M O R N I N G  T A S K S | 아침 작업

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The blaring ring of the alarm clock jolted you awake, its artificial clamor emanating from the bedside cabinet. With a groan of protest, you let out a soft huff, your gaze shifting from the partially lit ceiling to the little timekeeper vibrating obnoxiously on the tabletop. Reaching out, your hand landed with a thud on the device, silencing its semi-necessary noise pollution.

As serenity returned, you allowed your head to sink back into the plush pillow, turning to face the other side. The blue curtains filtered morning light, casting a soft azure glow across the room. Your eyes landed on the family photograph resting on the crate-top table. You were barely a teenager in the image, clad in a bright red frock, standing beside your grandmother on a single-seater sofa. Your parents flanked you on either side, forming a little nucleus of happiness.

The image brought a pang of nostalgia. You thought of your mother, who used to rouse you every morning with a swat, knowing you were never a morning person. School punishments for tardiness were routine, but even your teachers couldn't stay mad at you for long—your warm, kind nature always had a way of drawing people in. A double-edged sword, that charm.

You sighed and swung your legs off the bed, padding toward the window. Pulling the curtains aside, sunlight streamed in, warming your skin. Outside, the newspaper delivery man had just tossed the daily paper and a milk carton onto your doorstep. You slid the window open and called out, "Mister! Wait a moment!"

Grabbing an envelope and a chocolate bar from your desk, you left your room and hurried down the stairs, your steps tapping rhythmically. You opened the front door to greet the slender figure in a quilted jacket. He greeted you with a broad, cheerful smile.

The winter air nipped at your bare skin, but you brushed aside the cold and extended the envelope, concealing the chocolate inside. "Good morning, mister. Here’s your payment," you said warmly.

The man reached out, his brow furrowing slightly as the crackle of plastic met his ears. He peeked inside the envelope and paused, surprised to find the medium-sized bar of dark chocolate. His questioning eyes met yours. "What’s this for?"

You crinkled your nose with a sheepish smile. "Just a little gift from me. I can only imagine how tough it is to get up so early, riding your bike through these chilly streets every day."

His face broke into a gummy grin. "Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you. Have a wonderful day!" With a polite bow, he turned and pedaled off, the gentle chime of his bicycle bell fading into the distance.

His radiant smile lingered in your mind, warming your morning. Gathering the paper and milk, you headed back inside, ready to start your day.

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After brushing your teeth, taking a warm shower, and tying your hair into a messy bun, you made your way to the kitchenette. Today, you decided to break away from the usual breakfast routine. Your grandmother deserved something special for a change.

You recalled the YouTube tutorial you’d watched the day before on how to prepare homemade shirataki noodles. Excitement tingled as you swung open the refrigerator door, pulling out vegetables and sauces. Washing them carefully, you set to work.

The rhythmic chop of the knife echoed in the kitchen as your earphones played a favorite playlist. You hummed along, lost in the melody. The frying pan sizzled on the stove, its aroma filling the room as you sautéed vegetables with soy sauce and chili. Meanwhile, the noodles simmered in a boiling pot. The kitchen came alive with the tangy scent of tomatoes mingling with spices, pleasing your senses.

Finally, the dish was ready. You plated the steaming noodles in a bowl, covered it, and untied your apron. Balancing the tray carefully, you approached your grandmother’s room. Quietly, you turned the doorknob and stepped inside.

In the dim light, you saw her frail figure curled under the sheets. Setting the tray down, you gently pulled open the curtains, letting sunlight illuminate the space. The rays kissed her face, revealing its soft contours.

"Granny, wake up," you called gently, shaking her shoulder. "The morning sun is waiting for you."

Her eyelids fluttered open, struggling against the brightness. "Oh, I’m sorry," she murmured. "I stayed up late waiting for you last night."

You sat beside her, helping her sit up against the pillows. "Granny, I’ve told you so many times not to wait up for me. You need to sleep on time."

She caressed your cheek affectionately. "How can I not think of you? You’re all I have now. Your parents aren’t here, so I must watch over you."

You smiled softly. "No, Granny. It’s the other way around. I’m here to take care of you." Placing the bowl in front of her, you teased, "Close your eyes—I’ve got a surprise."

She chuckled and obeyed. When she opened them again, her face lit up. "Shirataki noodles? You made this?"

"Yup!" you said proudly, holding up the chopsticks. "Here, try a bite. Let me know what you think."

She took a tentative taste, her eyes widening in delight. "Oh my, this is delicious! Did you take up a chef’s job in addition to being a waitress?"

You laughed. "Nope! Just a little experiment from the internet. It can teach you anything if you’re willing to learn."

She patted your head with affection. "You’re impossible."

"I prefer unique," you replied with a wink.

After ensuring she’d eaten her fill and taken her medication, you cleaned up and prepared for the day. The doorbell rang just as you were fixing your hair. You opened it to greet Miss Ailiseu, your grandmother’s caregiver.

"Good morning, Miss Ailiseu. I’ve already fed her breakfast. You know the drill!"

She smiled warmly. "Of course. Have a great day at work."

With a playful jingle of your keychain, you stepped out, ready to face the world.

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Hello everyone. ^^

Here's the next update.

Don't forget to comment your thoughts on this. Any guesses about how they're gonna meet? They- you already know whom I'm talking about right? Tell me hehe