Chapter 1: An Unexpected Visit

“Ha… How did things get this bad…?”

I was at the district office. The government’s directive was clear: anyone diagnosed with TS Syndrome should report to their local district office immediately. On my way there, the sunlight, a sensation I hadn’t felt in a while, nearly melted me.

–Ding-dong

“Number 55, please come forward!”

As if mocking my inner turmoil, my number was called. I trudged over and completed the TS Syndrome procedures. First, reissuing my resident registration card, then receiving financial aid. It wasn’t a substantial amount, but it wasn’t insignificant either.

–Whirr

Leaving the district office, I contacted my family. Mom and Dad, though worried, offered words of comfort. However, there was one variable: my older sister.

Lee Sieun. Twenty-seven years old. Unlike me, she’s exceptional. But she never paid much attention to me, lacking in talent and accomplishments as I was. I hesitated, fearing a cold reception, but thought, She’ll be worried, she’s family. So, I called.

–Ring ring ring ring

The ringing stretched on. She always ignores my calls, I thought. Around the eighth ring, she answered.

[Hello.]

Her voice dripped with annoyance, exactly as I expected.

“Um… Sister…”
[What is it? Why does your voice sound like that?]

A hint of concern and curiosity colored her tone as she noted the change in my voice.

“Well… I… I contracted TS Syndrome…”

She chuckled, then unexpectedly announced she was coming over. What’s gotten into her? Normally, her response would have been, So? What do I care? And her tone was different too. Had she always been this way?

Arriving home, I saw her. After four or five years, she looked the same. No, perhaps her complexion was better, a sign she was doing well. I walked towards her, and she approached me with unexpected gentleness, as if I were a lost child.

“Um… Sister… It’s me, Yunho…”
“Oh, really? You’ve gotten so small.”

She teased, a smirk on her face, showing no surprise. I’d never seen her like this. Actually, had I ever seen her smile before?

“So… why did you come…?”
“It’s your first time as a girl, right? I came to help you adjust and, well, keep an eye on you.”
“I can adjust on my own…”
“Tsk.”

She cut me off, expressing displeasure. She probably didn’t like my tone. She often did this when I talked back as a child. It brought back memories… good ones… not. Who would cherish memories like these?

“So… just open the door.”
“Fine…”

Hesitantly, I led her to the door and opened it. Her reaction was a mixture of disbelief and disgust. “This… is a house…?” her expression seemed to say.

“Sister, why that face?”
“This… this isn’t a storage room… it’s actually your house…?”

How rude.