Read Let Go :: Cha Hyejung

Across the city was a girl named Cha Hyejung. She worked at a coffee shop even on Christmas–she took on all the shifts. Her best friend, Min Nara, owned the shop. It was a successful family business and Nara had promised her best friend a job there.

Hyejung didn’t want to work right after college. She majored in environmental science and had thoughts about teaching but wanted a break after college. She insisted on working at the coffee shop for a year or two as a little break before going back to pursue a teaching job. The entire café was homey and warm on such a cold day. Earlier, Hyejung had convinced the Min family to switch to environmental-friendly materials; all the plastic cups were eco-friendly and the cup holders themselves were made out of recycled cardboard.

Nara was a little worried that the customers wouldn’t like it, but everything turned out great and that was all that mattered.

Her shift was about to end when her phone went off in her apron pocket. Hyejung reached into her pocket and pulled out her brand new phone. Her old S4 had finally decided to die on her two weeks before Christmas, and after having it for so long, Hyejung took a trip down to the Samsung store and got herself a Note 5.

“Who is it?”

Hyejung turned around. “No clue. Can you watch the front?”

Nara nodded. “Go ahead.”

Hyejung slipped into the back and looked at her screen, there was a number she wasn’t familiar with on the front and it said ‘2 messages.’

She opened it anyway and was little taken aback upon reading the texts.

Who’s this? She asked.

Then two frantic texts came through, explaining the situation.

Hyejung’s eyes widened as she read the words the stranger sent her.

I’m sorry for your loss.

She bit her lip and thought about the things she could possibly say.

If you need anyone to talk to or a shoulder to lean on, you can always give me a call.

She pressed the power button and returned to work.