Little Women (작은 아씨들)

When I was a kid, there was something I really wanted to experience.

Blowing out candles on a cake and having my friends sing to me.

Really?

When I was in the second grade, I made my friends come over.

Did Mom buy you a cake?

She went through the fridge

and boiled all the eggs we had.

We lit a candle over five eggs

and my friends sang to me.

Back then, we brushed our teeth with salt because we didn't have toothpaste.

That was when I knew for sure

that our lives were different from the lives of people on TV.

That we shouldn't desire the same things that others desire.

What a relief.

We live as well as everyone else now.

Well enough to buy our little sister a cake on her birthday.

-Ta-da! -Ta-da!

-Happy birthday to you -Happy birthday to you

-Happy birthday to you -Happy birthday to you

-Happy birthday dear In-hye -Happy birthday dear In-hye

-Happy birthday to you -Happy birthday to you

Thanks.

Happy birthday.

Sorry.

Sorry about that.

Happy birthday, In-hye. You're all grown up.

We're here.

Come in.

Okay. Is the kitchen that way?

No, just put it down anywhere. Over here.

-Sure. -Here.

-Here. -Yes.

Gosh.

Girls, this is the owner of the restaurant where I work.

It's nice to meet you.

-Hello. -Hello.

Would you like some water?

-I should go. -Okay.

Of course. You must be busy, so you should go.

-Have a good night. -Thank you.

-See you tomorrow. -Okay.

He gave me a box of yeolmu .

I wanted to make kimchi for In-hye's birthday.

Yeolmu kimchi?

Why couldn't you just buy some?

It's not like it grows on trees.

I saw him buy you beef last time.

I ate it because it was imported. I wouldn't have if it were Hanwoo beef.

But Mom, In-hye doesn't eat yeolmu kimchi.

You don't?

It's so good with noodles when you don't have an appetite.

I didn't know you didn't eat it.

I'll make it for you so try it, okay?

Mom will make you yummy kimchi

In-hye.

Do you want anything for your birthday?

What if someone were to grant you a wish regardless of the cost?

A nose job?

But your nose is your best feature.

That's true. You have the cutest nose among us.

I don't want a cute nose.

I want a nose that looks more prominent and noble.

I thought you wanted to go on that field trip to Europe?

That's right.

I won't be able to go anyway.

You have to sign up by this week, right?

In-joo.

-Do you like our gift? -Yes!

-More than a nose job? -Yes.

Thank you both.

What is wrong with you?

What the…

When I wanted to visit your dad in the Philippines after his accident,

you said you had no money and that your cards were maxed out.

Of course, we didn't.

Five years ago, Dad accrued debts

of 40 million won from a pyramid scheme and 25 million won from gambling.

Plus, 38 million won from investing in a sauna and 70 million won from stocks.

We've been paying them off for four years.

On top of the 800,000 won for rent and 2,000,000 won for expenses.

Our debt grows every time we take a breath.

So no, you can't go to the Philippines because he broke a leg.

Nine, ten.

This is 2.5 million won.

Still, it's ridiculous for a high schooler to go on a field trip to Europe.

Should I not go?

I wasn't planning to go anyway.

Mom, In-hye goes to the best arts high school in the country.

Did we help her get there?

She took the test on her own and got a full scholarship.

But that's…

I thought she got in as a charity case for underprivileged kids.

When In-hye started school,

In-kyung and I made a pact.

That even if she can't be like the other kids,

we'd make sure she never feels embarrassed.

In-joo, have you ever gone on a field trip?

What about you, In-kyung?

I couldn't send either of you on a field trip.

Not to Gyeongju, Busan, or Jeju.

So as a mother, how can I only let her travel abroad?

If In-hye was getting her parents' support like other kids,

we could be jealous of our baby sister like ordinary people.

But even though In-joo and I have so much debt we need to pay off,

we're so happy we can send our sister on a field trip to Europe.

Stop counting that.

Eat.

I didn't get in as a charity case.

I took the test just like everyone else.

We know.

We all know, but…

Girls,

I was deeply resentful that I couldn't go to the Philippines

when Dad was injured.

Did you know I've never traveled abroad even at this age?

I haven't celebrated my birthday in years.

Now, I want to start living for myself rather than for my children.

In-hye, I'm very sorry.

But you are young,

so you'll have plenty of chances to travel abroad.

Take care of In-hye. I'll write when I get there.

By the way, put the yeolmu kimchi in the fridge after a day.

In-kyung, throw out the kimchi!

Some people should never become mothers.

Sadly, our mom is one of them.

Forget about it.

I've forgotten about it already.

It's fine.

I never thought for a moment that I could go on the trip.

I'm not crying because I'm sad.

I'm crying because I'm pissed off.

In-hye, you will go on that trip.

We'll get the money together by this weekend.

Right, In-joo?

Right.

Can we do half each?

Please.

Don't do that.

Everything Mom said was true, so I'm fine with that,

but I hate seeing you two try so hard.

-I met him. -And?

-Goodbye. -Okay. Bye.

-He was so hot and buff. -Oh, my.

-Oh, my goodness. -I loved it.

Your blind date?

-You heard? -You should've seen him.

-Goodness. -His body was perfect.

-Is that all you saw? -You would've done the same.

-It's really important. -Guys should be smart.

-Isn't that the same thing? -Being sexy isn't enough.

Wasn't Waikiki too crowded?

I prefer Kailua Beach.

It has better waves and fewer tourists.

Totally. Kailua is definitely prettier.

-Really? -Ms. Hwang.

Me?

Do you need to talk to me?

Yes.

By any chance,

may I get paid in advance this month?

Just partially.

How much?

Just 1.25 million won.

How long have you worked here?

Four years.

And yet, you still don't understand what your job is?

We deal with money.

What's the most important thing in this line of work?

Trust, right?

How can this company trust an employee with money when they make

an unreasonable request for a measly 1.25 million won?

I'm very sorry, but I'm not asking for an advance for work I haven't done.

I'm asking for an advance for the days I've already worked.

Is that too unreasonable?

Ms. Oh, why are you so dense?

Don't you see I'm uncomfortable having a conversation like this at all?

Consider how I would feel, refusing your request.

How are you so self-centered?

If I were the one refusing the request, I would've at least asked

what they needed that 1.25 million won for.

Ju-eun.

What is this?

A souvenir from Hawaii.

Gosh.

- No. You were wrong. -Thank you.

Why are you bringing up money at work?

You're an outcast. Why would you show your weakness?

Ms. Hwang, it's your wedding anniversary, right?

Goodness, you remember my wedding anniversary?

How could I not?

Your wedding was so beautiful.

You're forcing me to pay for lunch today.

That wasn't my intent.

I think it totally was.

They must've enjoyed their lunch.

They probably laughed about you asking for 1.25 million won.

I wish I could eat with someone too.

Can't I eat with you?

I told you.

Nothing's more annoying than fellow outcasts being close.