"I'm not begging for money but why does it feel that way?"

Shin Nari looked at her boss once more as an ugly sensation settled in the bottom of her stomach.

"If my money isn't returned to me, I will let you know by then."

"Alright, wake me up when I get home."

"Yes, President Cha."

It became quiet once again as Shin Nari returned to her earlier thoughts.

* * * * *

"Wise one please, I need a reading for my daughter."

Shin Eun-Ae, a single mother who had given up her past job as a waitress to an exclusive bar, was at a humble establishment belonging to a fortune teller. Desperate to know the future of her only child she sought help from a renown soothsayer.

"Write down when your daughter was born. You must include the hour, day, month and year to get an accurate reading."

A middle-aged woman in hanbok, a traditional clothing, her lips were painted a bright red. Hair twisted to a knot was secured in place by a white jade pin as the sole adornment. She sat cross-legged with her hands on a table where an assortment of talismans rested. Anyone who saw her would have said she was pleasant to the eyes.

'January 1, XXXX at 9 PM'

"The nurse that delivered Nari-ah said it was around 9' o'clock. I was very exhausted after a long labor and went to bed after Nari-ah was delivered."

Shin Eun-Ae passed the piece of paper to the fortune teller who began shaking a bell to invoke the spirit of divination. It went on for some time before the sound of the tinkling bell stopped.

"I see a woman in your child's future, she is destined to become one with a woman. They will cross paths; she can choose to avoid it or look for another person. But I must warn you that whichever choice she makes she can never conceive a child of her own."

"WHAT?! THAT CAN'T BE! MY NARI WITH A WOMAN?! ARE YOU SURE IT IS MY DAUGHTER'S FUTURE YOU READ AND NOT SOMEONE ELSE?!"

"Is she not stubborn, hardworking and considerate of others? Hasn't anyone told you that she is very cold and reserved towards other people? You do not know who her father is."

"It is my fault...HA!"

The soothsayer watched as Shin Eun-Ae began to cry. Her face, which showed hard times; aged even more as it cracked under the ominous warning of the fortune teller. Her daughter was doomed either way and she began to hit her chest in great sorrow.