange that much...” 

“Na Jung, it’s not that easy...” 

“Hyun, do you not trust me? Don’t you trust my family? I’ll take good care of everything when I get married. I’ll treat my father-in-law well, too. I can do anything, Hyun. I’m telling you, once my dad’s company is back on track, I can pay back that money several times over. Please, save my family, oppa...”

While she is crying with her head down, she doesn’t let go of Hyun’s arm. Hyun feels his heart breaking.

Days later, Hyun finds himself in the countryside. His mother is very happy that her son has come down for the weekend, not during a holiday or vacation. Hyun’s father, after briefly asking if everything is okay, heads back into the barn to work with the cows. As soon as Hyun arrives, he shows his face for a moment, and when he sees his father going back to work, he asks his mother if there’s a lot of work to do.

“No, not much. Even though he looks like that, your father is really happy that you came.

You haven’t eaten yet, right? Come in and eat.” 

As Hyun’s mother is about to go inside, Hyun sets down his bags and heads toward the barn.

“Hyun! It’s fine. Just eat.” His mother calls out to him from behind, but Hyun replies that he’ll be right there and continues toward the barn.

Upon entering the barn, Hyun sees his father, who is trying to feed the cows with his aging body. Hyun quickly approaches, saying, “Let me do that, Dad,” and takes the shovel from him, starting to fill the feed cart. His father takes a step back, not knowing how to respond. Hyun fills the cart and moves it to distribute the feed evenly into the troughs for the cows. Even while doing this, he quickly realizes how physically demanding this job is and how much there is to do.

“Dad, can’t you hire someone?” 

“…..”

His father remains silent, coughing several times instead of answering.

“You need to hire someone, Dad. You need to think about your health.” 

“Hire someone? With this situation... cough cough”

Even amidst this, his father’s coughing doesn’t cease. Hyun notices that the eyes of the cows he encounters today shine more than usual, but he soon realizes it’s because of the tears welling up in his own eyes, which he is trying to hold back.

“I’ll finish everything here, so you should go inside, Dad. It’s time for dinner. It’s getting really cold, Dad.”

Despite his words, his father continues to stand there. Hyun hurries to finish the work, feeling he has to complete it as quickly as possible.

<The End of Part1, #6. “Condition of Love”>