“Redemption”

By Hyun Woo Kim

Richard haunts me after all these years when my husband falls asleep. I had every right to turn down his crush on me; looking back, it did not mean that I could humiliate him publicly. He was just a teenager like my son, socially awkward and sensitive. I do not want my son to drop out of high school and end up in prison just because of a stupid girl.

I muster my courage. I owe Richard an apology. Apologies, maybe. I visit him. Richard opens his eyes and mouth wide open. His teeth and gums look terrible. He keeps his silence until I cannot bear it.

“Richard, I am sorry,” I say this with my deepest regrets.

Richard still does not say a thing, examining my face.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I am so sorry. I was an arrogant idiot. I am truly sorry that you are here.”

Richard finally speaks.

“Eh, were you that stupid bitch who owe me, like, five hundred bucks?”

I walk out, leaving Richard in his confusion.

I have been a stupid arrogant girl, after all.

---

Hyun Woo Kim is a writer living in Seoul. Kim was a finalist of the 2023 Los Angeles Review Short Fiction Award, and his works have been published by Bear Paw Arts Journal, Half and One, and others. He can be reached at paschali@fidei.email or https://www.chillsubs.com/user/hyunwookim.