Suddenly, I'm Engaged

Hana

Mr. Shin is looking out of his window. Seeing the children playing around and the vendors in the parameters of the basketball court makes him want to go out and have some fresh air. As he was sitting on a bench, the children start fooling around him thinking he wouldn’t understand what they were doing since he looks like a foreigner and obviously, new to the neighborhood. But a young girl butted in and stopped them from being disrespectful. Mr. Shin couldn’t hide his smile as he watches how she intimidates those kids despite being young and small. Then, she went to him and asked for an apology on their behalf. Mr. Shin adored her for being warm and kindhearted despite her young age.

The next day, while he was walking around the neighborhood, he heard his favorite song played loudly. So he walks around and looked where the sound of music does come from then he found a furniture shop. He sits down in front of the shop and listens to Only You by The Platters which reminds him of his younger years. As he was reminiscing, the furniture maker saw him and offered him to stay inside to have some coffee. He accepted the man’s kind gesture and they had good chitchats while listening to the entire album. They easily clicked with each other thanks to their same taste in music.

In the middle of their conversation, a familiar kid came in and called for his papa. What a small world he thought. He asked for the man’s name and said he is John and her daughter is Aliah. Mr. Shin patted the young girl’s head and was reminded of his grandchild in Korea.

“I’m just taking a vacation and will eventually go back to Korea. But thanks to you and your daughter, I’ll have a good memory staying here in this village.”

John was surprised to know that Aliah met him before and he felt proud at the same time for the kindness she displays as what Mr. Shin told. Despite having a simple life, Mr. Shin envies their family for being warm and hospitable.

One day, John invited Mr. Shin to join their family in a humble dinner. But he couldn’t accept the offer for free, knowing that he has more than to offer. So he insisted to go to the market and buy some groceries for the family. Aliah and Martha, her mother, went to the market with Mr. Shin knowing that he’s unfamiliar with the marketplace. Everyone in the market asks Mr. Shin if Ali is her daughter because they have a resemblance and they both have monolid eyes. And hearing those questions makes Mr. Shin laugh and flattered for some reason. He laughs at the absurd thought that Aliah is her daughter when he knows his way too old to have such a young child rather than to be his granddaughter and is flattered by the thought that he looks younger than his age. Or maybe, it’s just some sort of sales talk for buying a lot.

Everyone’s busy preparing for dinner and looking at Aliah cooking the rice without using an electric rice cooker at that young age makes him feel more proud. She is raised properly by her parents despite having a humble life. Martha is busy grilling the chicken which is tonight’s main menu. And John was busy preparing the coconut juice. A perfect menu, he thought.

Everything’s set and they are ready to eat. Aliah led the way so Mr. Shin could wash his hands before eating. He was in awe to see how small their house is but fits in it as if they have everything in this world. He never thought that a humble place like this could be a paradise for a young girl like Aliah. Her bright smile and positive attitude reflect how contented and happy they are.

They were all sitting at a four-sitter round dining table and the food covered the entire table. Martha scoop a cup of warm well-cooked rice for Mr. Shin and Aliah put a grilled thigh part on his plate. The food, the ambiance, and the hospitality make him feel the warmth. He felt the warmth not only in his stomach but it reaches his heart as well.

“I feel bad for experiencing this alone. It would be better if Liam can share these wonderful memories with me.” He said while eating.

John and Martha looked at Mr. Shin and the sadness is all over his face.

“Who is Liam?” Aliah asked while she’s busy stuffing her mouth with the chicken.

“He’s my grandson.”

“Then you could bring him here someday,” John stated.

Mr. Shin smiled at what John said then he continued eating. He somewhat felt guilty enjoying such dinner and felt the warmth of a family which he couldn’t provide for Liam. He felt bad for his grandson who grew up in his care since his son, Liam’s father, died five years ago. And Liam’s mother left the mansion due to her guilt from surviving the car accident all alone. So Mr. Shin has no choice but to take care of his only grandson. Despite providing all the material things Liam could ask, he knows it would never fill the emptiness of growing up without the care of your parents.

“It would be better if Liam could grow up with a family like yours.” Mr. Shin added.

“Then I’ll take care of him.” Aliah blurted which made Mr. Shin laughed out.

“Oh? How about I’ll marry him off to you?” The elders laugh out for the tenacity of Aliah. A kid who claims that she can take care of another kid like her.

“Alright, I’ll marry him so he won’t be lonely anymore.” And that made Mr. Shin laughed out loud.

Aliah was busy washing the dishes while the elders are gathered in the living room for some tea time. Mr. Shin couldn’t believe that a nine-year-old like Aliah is way matured more than her age. How could a young girl like her wash the dishes on her own? Aliah was raised well.

That being said, Mr. Shin has made his decision. He wants Aliah to become Liam’s family someday when he leaves this world. Being with Aliah would be the best gift he could ever give him, a family that he never had. And the thought of it made him smiled brightly.

“Anyway, may I ask your name? We’ve been chatting and had dinner all together but I forgot to ask your name.” John queried.

“My name is Chin Hwa Shin but you can just call me Shin.”

“Oh…Shin, Mr. Shin. So you’re a Korean? How come you speak our language fluently?” Martha asked.

“You have to be a linguist when you want your business to expand and be established.” He explained.

Their chitchat makes them forget the night gets deeper. Mr. Shin has to go home and take a rest. While they walk him out of their house, Mr. Shin looked at Aliah once again and patted her hair.

“It would be great if I could have a granddaughter-in-law like you.”

And that makes Martha and John left in awe. Mr. Shin seems like he’s serious about pairing the two young kids.