I went to celebrate, and laughed again
At the celebration, Yunseo laughs first again. Once more, her own words never make it out.
At every celebration, Yunseo accepts the role others hand her first. Once again, she is asked to say a few words without any preparation.
At a coworker's celebration, Yunseo is suddenly handed a microphone and says a few words with a smile. A few days later, the same thing happens at another celebration, but this time the words she has kept inside are cut short.
When other people's expectations grow first
When you accept the role you're given before checking what you want, even a few short words can stay with you for a long time.
Where were you recently when you answered as soon as someone asked you for something?
Yunseo, what stayed with me was the moment you reached for a laugh as soon as you took the microphone at a celebration. Between the role someone handed you and what you truly wanted to say there, which felt heavier? If you're going through a similar moment, please tell me about it slowly, too.
Scenes
- 01 · An Unexpected Celebration The microphone came first — At the celebration, Minji suddenly held out a microphone. Before Yunseo could decide what to say, she stood up. Minji: You should say a few words too, Yunseo. Yunseo: Oh, congratulations.
- 02 · The Empty Space After the Laughter It stayed with me after I came home — After returning home, Yunseo stared at the blank space on the celebration card for a long time. The card was filled with words for her coworker, but not with what Yunseo had wanted to say. Dowon: After you laughed there, what was the first thing that stayed with you when you came home?
- 03 · Another Few Words Asked of Her They asked me again — Three days later, at another celebration, Sohui slid a cake box in front of Yunseo. Yunseo hadn't said a word yet, but everyone's eyes had already turned to her. Sohui: It would be nice if Yunseo said a few words today. Yunseo: Okay, I got it.
- 04 · The Night She Stopped at the End of Her Words “I…” And then she stopped. — Sohui sets down the cake knife and calls to Yunseo again. Yunseo starts to rise from her chair, braces a hand on the table, and barely gets out the first words. Sohui: Yunseo, get us started. Yunseo: I…
Stories by Dowon
- Dowon
- After the interview, choosing substance over expansion
- Since my body changed, even familiar tasks feel unfamiliar.
- After getting the kids to bed, I wonder if I’m ready to date someone new.
- After a gathering, I need to be alone
- As I get ready for work, should I start by fixing what I’m lacking?
- You realize the whole morning is gone, and blame yourself for the day again.
- When I get back after a meeting, the money I gave my family is the first thing on my mind.
- I couldn’t tell my husband, even though I’d gone to the interview.