Page 20 of Scarbound

Mr. Anderson didn’t press. “Even things that aren’t ‘serious’ can weigh on us. Is something at work bothering you?”

Noeul shook his head. “Work is fine. Really.”

Mr. Anderson leaned back. “We all go through hard times. But bottling things up isn’t healthy. If something outside work is affecting you, my door is always open. We also have an employee support program.”

“Thank you, Mr. Anderson.”

His manager smiled faintly. “I’ll be honest, I was hesitant when we hired you. You were young and inexperienced. But you worked hard and became one of our top employees. You’re a valuable part of this team. And we care about you.”

“Thank you,” Noeul said. Then hesitated. “There is… one thing I wanted to discuss.”

Mr. Anderson raised an eyebrow. “Of course.”

Noeul pulled a sealed envelope from his bag and placed it on the desk. “This is my resignation letter. I’ve decided to return to Korea.”

Surprise crossed Mr. Anderson’s face. “Is this related to what’s been bothering you? We can always help.”

“No,” Noeul said, a small smile appearing for the first time that day. “It’s a personal decision. My family is there. I don’t want to stay away from them anymore.”

Mr. Anderson sighed. “That’s unfortunate. We didn’t expect this, especially from you. But it’s your life.” He paused. “We’ll miss you. You were an asset to the team.”

“Thank you,” Noeul said sincerely. “I’m sorry if I’m letting you down.” He glanced at his watch. “I still have two weeks of unused leave. May I take them during my notice period? Today would be my last day in the office.”

Mr. Anderson hesitated, then nodded. “That’s sudden. But… at this point, there’s nothing more to say. Enjoy your time off and your last moments in New York.”

My last moments, Noeul thought.

How strange to hear it from a stranger. How true.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “For everything, Mr. Anderson. You were a great manager and mentor.”

He did what he had planned. The first step. Now all that remained was to wait until his shift ended and return to his apartment.

He stayed late under the excuse of overtime. He wanted to leave last, without looks, without questions. He watched his coworkers laugh, work, gossip, then leave together for dinner and beers at their usual spot. He wished he could feel what they felt, but it was already too late.

On the way home, he watched the city he had come to love. The crowded streets, food carts, vibrant neighborhoods, the skyline, the hiking trails. He would miss all of it. Just as he would miss the city where he grew up. The Han River, the markets, the cafés, the temples.

The apartment felt emptier than ever. He sat on the couch, the TV on mute, a half-eaten bowl of cold food forgotten on the table. Outside, the city lights flowed like water. He reached for the bottle of whiskey hidden at the back of the cabinet.

October 24.

Gong’s death anniversary.

Haneul’s death anniversary.

The day his life shattered.

The day he was branded a liar.

A bully.

A monster.

The first sip burned his throat. He slammed the glass onto the table. Gong’s face appeared before him, his gaze cold and painfully real. His words echoed in Noeul’s mind.

You abandoned me.

You betrayed me.