finished Nightmare before Christmas solo

Date: TBA, 2022/Chester Blue in English, Red in Korean

Exactly as expected, when Eun-ji woke up, she felt miserable. Probably looked miserable too. Hair sticking in all directions, still half asleep. “Look who finally decided to wake up.” A familiar voice made her sit up and smile a little. “Doctor Lee already brought the lunch box you made me. It’s delicious…you look terrible though.” The witch huffed. “Thank you, I feel so very appreciated.” The boy grinned at her. It was clear though how much effort it took to do even such simple action. “So I look terrible too, huh? Did you sleep here because you thought you might never see me again?” Eun-ji frowned, not appreciating his ‘joke’ in the slightest. It was a bit hypocritical of her, considering she might very well say the same had their situation been reversed… but it wasn’t. “Don’t go looking for death. It will find you.” The girl said calmly, watching the boy shrug. “Well, since you are here, would you smuggle me outside for a bit?” Eun-ji shook her head. “No, you need to rest in order to get well.” It was her father talking. The kid inside her understood how bored and desperate Gilbert must have been but she didn’t want to have this on her conscience.

The boy sighed, looking far too mature for his age. “What’s the prognosis then, Miss doctor? But tell me honestly not like the other doctors…always speaking in riddles. I’m not a kid anymore.” It was Eun-ji’s turn to sigh, there was no way she was going to answer that question. Besides, she wouldn’t know what to say anyway. “Unfortunately for you, I’m not actually a doctor so I don’t know.” Gilbert seemed to think about it for a moment. “Then tell me as a friend.” Yes, she could definitely do that but she had a feeling he wouldn’t like her answer. “Well, as a friend I’m here to make sure you take good care of yourself so you can get better and go home.” As expected, the boy rolled his eyes at that. “No, I don’t need to hear that. My parents already keep telling me the same over and over all the time. I know they mean well but it gets tiring. Do they really not realise that I can see right through them?” Eun-ji felt a bit guilty now. She knew what it felt like. The white lies adults gave you to make you feel better only worked for so long. Once you saw through them, it was mostly frustrating. “Your new grandparents suck, right? You must know how it feels to be constantly lied to.” The witch nodded. “I do.” Finally, Gilbert seemed to relax a little. “Then tell me…what do you see? What do you really think?”

Eun-ji ran a hand through her dishevelled hair. Hesitating for a couple moments. “I think you are not getting any better this time and you are just slowly wasting away here.” The patient nodded in agreement. He clearly already knew but needed someone who would share said knowledge with him. You must understand though. It’s far easier for you to make peace with it then it is for your parents. Once you are gone, you are gone, whereas they will still be here, mourning your loss for the rest of their lives.” Gilbert didn’t say anything to that, rather he turned back to his food. He was most likely pondering her words. "I'm being unfair I know but I'd rather spend the rest of my days at home than here. Would you please talk to them for me? They like you and you are doctor Lee’s daughter. They trust him.” Eun-ji frowned. Why was it that everybody always needed something from her? What about her own needs? “You really are being unfair Gilbert.” He was right in his conviction. His parents were more likely to listen to her but she would be essentially asking them to give up on their son. “I’m sorry.” Despite the apology, it didn’t seem like he was going to change his mind. “Fine…as you wish.” The Ravenclaw relented, sounding somewhat bitter. “It’s Christmas after all.”

Talking to Gilbert’s parents was truly heart-breaking. Her father didn’t look happy when he ran into them but he was also an honest man so somehow ended up supporting her argument. “Gil is your friend…don’t you want him to get better?” Mrs. Williams asked, wearing a betrayed look. “I would if that was a possibility. As it is now, I can only wish for him to be at peace and as happy as possible. It is not my call however. I’m only here to fulfil my promise.” The woman in front of her sighed and turned to look at her husband. He was wearing a similar expression, looking awfully lost. “I see. I know you only mean well but it is a very difficult decision to make. I hope you understand why we look so unhappy with you.” Eun-ji nodded. She had a feeling neither of the two would want to talk to her ever again but at least Gilbert’s wish would come true. Rather sad Christmas miracle but then again…it was not her miracle. Her miracle would be if she didn't have to attend the foreign ball with her grandparents tomorrow. Doubtful...

Date: December 24th, 2022/Finland Blue in English, Red in Korean

This was a trip of nightmares. Eun-ji couldn’t comprehend how her mother allowed this to happen. Being around Hunts during summer was dreadful enough but now she had to travel with them all the way to Finland without a single friendly face to keep her company. Of course, her grandparents were as terrible as always except now, all of their attention was set solely on her. As annoying as her aunt could be, she demanded to be everyone’s prime focus at all times, which gave Eun-ji few moments of peace here and there. However, such thing would not happen here since Anabelle didn’t join them for the trip. Charles would be a welcome distraction as well but he would only arrive to Chester today and the Hunts demanded to leave for Finland a day prior so they’d have plenty time to prepare for the ball. After all, they wouldn’t remain for the whole evening so they wanted be there as soon as possible.

