Chapter 8 – [Part 2]

Although I’ve been pricked by the needle a few times as the smooth fingers I had right now didn’t move as well as my own body’s, the needle moved exactly as I expected.

She was completely focused as she put cotton in between the slits and sewed them together.

“………..”

She was so focused that she didn’t notice that the middle-aged woman, who brought her the basket, didn’t leave the room and watched her fix the lion doll the whole time. The middle-aged woman looked at Min-ha’s hand that held the needle, which moved quite skillfully.

“I didn’t know you had this talent, Ma’am.”

“Oh, you surprised me! Haven’t you left already?”

“Oh……I’m sorry.”

“Not at all, I’m just a little surprised.”

“………I apologize, but can I take a look at it for a moment?”

“Ah, of course. Here.”

Min-ha, who was surprised to speak, replied.

Then, she gave the middle-aged woman a mysterious and somewhat repaired doll that she looked at and admired.

“You’re pretty good at sewing. You fixed it very well.”

“Not at all, I’m flattered.”

“It’s true. The consistent and tight sewing intervals are much better than most artisans’.”

“…….Is that so? Or are you trying to kiss up to me for what you just did?”

At Min-ha’s words, the middle-aged woman immediately shook her head, embarrassed by the way she was giving her compliments while looking at the lion doll she fixed.

“Of course not. I’ve had my own personal training. I don’t lie to my own master.”

“……Oh, really?”

“Indeed. Although your technique is still poor, if you learn it properly, you’d be able to earn money through it.”

“Gee, really? I’ll be able to make money with this?”

Oh my god. My hobby of making dolls that I used to do is profitable in this world. If I am able to make money from it, the biggest part of my worries right now would be solved.

Min-ha held the middle-aged woman’s hand tightly and looked at her desperately. Due to the reason that she held her hand without hesitation, the middle-aged woman looked at Min-ha with a perplexed look. Then, she replied while stuttering.

“Pardon? ……Yes. You won’t be able to make that much, but…..”

“Well, what should I do to make a living?”

“….Well, I don’t know. I think you can make a lot of money by weaving clothes rather than dolls like this, right? It’s probably more in demand than dolls.”

“…..T-That’s right. Hey, what’s your name?”

“Wanda.”

“Do you know how to make clothes?”

“…Oh, yes. I’m not a top-notch expert at it, but I do know the basics……”

Eureka!

Min-ha suddenly felt brightened by Wanda’s answer, the middle-aged woman. It was a very small opportunity for things to work out for her. In addition to this, she even had a benefactor close by. Min-ha said cautiously, feeling a thrill of anticipation.

“C-Can you do me a favor?”

“What? What could it be……?”

“Can you teach me how to make clothes?”

“…….Pardon?”

“I’ve made small things such as dolls and their clothing, but I’ve never made human clothes before. That’s why I need you! Can you do it?”

“……But what can a lowly human being like me teach you? I’m afraid it’s too much for me.”

“Please! I will regard you as my own teacher! It’s fine if you only take a quick look whenever you have time! Pay…..may not be possible for the time being, but as soon as I start earning, I’ll pay you as well! Is that okay? Please!”

Min-ha begged Wanda, who was trying to refuse with a perplexed expression.

Wanda looked down at her for a long time with a perplexed look as if Min-ha was asking her desperately for a difficult request. Then, since it was unlikely for her to change her attitude soon, she said.

“…..Since you need help from such a lowly human being like me, well, I can’t help it.”

“Thank you!”

“And you don’t have to pay. Instead, I’ll only have a look at you when I have time. Is that okay?”

“Of course!”

Min-ha smiled broadly and thanked Wanda, who spoke in a trembling voice.

Wanda looked at Min-ha with a look that clearly said, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with her’, nonetheless, Min-ha didn’t mind. So what if you’re seen as a strange person? To Min-ha, being able to eat and live was more important.

Only when one is alive can there be something next ahead of you, and only when there is something next ahead of you can there be an opportunity that will come. Perhaps I’d have a chance to go back and see my loved ones. For that purpose, this kind of attention is nothing.

Min-ha thought so and smiled more brazenly and affectionately.