The Elevator Encounter
Chapter 8
As soon as I reached home, Ryo ran toward me and hugged me tightly. He asked, Mama, how was your day today?
I hugged him back and reassured him that my day went well, and then I bought his favorite egg pudding for him.
He said to me happily, Thank you mama, come on, let's eat.
I told him to wait, let's say bye to aunt and give her some porridge , and then we would eat together. Okay.?
Yes, mamma. Ryo went and sat at the table, waiting for me. Just as aunty was about to leave, I went over to her and…
I gave some porridge to the aunt and told her, Thank you for taking care of Ryo when I am not around, this is for you.
She told me that she might not be able to take care of Ryo tomorrow. I asked why, and she said that tomorrow is her husband's birthday, so they are going out for dinner.
I said, Okay, please confirm with me in the morning. She replied, Alright.
Next morning in office—
Here again so chaos here
The elevator was empty except for the hum of the machinery and the faint scent of cologne left behind by someone who had been there before me.
Today I brought Ryo to the office with me because the neighbor was going out. She even told me that she would take Ryo along with her, but I knew Ryo did not want to go. That is why I brought him with me today.
Ryo clutched my hand quiet and obedient as he always was when I brought him to the office.
I pressed the button for the ground floor my stomach twisting with nerves and exhaustion.
I brought Ryo with me for the interview because that day there was not much work. I only needed confirmation that I would be able to do the job. But today I have brought Ryo with me to work, and I am afraid that someone might object to it.
But , thank fully. Nobody ask me about ryo.. and why I brought him here..
But..
It had been a long day too many tasks too many eyes watching and Hanas laughter still echoed in my mind
Then the doors opened on the seventh floor and he stepped in
CEO Siwoo
I did not see him coming.
Tall sharp and immaculately dressed his presence filled the small elevator as if it belonged to him
His eyes went to Ryo first and my heart clenched.
I don't want him to look, ryo.
That brief pause made my skin crawl even though it lasted only a second.
Then his gaze shifted to me steady and calculating.
'You are Sizu Kim'he said flat and controlled.
It's first time him talking to me, or he just stare me as he analysis me.. but I calmly,
blinked and nodded, and said 'Yes that is me'.
The elevator shuddered as it began its descent.
Silence filled the space.
He was looking at my reflection, which appeared in the sharp mirror of the elevator in front of us.
He watched me.
And I could not stop noticing how his eyes seemed to examine everything my tired expression and my hand holding Ryo, the slight tremble in my fingers.
I don't why, but I think he's nervous. So,
I swallowed and leaned down to Ryo speaking softly
'It is okay. Ryo'.just keep holding my hand
Ryo squeezed my hand tighter.
His trust and calm reminded me why I was standing here.
I was not doing this only for myself
I had to stay strong for him
Siwoo stayed silent for several floors
Then suddenly he spoke again,
You handle him well.
I nearly choked and looked up, Excuse me.? I mean he's talking to me..? The great Ceo talking to me.. but at the same time I'm confuse like what he's talking about..? I was going to ask, what he mean by handle, but then he said:
'Managing him and work is not easy'.
His voice was low and for the first time it did not sound like authority.
Oh he was saying I'm doing well, care him(ryo) and doing my work too.. that's what I thought.. but
There was something else.
Recognition, curiosity or concern, I could not tell.
I shook my head steadying myself and said 'I do what I have to'.
He tilted,his head slightly eyes narrowing as if "measuring every word I said"
'You are efficient' he added more quietly.
I did not know whether to feel flattered or uneasy.
I was just hoping the elevator would stop soon so I could get out. But I was amazed that he did not ask me anything about Ryo. Otherwise, I would have panicked completely.
"Thank you" I murmured keeping my eyes down.
The elevator stopped at the third floor.
He stepped out, first his movements precise and controlled.
He did not look back yet I could feel his presence even as we moved toward the lobby.
Ryo tugged at my sleeve.
Who was that? Mama,
I looked down at him and said "Someone important in this office", but nothing you need to worry about,
He nodded trusting me, without hesitation.
As we stepped into the sunlight I felt it.
The first threads of tension slowly wrapping around me
The unknown path was not just the office or the work or the city
It was him
And I had no idea how much he would change my work..
-To be continued