Checks as soon as I wake up
Before the day has even begun, Mom’s check-in arrives first. Each morning I put off answering, their words grow shorter.
Yuna, a high school student, meets the moment each morning when Mom checks on her day first. After the same questions repeat, she brings that morning’s opening scene to Cheongun.
As soon as Yuna opens her eyes, she meets Mom’s questions and touch. Worried she’ll be late, Mom checks this and that, while Yuna gives short answers and moves on. After the same morning repeats, Yuna puts what Mom did into words in front of Cheongun.
When checking first every morning
When worry comes first, questions can pour out, leaving the child no room to answer.
What are the first words you exchange in the morning?
The door opens as soon as she wakes, and the scene of being asked about the day before she can answer stays with her. I saw that Mom’s worry and the child’s answer were passing by before they could reach each other. If you’re going through similar mornings, you’re welcome to tell me what words first caught in your throat.
Scenes
- 01 · The door opens first The door opens first — Before the alarm rings, Mom opens the bedroom door and pulls back the curtains. Yuna hasn’t even fully opened her eyes yet. Mom: Yuna, get up. You’re not going to be late today, are you? Yuna: Okay.
- 02 · The answers grow shorter The answers grow shorter — While Yuna looks for her shoes at the edge of the bed, Mom looks down at the phone screen. An alarm that hasn’t been dismissed is still on the screen. Mom: Did you pack everything you need today? Yuna: Yeah.
- 03 · It’s the same morning It’s the same morning — Three days later, Mom opens the bag again before Yuna comes out. Standing at the doorway, Yuna watches Mom put the pencil case back in. Mom: The pencil case is here. This is all you need to take. Yuna: I’ll check.
- 04 · Checking from the beginning Checking from the beginning — Yuna describes what Mom did, one thing at a time, then returns to the morning when the door first opened. “Mom checks on me as soon as I wake up.” Yuna: Mom checks on me as soon as I wake up. Cheongun: In that scene, which of you spoke first?
Stories by Cheongun
- Cheongun
- I set aside money for my younger sibling from my first paycheck
- It’s hard to tell my parents I’m getting counseling.
- I gave them flowers, but they didn’t say thank you
- After two friends fall out, I open the group chat every Sunday night
- When childhood comes up, we say less as we each search for an answer.
- On my birthday morning, the talk turns to caring for my parents again
- When someone believes you’re in pain
- I came home without apologizing to my child.