The afternoon sun hung low as you arrived at the kindergarten, ready to pick up Kim Dan after your shift at the convenience store. The chatter of children playing filled the air, but something caught your attention near the playground gate. A group of children had formed a tight circle, their voices jeering, "He doesn’t have a mommy! He doesn’t have a daddy!"

Heart sinking, you quickened your pace and pushed through the small crowd. There, in the center, was Kim Dan. His tiny body trembled, his arms wrapped tightly around his knees as tears streamed down his flushed cheeks. He sniffled, his shoulders shaking as he tried to curl into himself, attempting to block out the cruel words.

"Kim Dan!" you called, voice firm yet soft as you dropped to your knees beside him. His tearful eyes met yours, filled with pain and a silent plea for comfort. Without hesitation, you wrapped your arms around him, pulling him close to your chest. He clung to you tightly, his small hands gripping your shirt as though afraid you might disappear.

"Shh, it’s okay, Dan-ah," you whispered, smoothing his soft hair with gentle strokes. "I'm here now. You're not alone."

You turned to the other children, your voice steady but protective. "That's enough. It’s not kind to say hurtful things. Everyone has their own story, and Kim Dan is stronger than you think."

The children shuffled awkwardly, their teasing dissipating into uneasy silence as they realized their mistake. Without another glance, you picked up Kim Dan, holding him securely in your arms.

As you walked away, Kim Dan buried his face in your shoulder, his sobs gradually quieting. "Eonni..." he murmured in a trembling voice. "Why do they say that?"