“Why are you still not dressed?” Anemone inquired again, sounding awfully annoyed. The Ravenclaw sighed. “I’m working on it. We still have plenty time to get ready. Stop nagging me.” She knew. The older woman wanted her looking perfect and eye catching. She even bought her a red dress. “Watch your tone.” The man, currently sitting on the sofa and reading newspaper hissed dangerously. Eun-ji froze. She did not want to make her grandfather angry. Angry Anwir Hunt was terrifying. “I’m sorry.” The girl avoided looking in his direction. Every time their eyes met, it made her hair stand on end. Her paternal grandparents and Morgana were now gone because of this very man. She didn’t want to test his patience. Anemone smirked upon seeing her reaction. “Sit. Let me do your hair. Everything needs to be perfect, you understand?” Eun-ji nodded, taking a seat in front of the mirror obediently. “You will have less time to make an impression since we have to get you back for the Sato’s party in time. Make sure you work hard.”

Speaking of Kim, wasn’t he going to be at this one too? The witch frowned. Her grandparents wouldn’t attend his party but he would meet them here. She really wasn’t happy about that. Eun-ji didn’t want anyone she knew seeing her interact with those two monsters that called themselves her family. Hopefully they would behave tonight. She was already exhausted just thinking about it. It would be a long night.

Blue in English, Red in Korean, Pink in Chinese

Today was one of the few rare days of peace in between all the events Hunts had arranged for her over the Holidays. Eun-ji was honestly beyond tired and so she decided to go for a short trip. Trip with a purpose to prepare for yet another ball but a trip nonetheless. For once, the young Ravenclaw was able to choose her own dress and she managed to disappear from the house of horrors thanks to it as well. It was more than she dared to hope for and it was all thanks to Kim and his family.

Her goal destination was an extraordinary store, selling Chinese traditional dresses not far from Chester. It seemed pretty popular and the owner was apparently very lovely older lady. Anemone wasn't in favour of the idea at first but once Eun-ji argued that Satos were of Asian origin as well and Taohuayuan mansion suited such dress perfectly, she finally relented. If only the train wasn't delayed so much...

By the time Eun-ji ran into the store, it was less than thirty minutes before closing time. Looking around, she spotted an elegant older lady rearranging the racks into perfection. The owner no doubt. The witch bowed respectfully. “I'm so sorry to bother you this late. The trains weren't running smoothly today…to put it lightly. Would it still be alright for me to take a look around?” The lady in front of her smiled warmly. “Āiyā...of course it's alright. Come come, xiao Jié...let me look at you.” xiao Jié = young lady/miss. The witch smiled, feeling a wave of relief washing over her. “Xie xie, Laobanniáng..” Thank you, proprietress; boss's wife; female boss. She didn't really learn Chinese but she had seen plenty Chinese dramas and did some basic research before coming here. She thought the shop owner might appreciate the effort and it seemed like she was right. “Oh...do you speak Mandarin?” The woman asked, clearly excited. Eun-ji smiled apologetically. “I’m afraid not. I just watched some TV and looked up some useful vocabulary on the train.” Thankfully, the owner didn’t look disappointed after her explanation. “No matter, it’s praiseworthy enough that you even try. Now tell me. What are we looking for?” The Ravenclaw was about to answer and give instructions based on the Yule ball theme when the owner jumped in again. “Actually never mind, I have a perfect dress for you.” That’s no good. I can’t just choose any dress. Despite knowing this however, she found herself unable to refuse and followed the lady all the way to the back of the shop.

“You see, usually girls your age come with their parents and they want to look like princesses or fairies, which is perfectly okay but I had this dress for a long time here, unable to find them the perfect owner. They are made for a young lady such as you. With your elegant presence and the perfect body build, you will be able to wear them magnificently.” The witch was truly flattered by her words and grew more and more curious about the garment. It wasn’t a big deal, if she really liked the dress and it didn’t suit the theme, she could just buy additional one for the ball. Mrs. Hunt gave her plenty money to use.

“Are you a dancer?” She couldn’t help but ask when she noticed several pictures and awards hanging on the wall. It would make sense, the woman definitely carried herself like one. “Oh I used to be…now I only dance for myself and my old husband. You are one too, aren’t you?” Eun-ji nodded. “I could tell immediately. What kind of dance do you do then?” The girl was delighted. Ever since she stopped talking to Lucia, she had no one who would gush over dancing with her. “Mostly ballet but I do some contemporary dancing as well.” It was the owner’s turn to nod. “Very difficult craft…I used to do traditional Chinese dance. It has some ballet elements as well. Those took me a long time to perfect. Now I’m too old to dance on stage but selling these dresses reminds me of those wonderful times. Dancing is a love for life.” Eun-ji couldn’t have agreed more.

