Chapter 4.2

Chapter 4.2

For several days, Jang Myeong-hwan sorted through her grandfather’s house. Min Se-hwa stayed at the hospital to care for Jang Ju-eun, who had come down with a high fever.

“Si-eun. Jang Si-eun!”

That afternoon, in the yard of her grandfather’s country house, Jang Myeong-hwan did not raise his voice very high when he tried to reason with her.

Even after the funeral, people who had come to pay their respects were still nearby. Because they were watching, Si-eun dared to be stubborn.

She refused to leave Yeong-hui, the old dog her grandfather had raised.

“What’s gotten into her? She’s always been such an obedient child.”

Jang Myeong-hwan wiped away his sweat, looking troubled.

Normally, he would have struck Si-eun before she even had the chance to whine. In front of other people, however, he was always a warm and gentle man.

He might drag her by the hair and kick her once they were home, but in public he acted like a father who adored his daughter.

So Si-eun held her ground.

“Can’t we take her with us? Please?”

“Ju-eun is afraid of dogs. We can’t, Si-eun. All right? We have to leave now. Daddy doesn’t have time.”

“Ju-eun isn’t afraid of her. She likes Yeong-hui. Yeong-hui is quiet and good!”

When Si-eun wrapped her arms around Yeong-hui and refused to move, the people nearby began to interfere.

“My goodness, Si-eun must really love that dog. You still have the Minister’s house in Seongbuk-dong, don’t you? It’s plenty big. Take her home and raise her there.”

“They’re right, Mr Jang. The old woman down the road can barely see, so it’ll be difficult for her to feed the dog. Yeong-hui lived inside with the Minister. She’ll have a hard time being tied up in a yard.”

“I would like to, but my younger daughter is easily frightened…”

Jang Myeong-hwan roughly swept back his hair and glared at Si-eun. Then he checked his watch and let out a long sigh.

“Fine. Take her and get in the car. I’m already late for the broadcast.”

After all their arguing, he finally gave in.

Si-eun moved quickly, afraid he might change his mind.

She gathered the food bowl and toys she had packed in advance, then dragged Yeong-hui toward the car and helped her into the back seat.

Old and slow, Yeong-hui barely moved anymore. Yet she seemed to understand that this was her only chance to leave with Si-eun. She quietly curled up on the back seat.

Jang Myeong-hwan looked down at the dog’s belongings in Si-eun’s arms. Disgust briefly crossed his face, but he said nothing more.

During the drive home, Si-eun barely dared to breathe.

She hugged Yeong-hui’s small body and trembled the entire way, afraid the dog might bark or relieve herself and make Jang Myeong-hwan hate her.

As though sensing Si-eun’s fear, Yeong-hui kept licking the back of her hand.

Jang Myeong-hwan did not say a word until they reached home.

When they arrived, Auntie Hwang came out to greet Si-eun.

“Oh my. Where did this dog come from?”

Here is the polished translation, kept simple and smooth, with no em dashes:

“Her name is Yeong-hui. She’s a girl, she’s thirteen years old, and Dad said I could keep her.”

Si-eun introduced Yeong-hui while carefully watching Jang Myeong-hwan’s expression.

“Oh, really? You must be happy, Miss Si-eun.”

Auntie Hwang stroked Si-eun’s head as she beamed with excitement.

“Madam went back to the hospital after lunch. She said she would return after getting Miss Ju-eun to sleep. Are you heading out again, sir?”

“Yes. I have a broadcast. Sorry, but could you wash the child? She smells from hugging that filthy dog.”

“Of course. Since I’m washing Miss Si-eun, I’ll wash the dog too…”

“Yeong-hui!”

“I’ll wash Yeong-hui too.”

Jang Myeong-hwan glanced at the dog.

“Leave the dog alone.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ll deal with it when I get back. Just tie it beside the persimmon tree.”

He must truly have been running late. He checked his watch several times and made phone calls as he hurried out.

Only after the front gate closed and the sound of his car faded did Si-eun finally breathe out in relief.

Auntie Hwang washed Si-eun first. After a moment of hesitation, she scrubbed Yeong-hui clean as well and dried her thoroughly.

The dog’s matted fur became soft and white. Her familiar nutty scent had faded, but she was warm and fluffy.

When Min Se-hwa returned home that evening, she frowned at Yeong-hui wagging her tail at Si-eun’s feet.

“Where did you find such a mongrel with no pedigree? It’s embarrassing, so don’t take her outside. Walk her only in the yard.”

Despite her sharp words, Min Se-hwa glanced down at Yeong-hui and reached out a hand.

Yeong-hui sniffed her fingertips with her shiny nose, then eagerly pushed her head beneath her palm.

Min Se-hwa stroked her head as though against her will and pouted.