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Between Earth and Elsewhere

22

Chapter 22

Arin rattled the lock, confirming it was secure. She slipped the key around her neck and tucked it beneath her clothes, though the gesture brought little comfort. These creatures were like snakes—if they wanted in, they’d find a way. Against them, vigilance was her only defense.

 

Come morning, her fears from the night before seemed foolish. The idea of Seorin abandoning her was absurd. Her sister couldn’t even sleep without Arin by her side, and would cry endlessly if they were apart. To Seorin, Arin was everything. She’d follow her even into death.

 

A knock at the door broke the silence.

 

Arin approached, whispering through the crack, “Password.”

 

“Pepper-packed egg rolls.”

 

“Secret code.”

 

“2757.”

 

Arin opened the door, quickly pulling Seorin inside. She checked the hallway for followers before shutting it and engaging all three locks.

 

“Why did you add more locks?” Seorin asked.

 

“The people around here have been acting strange. Someone tried coming through the window a few days ago.”

 

“How would anyone fit through that tiny thing?” Seorin glanced at the window, barely large enough for a child to squeeze through.

 

“I told you—they can turn into lizards whenever they want. That window would be nothing to them. I should block it off completely.”

 

“If you block our only window, how are we supposed to live? We’re still human.”

 

“We’re leaving soon anyway. We just need to hold out until then.”

 

Seorin’s expression darkened.

 

Why that face? Why the silence? Shouldn’t she be reassuring them both that they’d be fine, just a little longer? Was guilt weighing on her—did she pity her sister’s clueless hope of escape?

 

Seorin was always so transparent. She was too kind to lie. Was that why her face betrayed such unease? Was she planning to leave Arin behind?

 

“Have you found a way yet?” Seorin asked.

 

“Huh?” said Arin. “Oh… I’m working on it. Almost there, I think. Don’t worry.”

 

“Really? Well, don’t ask Yeomyung about fitting us all in. The spaceship only holds two people. With three, we’d use too much fuel… It might break down. Better figure it out yourself.”

 

“Yeah… I’ll do that.”

 

The thoughts raced through Arin’s mind: She doesn’t want me talking to him? Did she already make plans to go with him alone? And that excuse about fuel and breaking down—it doesn’t add up.

 

Seorin bent down, digging through her bag. Was that a smile flickering across her face? How could she smile when their space journey wasn’t even certain? Unless… she was already confident about going. Unless everything was falling into place for her…

 

“Arin! Why are you scratching the floor like that?” Seorin asked.

 

Arin looked down at her hands. The skin above her fingernails was raw and bleeding; she’d been unconsciously clawing at the floor again.

 

“Oh… I shouldn’t be doing this.”

 

There it was again—Seorin’s smile. Unmistakable this time. Was she enjoying the sight of Arin’s bleeding hands? If the sandwich shop owner saw this, Arin would lose her job—and her chance at space. Was that why Seorin seemed pleased? Why hadn’t she stopped Arin sooner? Had she been watching, waiting for the blood?

 

Seorin’s phone buzzed. She started typing, a grin spreading across her face.

 

“Who is it?” Arin asked.

 

“Huh? Oh, just someone from work.”

 

She seemed startled by the question. Just someone from work? Such an easy lie. But why laugh at work messages? She’s giggling out loud. What’s she really texting? Making plans to leave Earth… without her sister…?

 

***

 

“Seorin, I’ll never leave you behind. We’ll never be apart. We’ll never abandon each other—that’s as bad as murder. Understand?”

 

Arin had repeated these words countless times to Seorin, promising she’d never go to space alone. Now that Seorin had warned her not to ask Yeomyung directly, it would take longer for Arin to find a way for them all to go together. But she’d manage—as long as the solution made sense in her mind, she’d believe it. She’d convince herself she’d found the answer.

 

The real solution, though, lay with Seorin.

 

“You’re here,” Seorin said as her parents entered.

 

“Why didn’t you come to the door when you were home?” her mother demanded.

 

“Huh?”

 

“Didn’t you see the reporters outside?”

 

“I saw them. That’s why I didn’t go out…”

 

“You should show a close bond with your parents. This was a perfect chance for media exposure. Why waste it?”

 

“…I didn’t think of that.”

 

“Exactly. Why didn’t you think? Why are you so shortsighted?”

 

Her father settled onto the living room sofa. “Honey. That’s enough. It’s fine. Get me a glass of water.”

 

“Sure.” Her mother hurried to the kitchen.

 

“Hey, come sit here for a minute,” her father called to Seorin, who stood by the stairs.

 

Tension gripped her, but she tried to appear casual as she entered the living room and sat down.

 

“So, how’s work at the company these days?” he asked.

 

“It’s good. I’m doing well.”

 

“Hmm. That’s good.”

 

Seorin fixed her gaze on the coffee table, swallowing hard.

 

“Are you dating anyone lately?” her father asked.

 

“…”

 

“I know it might feel uncomfortable for me to ask this, but as your father, I’m curious.”

 

He knew something. He was never easily fooled.

 

“I’ve been… meeting with Secretary Jang… occasionally,” Seorin admitted.

