Ch#48
48. Christmas Tree
Na-eun decided to make a Christmas tree today. Since kids love Christmas and Santa Claus the most at the end of the year. Na-eun stood with Ji-ho and Min-ho in front of the large tree placed in the middle of the living room. The ceiling
High-ceilinged living room housed a tree that nearly reached the ceiling—Na-eun had ordered it to match the height. Sparkling lights and decorations were prepared around the tree.
"Kids. Now we're going to make the tree. You know what a tree is like? Like this."
When she turned on a video on the large TV, a sparkling Christmas tree came into view.
"We're going to make it like this. Can we do it?"
Ji-ho and Min-ho nodded.
"Let's make a cool tree. Fighting!"
Na-eun raised her clenched fists, and the kids waved their hands, jumping up and down shouting "Fighting!" First, Na-eun decided to wrap lights around the tree.
"Teacher has to do this. You need to be tall, and it's dangerous for kids."
She slowly wrapped the lights around the entire tree and flipped the switch. Soft light enveloped the whole tree. The kids got even more excited and bounced around.
"Now, hang pretty balls and dolls here."
The softly glowing silver and gold lights sparkled like stars, making the tree even brighter. Actually, even just with the lights on, it was already a cool tree. Min-ho admired the twinkling lights. Seeing this, Min-ho had very delicate sensitivity. His father seemed like that too—was it genetic?
The tree's main colors were luxurious gold and warm red. So the lights and the dolls the kids had were all unified in tone. The kids fought to hang the ornaments first. Ro
Ji-ho held a small Rudolph ornament and shouted, "I'll hang this first!" but Min-ho said, "No. I'll hang this," and they quarreled over the Rudolph ornament.
"Kids. There are lots of Rudolphs here."
Na-eun poured out the Rudolphs from the bag.
"Wow!"
The kids excitedly grabbed Rudolphs and various ornaments, wandering around the tree. One was a small wooden ornament with visible wood grain, another a sparkling glass bell-shaped decoration.
"Ji-ho hangs on the bottom here, Min-ho on the back there. Then it'll all be clearly visible, right?"
Making the tree with the kids wasn't just fun. Unexpected mishaps kept happening. Sure enough, one decoration hung clumsily fell and shattered. After Na-eun warned the kids to be careful, ste
pped back, cleaned up the broken pieces, and was about to place the star on top.
Kang-woo, entering through the door, stopped in surprise. It was the first time a Christmas tree had been set up in this space. Since moving into the annex, the staff had only cleaned—no decorations like this. Actually, until now, he had thought such things were unnecessary.
"How is it, Uncle? We made the tree!"
Both Ji-ho and Min-ho jumped excitedly.
"Perfect timing. I need to hang this star on top—was thinking of setting up a ladder."
"If it's that, I can do it."
Kang-woo set his briefcase aside, took the star from Na-eun, and securely placed it at the very top.
A golden star at the top, with soft lighting and sparkling ornaments below. The Christmas tree was complete.
The kids beamed with a sense of accomplishment, and Min-ho chattered excitedly as if he'd forgotten the incident from a few days ago.
"Uncle, did you eat?"
Min-ho asked, looking at Kang-woo. Seeing him speak so casually tugged at Kang-woo's heart. He was proud of his nephew. What was ordinary for other kids was a big deal for this child. Because of the trauma. Because of the wound adults had inflicted.
"Yeah. Uncle ate."
Kang-woo patted Min-ho's back as the boy hugged him casually.
So excited from making the Christmas tree, the kids seemed unable to sleep. They kept coming out to the living room saying "just one more look" before bed, staring at the tree lights for a long time. Even with the main lights off, the living room glowed from the tree. The two kids' large eyes, reflecting the sparkling lights, were clearly visible as they gazed at the tree.
"Kids, this won't do. We'll end up staying up all night. Now, really time to sleep. The tree will be there in the morning, and tomorrow night too."
At Na-eun's words, Ji-ho and Min-ho finally nodded and went to bed. Exhausted from playing all day and hyped from the Christmas tree, the kids fell asleep quickly. The quiet living room tree emanated a cozy, warm atmosphere. After tucking the kids in and coming out of the room, Na-eun stared blankly at the tree when Kang-woo came down the stairs. He held a bottle of wine.
"The tree's pretty—should have a drink."
Na-eun smiled at Kang-woo's words and sliced cheese from the fridge. In the quiet corner of the living room, the tree lights glowed cozily. Red, green, and gold bulbs twinkled in harmony, like stars blinking. The ornaments on the tree cast small shadows on the wall, softly reflecting the light. Glass snowflake decorations filtered the light, scattering fractured rainbows around the room, while silver ribbons dangling from the branches sparkled gently.
Na-eun paused while slicing the cheese and gazed at the light emanating from the tree. The light cast soft shadows on her face, warmly enveloping her. When Kang-woo offered his wine glass for a toast, Na-eun's eyes remained fixed on the tree, but she smiled naturally at his voice.
"To a happy Christmas."
As Kang-woo raised his glass, the tree lights reflected on it, softly illuminating their faces.
Na-eun clinked her glass and nodded.
"Yes. A happy Christmas with the kids and you, President."
Kang-woo sat beside Na-eun, took a sip of wine, and set his glass on the table. The quiet night air swirled between them. The tree lights gently seeped into Na-eun's hair, making her smile shine even brighter.
"This year's Christmas feels especially special. Min-ho too."
Kang-woo said softly, gazing at Na-eun. Her heart quietly fluttered at the warmth in his eyes. The tree lights cast their shadows long across the living room wall. Th
Na-eun nodded.
"Right?"
Watching her smile, Kang-woo nodded along and said.
"Today Min-ho seemed really stable. Doesn't even feel like he cried so much a few days ago. Relieved he recovers quickly. And Mother said she found Min-ho's doctor."
Na-eun's eyes widened at Kang-woo's words.
"The counselor?"
"Yes. She has experience as a trauma specialist."
Na-eun sighed happily.
"Relieved. It must've been hard."
"Her resume is impressive. Over 15 years in child psychotherapy, and she's considered the top in Korea for treating selective mutism caused by trauma."
Kang-woo's eyes brightened further. He had worried about Min-ho too. Na-eun lit up and asked.
"Really relieved. Where does she work? Private practice?"
Kang-woo smiled, his lips curving up.
"No. Currently at Korea University Hospital's pediatric psychiatry department. She also runs her own clinic but still balances treatment and research there. Have you heard of Professor Kim Yun-jeong?"
Na-eun nodded.
"Ah, yes. I've heard of her. Professor Kim Yun-jeong—she's really famous. I've read a few of her books. How did you manage to get her?"
Na-eun sighed in relief, clenching her fist. She felt at ease knowing they'd secured such a great doctor. At her question, Kang-woo replied slowly.
"Explained Min-ho's condition and the current situation, and she readily agreed to take the case. Of course, used some connections—an acquaintance of an acquaintance."
Na-eun beamed as Kang-woo smiled.
"You did well."
"But she emphasizes building trust with the child, so she said parents or guardians should closely cooperate on the treatment plan."
Na-eun's eyes moistened at his words.
"Yes. Really relieved. That Min-ho met a good counselor. But did Min-ho's father go abroad? No news since. It'd be great if he could join counseling now with such a good doctor."
Kang-woo replied cautiously to Na-eun's words.
