The space operated like a machine, without a single sound of wailing.

After placing a single white flower, I lit the incense and bowed. The man trapped in the black frame stared straight ahead without a smile.

Wearing the mourning armband, I gave a slight nod whenever a mourner arrived.

Ceaselessly, for three days.

I moved the coffin, burned it, and buried it.

I was envious. He'll finally meet the Madam now. I put a cigarette in my mouth, lit it, and took a drag.

Phew—

It was a damnably clear day, where there was little difference between the clouds and the smoke.

I took off the armband and brushed off my suit.

'The smell of incense.'

I considered washing up before stopping by, but decided against it. He needs to know, too.

The road to finally meet them had no traffic jams or red lights. Bloody Murphy's Law.

As time passed, my lips grew parched. I didn't know where to start explaining.

The formal tie felt like it was strangling me.

A low, modern pavilion. I pulled up in front of the house I last saw six years ago.

Hoping it would be filled with a scent other than iron, I pressed the doorbell.

'Who is it?'

Moisture began to creep into my calmly clenched fist.

It's Tae Yijae.

A brief silence followed. The servant seemed to have a general idea.

When the gate opened without a word, I walked in carrying the black frame. I swallowed hard while waiting for the front door to open.

I actually swallowed.

Damn it.

The door opened, and the bright interior and a foreign scent rushed out. The cozy smell of dried laundry and sunlight.

After a brief greeting with the servant, I took off my shoes and walked down the hallway. The house grew brighter as the sunlight poured in, and a wide space was revealed, bringing us face to face.

Sitting on the sofa, looking so much like her, someone I could hardly bear to look at.

...It's been a long time. Do you remember me?