76 : Take Your Mind Off Of Things

On her next day off, Eun Young went to visit her parents with the kids. There wasn't much to do outside since the temperature was continuously dropping. She worried that the kids might catch a cold so they had nothing else to do but stay indoors. However, this time, they went to the Kim family's residence to prevent the children from getting bored. It was also a good opportunity for them to get together again as the holidays were now fast approaching.

"Aigoo! My beautiful grandchildren are here again!" Kim Cho Ah exclaimed as soon as they arrived. "Come in! Come in! Go stay by the fireplace first so you can warm yourselves." She suggested.

They all gathered in the living room where the fireplace was. As they entered, they were bewildered to see the fancy setting of the place. On the corner, a huge Christmas tree sat and it was beautifully decorated with red and gold ornaments. In fact, other furniture were also nicely adorned with Christmas accessories that made the interior of the house bright and lively. Eun Young couldn't help but look around in awe.

"You like it?" Her mother asked with a giddy grin. Cho Ah always liked decorating no matter what occasion it was. And for this, she was proud to say that this was her best work yet!

Eun Young couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Nodding her head, she strongly agreed. "I do!"

Little Jung Hyun ran up to the big Christmas tree on the living room. Back at home, they don't really decorate for Christmas that's why he was really amazed to see the pretty tree. Under it, boxes of different sizes are neatly wrapped. They were gifts! Excited, the little one began checking the tags to search for the presents that were meant for him. Of course, he began checking the big ones first.

On the other hand, Eun Young took care of baby Hye Soo. She felt really cold so Eun Young assisted her to change into a warmer set of clothing so that she wouldn't get sick. Afterwards, Eun Young led her near the fireplace with a warm compress to help stabilize her body's temperature.

"Hot chocolate anyone?" Dong Yun asked upon entering the room with a tray of mugs on hand. He placed the tray on the coffee table and began distributing the warm beverages.

Little Jung Hyun went to grab his own mug. Just as he was about to take a sip, he found something funny floating on top of the brown liquid. "Grandfather, what's this?" He asked, pointing at the small cylindrical stuff.

Dong Hyun lightly chuckled at his grandson. "They're marshmallows little Jung Hyun. They're very sweet and soft! Go on, have a taste!" He encouraged.

Little Jung Hyun stared at the marshmallows first. A while later, he drank from the cup, purposely catching some of the floating marshmallows. His eyes instantly shone upon tasting the chewy goodness. He never thought that marshmallows tasted this good! Can't get enough, he then continued to drink some more until he finished the whole thing. Little Jung Hyun a few moments later emerged with a brown mustache formed by the chocolate on his upper lip. Everyone erupted in laughter.

"Knock! Knock! Anybody home?" A familiar voice of a man resounded in the midst of their joyful moment. As if on cue, everyone turned to see where it came from. Standing by the arch that led to the living room, Eun Young's brother elegantly stood with a wide grin on his face. Everyone was shocked and so when he saw that nobody was making a move to welcome him yet, he chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Should I just welcome myself right now or--"

"Oppa!" Eun Young exclaimed in astonishment.

"Finally!" Tae Hyung exhaled. Eun Young got up from the armchair and dashed across the room to give his elder brother a warm hug. Ever since he took over the company, she rarely got the chance to see him personally. To see her brother now was such a golden opportunity! Eun Young's heart was very moved that small beads of tears began to form in the corner of her eyes.

"Woah, did you miss me that much little squirrel?" Her brother asked. With that, Eun Young felt like crying all the more! Her brother often used to call her random animal names when they were young. For him to do it again just brings back so many memories!

"My sister's doing a great job welcoming me!" Tae Hyung announced. "Anyone else want to follow her lead?" He jokingly asked. Soon after a crying Kim Cho Ah approached him and hugged him next.

"Tae Hyung!" His mother scolded even with tears streaming down her face. "Why didn't you say that you would visit today? I was surprised that I almost had a heart attack!"

Tae Hyung returned his loving mother's affections. "Now where's the fun in that? The good news is that your one and only handsome son is here." He confidently said as he comforted Cho Ah.

The Kim family gathered for dinner a few moments later. Of course, there was a huge feast. Cho Ah asked the chefs to prepare their favorite meals especially now that her children and grandchildren were here. She would've called for a party if only she knew. But then again, an intimate time together like this didn't sound bad too!

After dinner, Tae Hyung whispered to Eun Young. "Hey squirrel, mind if I kidnap your kids for a while? I need a lot of catching up to do with my nephew and niece." He said.

Eun Young held up a finger to warn him. "Fine, do as you wish. Just stay indoors 'cause I don't want them getting sick." She instructed.

"Yes ma'am!" He agreed before luring the kids with some of the presents he bought for them.

Now that they were away, it was now only Eun Young and her parents that were seated at the table. They were silent for a while until they asked the question Eun Young dreaded the most. "Where's Min Jae, dear? Wouldn't he be staying with you guys for the holidays?" Kim Cho Ah worriedly asked. It's been a while since they last saw him too.

Eun Young first sipped from her wine glass before responding to her mother's question. "We... we're not really on good terms right now mom." She briefly answered.

Hearing this, her parents became more alarmed. Eun Young didn't seem like she was about to expound on it more so they instantly took initiative. "Is something the matter, Eun Young?" This time, it was her father who spoke.

Eun Young gently shook her head. "I'm sorry. I don't want to talk about it right now." Her blunt response caught her parents off guard. However, they didn't pry any further. They felt guilty for not sensing that she and her husband weren't okay. As her parents, they should've known better.

There was a short silence between them until Cho Ah decided to ask her once more. "How are the children handling it?" Hesitation was clear in her tone.

Eun Young diverted her gaze, but she honestly told her parents that the kids knew nothing about their situation. Of course she wouldn't let them know. Their fragile hearts would immediately break! And she couldn't bear to see that happen!

Fortunately, her parents were very understanding. They only wanted to guide her and whatever her decision was, they made sure to always support her."Why don't you go on a vacation with the kids? Perhaps that could take your mind off of things." Dong Yun suggested.