“Here…look.” Finally, the two of them reached the figurine, wearing a stunning black and dark blue hanfu decorated with white embroidery. It actually has the right colours then…what are the odds? Eun-ji also immediately understood what the owner meant when she said not just anybody could pull it off. It’s was definitely designed for a young girl with extremely slender frame but it also had rather strong presence. It seemed a bit heavier than the usual youthful fairy-like dresses and it had a cape as well. Definitely dress screaming empress or a fighter rather than princess. Elegant and classy rather than cute and flowy. “You are right, it is a magnificent dress but…are you sure I should be the one to take them?” She wasn’t nearly as confident as the shopkeeper was. “I am. I’ve been doing this job for a long time now and I can easily tell. Just try them on and you’ll see.” Well, trying them on couldn’t hurt, right?

The older woman had to help Eun-ji to put the dress on. It may have been similar to hanbok but it was not the same. “Ah…I was right. It is perfect.” The shop owned evaluated with great satisfaction once they were done and looking into the mirror, the witch couldn’t help but agree. “You remind me of myself when I was your age. I can just see you flowing across the stage.” Eun-ji smiled. That sounded amazing actually. “Well…I’m definitely taking the dress.” She paused then for a second, wondering whether it was okay to say what’s in her mind. “Would it be terribly inconvenient to show me some of the dance moves? I would really like to learn a bit.” Luckily, the older woman didn’t look offended and obviously didn’t think she was being unreasonable either. “I don’t see why not. Sharing the art with other dancers had always been my greatest pleasure. Besides, I think you will be great at it. It would be a shame to pass the opportunity.”

Date: TBA, 2022/Chester Blue in English, Red in Korean

Surprisingly, the evening before Eun-ji was due to go back to school, her father took her to the nursing home. They didn’t go to see her grandfather directly but she was allowed to watch him from afar.

“See? He is doing much better now. He is still not quite there yet and might never be but perhaps that's for the best. For him at least...” The witch nodded, watching the old man standing in the hospital park as the first snowflakes of that day fallen down from the sky. He looked peaceful. A stark contrast compared to their last meeting. She was happy for him but her heart ached all the same. She missed him terribly even now, when he was a mere couple steps away from her. “Do you want to try talking to him?” Her father suggested seemingly out of blue. Why would he even say that? Wasn't it you that prohibited me to do so? Eun-ji was confused at first but soon realized it may have had something to do with the mist slowly gathering in her eyes. “No...in this life, I'm no longer part of his world.” She answered eventually. Her voice didn't tremble but her eyes were still wet. She made sure to reign the tears in as much as possible for her father’s sake. Truthfully, it was unbearable when he told her she should stay away from grandpa. Eun-ji didn't understand back then but now she did. If her absence in his life meant some sort of relief to the man, she would absolutely do her best to stay away.

There was a gentle tap on her shoulder. It appeared Eun-ji got lost in her own head again. “Look,” her father told her encouragingly. And so she did. The old man was no longer standing still. He was moving, looking like a ballerina preparing into the first position. The Ravenclaw could not even bring herself to laugh at his awkwardness. It was too heart wrenching. “He might not actively remember you but you will always be part of his world in some way.” Eun-ji smiled through her tears. It was painful and yet...she was glad to hear it. Her grandpa always came to all her performances. Said he was her biggest fan and she was born to be a prima ballerina. Eun-ji believed his every word back then. Her father was right. The eyes may have perceived her as a threat however the old man's heart knew better. A small comfort if you could even call it that. She honesty wasn't sure what she'd prefer. Thinking your loved one hated you was hard but this scene here gave her hope and hope was a dangerous thing. Especially a false one like this. If her grandfather genuinely forgotten all about her, she would struggle but she could grow up to accept the harsh reality eventually. A false hope on the other hand, would slowly but steadily eat away at her heart and there was nothing she could do about it.

“I wonder...is that really a good thing?” Her dad was one of the few people she always shared her honest thoughts with. She knew she could trust him and he would always be honest in return. “Yes...I wonder.” He agreed. For once Eun-ji wished he didn't and yet she also didn't want him to lie. “He does look happy though.” That he did. The girl nodded. I suppose that's all we can ask for now. “Do you think one day he might let me come to him as someone new? Start from the beginning?” Edward didn't answer right away this time. It was a wrong thing to ask then. “Don't...” He sighed as he finally looked at his daughter. “Nothing good will ever come of such thing. It sounds like a good idea in theory but even if it works, it will only make you suffer.” It was Eun-ji's turn to sigh. She hated when he made her face reality like this. Even if it was for her own good. “Because I will always hope to be his granddaughter again?” She asked, sounding somewhat resigned. “Yes. People are greedy. We think we'll be happy if we can have just a little but when we finally get it only makes us crave more.”

They stayed silent for a while, not really knowing where to go from there. Soon, the nurse came out and gently guided the old man back to the nursery home. “Let’s go. It’s getting late. I’ll drive you to the train station tomorrow.” There were no apologies for their past conflict. This meeting was a peace offering and Eun-ji took it with grace. Between the two of them, there was no need for apologies...