The Lucky Day Turned Into Unlucky One

The sun was golden that morning, scattering warm light across the small, cracked windows of the Kim household. For Hana, the world had never looked brighter.

“Pappa, don’t forget, okay? You promised!” she chirped, her voice filled with excitement as she tied the ribbons of her worn-out school shoes.

Huyeng Kim, tired but gentle, bent down and smoothed her hair. His rough hands, calloused from years of driving, lingered on her head with fatherly affection.

“Of course, Hana. Today’s special, isn’t it? How could I forget my daughter’s birthday gift?”

Her heart raced at the thought. A new dress. Not borrowed, not patched, not second-hand—a real dress, bought just for her. It was something most girls at her school took for granted, but for Hana, it was a dream.

She had wanted to skip school, to run to the market with her father, but Huyeng had shaken his head firmly.

“Study well. That’s the only gift you can give me in return.”

So she obeyed, leaving for school with a smile that could light up the world.

But the world is cruel to men who have nothing.

Huyeng carried not only the weight of his daughter’s hope but also a burden that crushed him day by day—debt. The kind that doesn’t forgive. The kind that doesn’t wait.

That afternoon, after finishing his long shift as Mr. Corner Lee’s driver, Huyeng stopped by a small shop. His tired eyes softened as he carefully picked out a simple yet lovely dress, pale blue with white lace. He could already picture Hana’s joy. For a moment, he allowed himself to believe—maybe life would be kind today.

The dress was wrapped neatly in paper. He carried it close, almost protectively, as he walked the familiar path home.

But shadows followed him.

“Kim Huyeng.”

The voice was rough, cold, dripping with menace. From the narrow alley, men emerged—the debtors he had begged for more time.

“I—I’ll pay back… soon. Just a little longer,” he pleaded, clutching the gift bag tighter.

One of the men sneered. “Time’s up.”

The blows came fast, merciless. Huyeng fell, his body breaking under fists and kicks. The paper bag tore, and the beautiful blue dress slipped out, white lace now stained with red.

“Pappa!”

Hana’s voice pierced the night. She had run home faster than usual, eager to see her gift. Instead, her birthday became a nightmare.

She stumbled to her knees, hands trembling as she lifted the blood-soaked dress. Her wide eyes filled with horror as she looked at her father’s still body, lying in a pool of crimson.

“Pappa… no… no! You promised… You promised me!”

The bright, golden day had shattered. The sky itself seemed to turn black as if mourning with her.

And so, Hana’s lucky day—her birthday—was cursed. It became the day she lost everything.

The day's death carved fear into her soul.

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