Chapter 22: Borrowed Strength

Around 3 p.m., I turned the sign from to .

The elders who came to the Chachip after finishing their day’s work widened their eyes when they saw that.

“Oh? Changseong-ah, are you closing up?”

“Ah, yes. I’m closing a bit early today.”

“Wow, is something going on?”

“Are you sick? Or is it because of the kids?”

The elders threw all sorts of questions at me, their voices filled with genuine concern.

Some might have found their words intrusive, even invasive of privacy.

But I didn’t feel that way at all.

“They’re just worried and care, that’s all.”

It’s a kind of warmth hard to feel in Seoul.

Here, it overflows, more than enough.

There was a time when that used to bother me, but not anymore.

I waved my hand at the concerned elders.

“It’s not about me. I’m just heading to Soomyeong Halmeoni’s Field for a bit.”

“Why are you going to Soomyeong noona’s Field?”

If I told them Halmeoni wasn’t feeling well, there’d be an uproar, right?

“I’m researching a new tea, and I need a crop from her Field. So I thought I’d help out and take a look.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“I came by because I heard there was someone I hadn’t seen before, but I guess it’ll have to wait.”

“This old woman talks too much. What do you need? Just tell me. We grow all sorts of things in our Fields.”

“Do you need any fruit?”

Even though they could have been annoyed about closing the cafe early, the elders only sent me their warm goodwill.

I thanked each one of them for their kindness.

“Thank you. If I need anything, I’ll let you know. I’m sorry I can’t serve you tea today, even though you came all this way. But next time, I’ll give you a Service treat.”

“Oh, then can you make that thing I had before? Was it Macaron?”

“Macaron? Of course, I can make that for you.”

“Good, then just make that next time. It was delicious when I tried it before.”

“Aigoo, you don’t have to take requests. Anything is fine. You must be busy, sorry for holding you up.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

The elders patted my shoulder and stroked my head before heading off.

Letting the elders go without a treat, especially after coming through the rain, made me feel uneasy.

I should finish the recipe for the elders as soon as I can and offer it to them.

Watching the elders’ backs as they walked away, I finally stepped inside the Chachip.

“The dishes are all done.”

“Thanks. You didn’t break any this time, right?”

“I don’t make the same mistake twice!”

I laughed as I looked at Siwoo, who was pouting her lips.

The first time Siwoo did the dishes, she broke three plates…

But since they could all be restored, it didn’t really matter.

Now, I was just teasing her.

“Oh, you don’t trust me, do you?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Where else can you find eyes this honest and upright?”

“Then why are you avoiding my eyes?”

“…My eyes are just itchy, that’s all. By the way, how did you feel working today?”

Siwoo leaned her face closer and rolled her eyes at my question.

After thinking quietly about her day, she nodded.

“It wasn’t bad. No, it was really fun.”

She began counting off the things she liked most on her fingers.

“The best thing was the tea, dessert, and meal you made, Sajangnim. I wanted to eat even more, to be honest.”

“Even if you’re just saying that, it makes me happy.”

“I mean it.”

…With those sincere eyes looking up at me, I couldn’t deny it.

“And everyone who came was so kind, weren’t they? I used to think humans only knew how to destroy nature.”

Siwoo opened her palm.

A tiny cloud formed in her hand, its color dull and gray.

Darker than any regular rain cloud.

It looked as if someone had shaded it with a black crayon.

“But the people I met today were different. I could feel that everyone cherished this space—and you, Sajangnim.”

“They’re all good people.”

“Right? I was so happy to spend a day meeting people like that.”

I was glad that Siwoo had a joyful day.

“You’ll have more days like this, I promise.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

As long as I’m here, this Chachip will always keep that feeling alive.

Siwoo, as if making up her mind, suddenly grabbed my hand and declared,

“I want to keep working here. If can keep going, I’ll do anything!”

I was grateful Siwoo loved that much.

But even if she says she’ll do anything, I’d never make her do just anything.

No matter how wonderful the work is, if Siwoo ever feels unhappy, then it’s meaningless.

“If it gets tough, let me know.”

“Of course.”

Seeing her passion eased my mind a bit.

“Then, can I ask you for one favor?”

“What is it?”

“I need to step out for a bit. I’m going to check on the Field.”

It’s only been a day since Halmeoni left, so nothing big should’ve happened.

Besides, it’s raining, so there’s not much I can do.

Still, I should go check once.

“If the kids from the Spirit Realm come while I’m out, can you watch them for me?”

Last time I left to go to Soomyeong Halmeoni’s place, the kids got worried.

I don’t want to make them anxious again.

“I feel bad for asking you to work even after closing the Chachip…”

“No, it’s fine! I only received today. Besides, I want to see Noran and Naru before I go.”

“Hearing that makes me feel better.”

As I patted her head, Siwoo gave me a warm smile.

Trusting Siwoo, I put on my jacket and headed out.

“There are Cookies, so eat some and relax while I’m gone. I’ll be back soon.”

“Take your time, finish what you need to do!”

With Siwoo’s reliable sendoff, I stepped out into the street.

***

Thanks to the all-day rain, the ground was muddy, but I didn’t mind it much.

Thinking about how this rain would put the villagers’ minds at ease made it all the better.

“Let’s see, Halmeoni’s Field…”

Soomyeong Halmeoni’s Field wasn’t far from her house.

It wasn’t very large, closer to a small patch than a Field.

So there wouldn’t be much for me to do.

“This is…unexpected.”

Farming is a long-term commitment, so nothing major happens overnight.

But that’s a misconception.

Farming is war.

Even a single day of neglect, and the effects will show on the crops.

I should reflect on my past self who thought nothing would happen.

