Chapter 4 The conversation

Patiently, he poured me a glass of water and waited for me to realize it wasn't a bad joke.

"To add to it, you're going to say that this grandfather is rich..."

"More than rich. One of the richest men on the planet. Owner of several businesses, including two hospitals in Seoul, which he wants you to manage and operate."

I choked and spat out most of the water in front of me. His calm demeanor was impressive. He just dried himself off and offered me the napkin again. He waited patiently for me to catch my breath. The red eyes from choking now filled with tears, and my mind just thought, how crazy was that.

"You're quite forthright, aren't you? I don't even have time to breathe, and everything comes out at once. Now I understand how bad it is to be like that; I tend to be forthright too. Sorry, sir. I'm not normally that ignorant. I'm trying to process it all; it's a surreal and meaningless story."

"But it's the story of your life. Your grandfather, Kang Ha-Jun, is asking you to go to South Korea and stay for at least a year. Live there this time to learn about its history."

"Sir, my father was a man of few words, but from what I know, he fell in love with a Brazilian woman, with pronounced curves, brown hair, brown eyes, and who, in his opinion, had the most beautiful swag in the world. This passion caused several family conflicts, but love prevailed. He fled with her to Brazil, leaving everything behind. I can only imagine the pre-judgement my mother faced from this grandfather, who now wants to meet me. Note that my appearance only indicates that I am Brazilian, with slightly slanted eyes. I'm not Korean, and I never wanted to visit this country. Well, yesterday I had an intuition; there was more to the story that Dad told, and now it hits me like a bombshell."

"That's why he speaks Korean so well and knows how to appreciate traditional breakfast foods, as well as being friendly and knowledgeable about the culture, etc."

"That doesn't say anything about me, sir. I'm Júlia, a Brazilian, raised here, with strong and faithful roots in this country. I love everything here. This is all utter madness."

"I know, that's why your grandfather wants to make amends. I won't say that he is physically ill because I would be lying, but he carries an illness of the soul, a remorse that eats away at him every day. He truly regrets it. He spent thirty years without seeing his son. When he finally discovered his whereabouts, he was already dead. This fact torments him every day. You are the only connection to the son he let go."

"It's a whirlwind for my mind, sir," I revealed, allowing the tears to flow freely down my face. "It's difficult to cope with the discovery that my father was rejected out of love."

I slid my hands through my hair and secured it with a clip. The heat felt even more oppressive at that moment. My hands shook uncontrollably, a natural reaction to the impact of the information I had just received.

"Min-Ji, take a look at these documents calmly. I'll leave them with you. I understand there is a lot to learn. If you would like to share a meal with me and have the opportunity to get to know your uncle better, I am staying at the Hilton Barra."

"I can't promise anything, but at least you have a number in Brazil, right?" I asked, without showing any real interest in continuing the conversation with him.

"Yes, I do."

"I'll repeat and clarify it, I'm not promising anything, not even if I read the documents, but at least by phone or message, I'll let you know by tomorrow."

I wrote down the number he told me and got up. Standing, before saying goodbye, I asked, "What do you want to eat? I mean, typical Brazilian foods."

"I don't know. I haven't had a chance to research it yet."

"Ye-Jun, let's leave the formalities aside for a bit. This is Brazil, a land of joy and welcome. We are a welcoming, happy people, despite the difficulties, and we informally treat each other. So, at least here, call me by my first name. I need to think about everything. I'll call you so we can arrange something. Likewise, I won't let you leave without knowing a little about the cuisine of this beautiful country and other beauties of this land as well."

"When?"

"I'll let you know the time tomorrow. If I don't have any emergency surgery and decide to be a friendly person, I'll be at the hotel around 10 pm. The words thrown at me are boiling in my mind. I am impressed with so much information provided in such a direct way."

"I'll be ready," he said.

"How do you know I'm coming?" I asked.

"Because you know I'm not a villain, but someone who wants to get to know you better. I don't remember my brother. And I immediately felt the strength of his gaze and empathy in you," he replied.

"If I go, please, without a suit and tie," I asked.

Despite trying not to convey it, I was a nervous wreck inside. I took the thick envelope and went home, almost running.

I collapsed on the couch and looked at the photo of Mom, Dad, and me at the beach. Looking at Don Jun's photo, I started talking to him.

Daddy, should I believe all this? Your brother is so kind, but what about this grandfather... Did he regret it? What's the real story between you, Daddy, and your parents? Oh, why is all this happening to me? How old were you compared to this uncle? He seems to like you a lot, despite being so young. But, of course, you became a father at nineteen. I'm starting to feel a little crazy, talking to a photo. Dad, I'm scared, but also extremely curious to know more about my story... What should I do? Send me a sign, any sign.

*********

I don't even know how to describe the extent of the dark circles the next morning.

On the way to work, I tried not to think, but it was impossible. Only in the hospital routine, with several patients to attend to and no time to think, was I able to forget for a while. The girls asked me out, but without telling them what happened, I said I had an appointment.

The anguish throughout the day, while I was distracted by commitments, made me realize that resolving this soon would be the best solution. Dad's words always echoed in my mind, reminding me that instead of allowing anxiety to overwhelm me, facing a decision head-on was the most assertive path. With this lesson in mind, I took a deep breath and gathered the courage to act.