Chapter Eight

"And that was the story of Jack and the beanstalk," I smiled as I closed the book. I settled the book on the bedside table and returned to the little ones. "How was that for a bedtime story?" I asked as I looked at them from the top bunk to the pull-a-bed on the floor.

Because of my sisters' unplanned pregnancies, I gave up my room for the kids. However, we couldn't afford separate beds so we bought a double-decker bed with a pull-a-bed underneath. Thankfully, my nieces and nephees never complained. Especially, when they always enjoyed having each other around.

"Is the beanstalk true, Auntie?" Yeonghee, the youngest of the bunch, asked. "And is there really a giant's castle in the sky?"

"Hm, well, other than Jack, no one has attempted to try again," I replied as I tucked them in one by one. I continued, "And after he cut down the beanstalk, no one knew where the magic beans are. No one even knows what he did with them.

Yeonseok, the eldest, shared the top bunk with Ahra. Sunmi and Chiwon shared the middle bunk. And since Yeonghee was the youngest, she had the pull-a-bed all to herself. Jaeyun gave birth to the two boys whilst Narae was a mother of three lovely girls.

Chiwon answered, "When I grow up, I will go on an adventure and find those beans! Then, I will climb up the beanstalk and get some gold from the giant's castle."

"Oh, really?" I giggled as I sat beside him. "And what will you do with all those gold?"

The young boy thought for a second before he replied, "I will buy a bigger house and I will help you and Grandma with paying for the bills. That way, you won't have to work too much anymore. You can always stay at home and play with us."

I became speechless after whay Chiwon said. I let out a smile and tucked him in once again. "Let's talk about it some other time. Right now, it's time for you all to get some sleep," I replied.

"Thank you for tucking us in again, Auntie," Sunmi said.

"It's always a delight for me to see you all before sleeping. Now, close those eyes and I will see you tomorrow," I replied as I stood from the bed. When I reached the door, I turned around and said, "Good night and sweet dreams, guys."

"Good night, Auntie Mingyu!"

"Sweet dreams!"

My smile widened as I heard their adorable greetings. I stared at them for a while before I finally stepped out of the room. Slowly, I closed the door behind me and headed to my room.

It wasn't an easy task to take care of five kids. But even though the children were a lot of responsibility, they never failed to brighten up my day. It would always come as a surprise for me whenever they would express their concerns. What Chiwon said a while ago was a perfect example.

For quite some time, they complained that I wasn't around that much when I looked for a new job. But after I explained to them why I had to, they understood right away. And for Chiwon to say something like that, I was relieved that the kids had a sense of maturity at such a young age. However, it also broke my heart that they had those sort of thoughts when they shouldn't have.

I could only wish that their mothers would have the same level of maturity and would act as proper parents for the kids.

They need their mothers.

---*---*---*---

I sighed as I put the contracts away. I read them all quite quickly and already had some kind of understanding as to what the company was about. I turned to my alarm clock.

Ten-thirty in the evening.

At this point, I should be sleeping. But because of the coffee I drank, I would need to wait for the caffeine to wear off. I looked to my left and caught sight of my sketchbook. I grabbed it, as well as a pencil from my pencil holder and doodled.

It has been a while since I last used my sketchbook. Back at my previous job, I would work longer hours just to meet a certain amount at the end of every month. There even came a time where I did that for one whole month. And that landed me in a hospital. That was when my mother told me to find a better job as she couldn't handle me being hospitalized for overworking. Thankfully, my new job was a blessing. Perhaps, this time around, I would have more time for the things I treasured the most.

After a good thirty minutes, I was in the middle of drawing a lotus pond when my phone vibrated. I opened it and saw that it was a notification of a voicemail. It was from Dad. I played it as I continued with what I was drawing.

Hello, love! How was your day? I bet you've been working hard again. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Health is a luxury that we cannot afford to lose. Have more patience with your mom and sisters. I'll call you again tomorrow. Always remember that Dad is very proud of you in everything that you do. Sleep well, darling. Don't stay up too late. I love you.

After the beep, I closed my phone and put it down. A gentle smile slowly grew on my face as I kept my dad in mind whilst I drew. In this chaotic world that I lived in, only Dad's words were able to calm my mind. He was always the sound of reason and hope in my everyday life. And his simple voice messages always helped me progress in anything that I would do. His distance from me was never a hindrance for him to express his love for me. And for that, I would always be grateful for a father like him.

I miss you, Dad. I thought to myself as I put the pencil down. I miss you more than you know. And I hope that one day, I'll be able to see you again.

I kissed my fingers and pressed it lightly onto the lotus drawing, which was almost finished. In every drawing, every doodle, it was dedicated to Dad.

Always.