 

From the kitchen, her mother’s voice cut in as she brought the water. “Secretary Jang? That Secretary Jang? Honestly, what do you see in him?”

 

Her father raised his hand, silencing her mother, who set down the ice water and retreated.

 

He took a sip before speaking. “Secretary Jang is fine. I have a good opinion of him. But… due to the nature of my work, security is crucial. I can see all messages exchanged by my assistants.”

 

“…”

 

“Even personal messages.”

 

Seorin felt plunged into an ice bath, her breath catching.

 

“You’re smart, Seorin. You understand what I’m saying. I don’t want to play games of deception. That’s why I’m ending it here.”

 

“Dad, I think you’re misunderstanding. I didn’t request those files with any other intention—”

 

“Seorin.” His voice carried the same gentleness it always had since her childhood. Like Pavlov’s dog, that soft tone still triggered an instant wave of fear.

 

“Am I the type to misunderstand things?”

 

“…”

 

“Let’s not escalate this. We’re still family, and you’re… too young for these games.”

 

Her father smiled and stood. Seorin sat frozen as he walked toward his room, adding, “Oh, and Secretary Jang won’t be at the office next week.”

 

“…”

 

After he left, Seorin unclenched her trembling hands.

 

Her mother approached. “What did you do this time to make your father like that?”

 

“…”

 

“You’re usually so quiet. Why do you provoke him like that? And then just sit there shaking. You have no ambition… What are you even thinking?”

 

When Seorin remained silent, her mother frowned and retreated to her room.

 

Her father probably knew everything—even that her sister wasn’t truly improving. He dismissed it because Seorin was inexperienced, someone he could handle when she became problematic.

 

Was challenging her father wise? Could she ever escape his reach?

 

Seorin clenched her fist. She thought of Arin—triple-locking doors, sealing windows, screaming from nightmares, haunted by delusions of being chased by lizard-people.

 

While she told herself this was for Arin, the truth was, it was for herself. The dream of escaping their parents, living with her sister, sharing love and compliments as Arin had described—that future was all that kept Seorin going.

 

***

 

Arin jerked her head up, her heart pounding.

 

She hadn’t slept properly in days. The reptilians had always haunted her dreams, but lately, even closing her eyes was unbearable. The same scene kept replaying—Seorin and Yeomyung leaving her behind…

 

Was this a vision of the future? Or another reptilian manipulation? It terrified her more than any dream before. She feared sleep now, scared the scene would repeat… scared it had already happened… scared she might still be dreaming…

 

“Excuse me.”

 

A woman stood at the counter.

 

Arin snapped back. “Yes, how can I help you?”

 

“Take a look at this.” Irritation edged the woman’s voice.

 

The shop owner emerged from the kitchen, sensing trouble. “What’s the problem?”

 

They all stared at the sandwich the woman held out. A distinct red stain marked the bread.

 

“What… is this? What got on it…?” the owner stammered.

 

“It’s blood. Look at your worker’s fingers,” the woman said sharply.

 

All eyes turned to Arin’s hands. Dried blood crusted around her fingernails. She always wore plastic gloves while making sandwiches. How had she forgotten today?

 

It was a huge mistake. After all this time, she’d thought she’d mastered the job. The sleepless nights were catching up with her. She should have forced herself to rest. She couldn’t risk her work now…

 

The owner bowed repeatedly. “I’m so sorry, ma’am. What should we do? I’ll remake it right away.”

 

“No, it’s fine. How can I eat here now? It’s disgusting, I’ve never had blood on my food before.”

 

“We’ve never had anything like this happen either. I’m really sorry. We’ll make sure this never happens again, and I’ll re-educate the staff.”

 

The owner nudged Arin with his elbow, mouthing, Apologize.

 

Arin looked at the customer, who stared back expectantly, waiting. They were both pressing her to apologize.

 

But wait—hadn’t the shop owner and customer just exchanged a glance? Why would they do that? The customer was angry, the owner apologetic… They seemed like strangers, so why share that look?

 

Of course. He’s one of their minions. How could I forget? And this woman… She could be one of them, too. Are they plotting to trap me? If I apologize, will they force me to follow them, make me their slave?

 

As Arin stood silent, the customer spoke incredulously. “Doesn’t seem like she’s very sorry, does it?”

 

“Oh, no, of course not. Daeun, what are you doing? Apologize quickly.”

 

Arin’s eyes darted between them.

 

Hurry up and apologize. Just say sorry. Hurry. So they can take you. You think resisting will change anything? You’re a trapped rat. You’ve escaped before, but not anymore. Where could you possibly go? You crazy girl. Worthless girl. Say it. Say you’re sorry. You pathetic fool. Say it. Say it…

 

One of the customer’s eyes began spinning in circles. The shop owner’s face turned green. Scales erupted from their hands—no, from the hands of the two reptilians. Their sharp claws reached for Arin.

 

“I… I’m… s-sorry… sorry…” Arin stammered, her clasped hands slick with sweat.

 

The ceiling tilted left. The floor suddenly jerked.

 

Ding.

 

A clear sound cut through Arin’s mind.

 

The ceiling straightened. The floor leveled.

 

Arin turned toward the sound and saw Yeomyung standing in the doorway.

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