“Did the Je-bang break?”

Halmeoni’s Field was more like a Rice Paddy.

Water had overflowed from somewhere, flooding the entire Field and turning it into a mess.

Even if this rain is special compared to others, at this rate it’s almost a total loss.

“The crops might all be dead…”

Halmeoni will be heartbroken.

Just imagining her forcing a bitter smile made my chest ache.

I shook my head to clear away the gloomy thoughts.

What’s done is done, but I can still prevent further damage.

“I’ll dig out the water path and block the breach first.”

I needed to dig so the water wouldn’t pool, and block where it was overflowing.

I ran through the plan in my head and got to work right away.

“Ajussi, Du-sik Ajussi! Are you home?”

“Hm? Who is it?”

First, I ran to the nearest, Kang Du-sik Ajussi’s house.

I could go home, but to save time, this was best.

“It’s me, Changseong. Could I borrow a shovel?”

Kang Du-sik Ajussi frowned, looked at me, then nodded.

“There’s one in the Warehouse, so take it. But what do you need a shovel for?”

“Ah, there’s a lot of water in the Field over there. I want to make a path for it.”

“That side, is it Soomyeong Halmeoni and Seon-i Halmeoni’s Field? Did the Je-bang burst?”

“I think so.”

“Tsk, wait a sec.”

Kang Du-sik Ajussi went inside, then came out wearing his jacket.

“Ajussi?”

“I’ll go with you. If you do it alone, it’ll take forever.”

“But you should rest…”

“There’s no such thing as rest when it comes to farming. Around here, there’s no mine or yours. Here, take a sack and some rope from the Warehouse.”

I did as Kang Du-sik Ajussi said and gathered the necessary supplies.

I felt sorry for making Ajussi help, but at the same time, it was reassuring.

Having an expert lend a hand meant a lot.

***

Ajussi clicked his tongue as he came out to the Field with me.

“There’s no way we can do this just the two of us.”

“Huh?”

“If we do it alone, we’ll be here all night. See? That spot broke, and the sides keep collapsing. Unless we shore them up together, it’ll just keep happening.”

“Ah…then…”

“There are two ways. Either wait for the rain to ease, or call more people.”

Ajussi took out a cigarette, lit it, and drew a long puff before turning to me.

“But what can we do about the sky? We should be grateful it finally rained after all this time, and do what we need to do. Don’t you think?”

“I suppose so.”

“Let’s not wait for the rain. Let’s do what we can.”

“Then, should I take that side?”

“Hm? No, wait. Hold on, you’re too hasty.”

He grabbed me by the back of my neck, stopping me with the shovel in hand.

Ajussi took another slow drag from his cigarette.

“Let’s smoke a cigarette first.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to work and then rest?”

“Hey, if I say wait, you wait, kid.”

Since Ajussi said it so firmly, I had no choice but to wait.

Maybe it was just me, but Ajussi seemed to be smoking even more leisurely than usual today.

After a couple more puffs, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

“Hey, Wook. You busy? You’re not, right? What else would you be doing besides lying around watching TV? There’s a Flood here, so come help out. Bring a shovel and sacks. Call the guys next door too. Yeah, yeah. Come to the Halmeoni’s Field.”

That call was just the start.

Ajussi made a few more calls.

One cigarette per call. After a total of four, he finally put away his phone.

“If you keep smoking like that, you’ll wreck your lungs.”

“Changseong-ah, is living a long life just about eating boring food and doing nothing fun? If you’re meant to live long, you will, no matter what.”

“I get what you mean, but still, there’s no need to shave off your lifespan, right?”

“Enough with the worrying, kid.”

“Don’t say that, and drop by the Chachip sometime. I’ll brew you a tea that’s good for your throat and lungs.”

One cup of the tea I’m preparing will make his lungs feel as fresh as a newborn’s.

Ajussi grinned and slung his arm around my shoulder.

“Is it free?”

“If you like free things, you’ll go bald.”

“Kid, I’ve got nothing left to lose on my head!”

“You’ve still got hair on the sides. That’ll go too, you know.”

“Keep talking like that, and it’ll be a curse.”

“Why are you two joking around with a Flood in front of you?”

As we chatted, another burly Ajussi approached.

Shovel slung over his shoulder, sack in hand, he looked like he was about to wrestle someone.

“Wook’s here?”

“Wook Ajussi, hello.”

“Ah, Changseong-ah. I heard you came down, but it’s nice to finally see you.”

“I should’ve greeted you sooner, sorry about that.”

“No worries. I know you’ve been busy running the Chachip.”

Kim Wook Ajussi smiled warmly, then looked around.

“Let’s catch up later. Du-sik hyung, it’s a real mess here. I saw the same trouble down below on the way over.”

“Right? This rain’s really something.”

“But it’s good, right? You don’t have to water the Rice Paddy.”

“Of course, kid.”

As the two chatted, more Ajussis arrived.

Then two more after that.

Before I knew it, there were nearly twenty elders gathered before us.

That’s pretty much every able-bodied elder in this little village.

Du-sik Ajussi glanced around at everyone.

No one said a word, because nothing needed to be said.

What needed doing was understood with just a look.

“Let’s get started. You all know how to dig a water channel, right?”

“Yes. We’ll take the lower part, you guys block up top.”

“Okay. Let’s get it done in thirty minutes.”

“Let’s go!”

Everyone picked up a shovel and moved out in perfect unison.

Even though it wasn’t their problem, they rolled up their sleeves and jumped in to help.

“Changseong-ah, let’s go too! The sooner we finish, the sooner we can rest.”

“Yes!”

What I had longed for in my previous life—

It wasn’t anything special, just this strong sense of camaraderie and the warm scent of people.