Our story begins on the streets of Korea, specifically in the bustling avenues of Seoul. An elderly woman named Minji was shopping at a local market, where vendors displayed their goods—vegetables, fruits, and clothing. After purchasing what she needed, Minji started her journey home, taking a path she always used, usually empty of people.
But today was different. She heard the sound of a baby crying. At first, she thought she was dreaming, yet the cries persisted, ringing sharply in her ears. Minji turned left and right, but no one was in sight. The street was devoid of houses, yet the sound drew her closer. Trembling with fear, she followed it and found the source near a trash bin. She looked around and noticed a bag moving.
Opening it, shock spread across her face, soon replaced by tears. Inside the bag was a baby, crying violently. Overwhelmed, Minji pulled the little girl out and wrapped her gently in her coat to protect her from the cold, clutching the shopping bags she had bought, and hurried home.
Her husband, Seojoong, was sitting on the couch watching television. When he noticed her crying, he immediately came over and looked at the baby, prompting Minji to sit beside him. At the time, Minji was fifty-nine, while Seojoong was sixty-four, though his youthful appearance belied his age.
Seojoong, eyes wide with shock, asked, "Whose child is this?"
Tears streaming down her face, Minji replied, "I found this little girl near a trash bin. They left her in a bag, without a thought. She's still such a small angel."
"Stop crying," Seojoong said gently. "I'll go to the pharmacy to get powdered milk. You bathe her first, and then we'll discuss what to do next."
"Okay," Minji sobbed.
Seojoong kissed her forehead before leaving the house. Minji, cradling the baby carefully, went to the bathroom. She filled a large bucket with warm water, the same way she had bathed her own children years ago. She removed her coat and gently placed the baby into the water, running her hands tenderly over the little body. Slowly, the baby's cries ceased.
After half an hour, Minji finished bathing her and dried her gently. She dressed the baby in clothes that had once belonged to her own children, which fit the girl, albeit a little loosely. She combed her hair, and the baby smiled at her, making Minji's heart race and tears fall again. She stroked the baby's face and kissed her cheeks.
"You shall be called Rosanne," Minji whispered through tears, "because your scent is like flowers, and your face is so beautiful."
Rosanne giggled, and Minji, still weeping, wrapped her in a towel and carried her to the bedroom. Fortunately, Minji had kept a collection of children's clothes from her own children, which she dressed Rosanne in. Though slightly large, they fit well enough.
After more than fifteen minutes, Seojoong returned home carrying several bags. He approached Minji, who was playing with Rosanne.
"I brought some baby supplies and clothes," he said.
Minji wiped her tears and smiled faintly, "Thank you."
She prepared the milk, placed it in a bottle, and held Rosanne in her arms as she drank. Soon, the baby fell asleep. Minji laid her safely on the bed, ensuring she wouldn't fall. She then left the room with Seojoong and sat beside him on the couch.
"What are we going to do about her?" he asked.
"We will raise her," Minji answered.
Seojoong, still stunned, asked, "What?"
"Yes," she said firmly. "We are living alone now that our children have left us. We are old, and it would be best for us to take care of her."
"Very well," he said. "And what shall we call her?"
"I've chosen her name—it suits her. Rosanne. We can call her Rosie for short."
Seojoong nodded approvingly. "It's a beautiful name. Perfect for her."