Chapter 3

By the time I returned with the purchased souvenirs.

My dad was loudly arguing with the park staff, pointing at the shattered wind chime already in his backpack.

My mom stood by, silent the whole time.

As if the entire incident had absolutely nothing to do with her.

"How many people do you guys extort with this stuff all year round?! I'm telling you again! I didn't take this thing at all!"

The park staff remained polite.

Patiently explaining their work procedures to my dad.

The onlookers couldn't stand it anymore and started speaking up.

"What kind of manners do people have these days? There's a limit to lying through your teeth!"

"You didn't take it? Did that charm just grow legs and walk into your bag?"

I walked in, feigning complete ignorance.

After a quick understanding of the situation.

I angrily pulled my dad aside, firmly demanding the park provide security footage from when the wind chime went missing.

In my previous life.

The moment I saw the wind chime shatter from my bag.

The intense shame made me want to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

By the time I wanted to check the footage afterward.

The park had already refused to cooperate.

Even though the surveillance footage that later circulated online proved I hadn't stolen anything.

My job and life had already been severely impacted.

This time.

I asked to see the footage immediately.

My mom, who hadn't said a word, suddenly stopped me.

She tried to persuade us not to pursue the truth and just apologize to resolve the matter quickly.

My dad and I both ignored her.

Especially my dad, who wore a self-important, clear-conscienced demeanor.

He even pulled out his phone, ready to record irrefutable proof of the park extorting tourists on camera.

Who knew that when the footage played.

My mom’s movements, as she plucked the wind chime and slipped it into my backpack, were quick and practiced.

She had even moved lightly, careful not to let me notice.

Later, completely unaware.

I had inadvertently swapped identical backpacks with my dad.

Now it was clear.

While it proved my dad hadn't stolen anything.

The thief was, unfortunately, his lawful wife.

My dad, who had been righteously yelling at the park for extortion just moments ago.

Could only turn ashen-faced and pay for the item.