I stayed in the hospital room, holding my younger sister's hand tightly. My sister wore a grim smile yet she still managed to cup my cheeks in her hand ever so gently. Her eyes held an indescribable pain, one that was also costly to try to cure. Just looking at her weak state was enough to make me bawl my eyes out beside her.

"Lina, please don't cry please." She muttered, "Be strong for me."

I nodded my head, using my sleeve to wipe away tears. My sister hand me a tissue from beside her and I wiped my nose. "Okay Mia, I'll be strong for you."

The nurse knocked at the door, ending the conversation I was having with my sister "Time is up darlings. Please leave the room."

I sighed and kissed my little sister on her forehead, "I promise Mia, I'll get into the biggest entertainment industry here in South Korea so we can get all the medicine we need to get you better."

Mia giggled, "Alright Lina, I'll be waiting to see you on TV."

The nurse cleared her throat, and said "Come on, we don't have all day."

I took one last look at my sister's face, making sure to remember every detail. Taking a deep breath, I walked out the door and began to walk down the stairs to exit the building.

In all honesty, my life sucks. When I was little, my parents got into a heated argument and decided to get a divorce. My sister and I were left in my mother's care, but it was like we were left on our own. My mother became an alcoholic, trying to forget about the memories of our father. Yet, it was to no avail. I was left trying to take care of our sister and I, working small jobs to just buy groceries.

Two years ago is when my sister's life took a nasty turn.

She was diagnosed with cancer and we used all our saved money to pay for hospital bills. But it wasn't enough. Medicine was so much that I had to get a loan. But not just from anyone, oh...from a loan shark*.
* - a loan shark is someone who loans you money at high interests rates and often uses forms of violence and intimidation to collect debts (this is my definition btw, check google if you still don't understand)

I might as well be killed since I owe 3 million won (2,317.44 US dollars) to the loan sharks, all of it that must be paid soon. I don't know how much I can take, the constant threatening from the loan sharks if I don't pay it off soon. But...how could I get the money back?

My current job isn't enough, I make too little. I studied theater back in college, and I took vocal lessons so there's always a chance I could go into an audition and be accepted there. Stepping outside the building, I see a poster with the name Mirinae Entertainment. Below the name, it says auditions are open. Could this be my chance?

I yank the poster off the wall and hold it tightly in my hand. I begin walking towards my run-down apartment, the only one that is affordable due to my measly pay. 

Sometimes, I would wonder why it had to happen to me. All these hardships and challenges. Before I even got the loan, my parents were in debt all the time, blowing money on gambling and alcohol. I used to wonder if I would feel better if I drowned myself in alcohol. Would all my problems disappear the way it managed to do so for my parents?

I slapped my cheek hard, causing the lady passing by to stare. How could I even think like this? My sister is the one who's life is on the line, yet I'm irritated. I sigh and enter the apartment complex. I take the flight of stairs to get to the 4th floor, letting myself think a bit more.

As I walk up, I look at the poster again. This could be a once in a lifetime type of chance. I think about the debt, my sister, and the life I want for her and I to live. I don't want to see her suffer. I don't want her to live in poverty the way I did.

I've decided on what to do. No matter the obstacles I face, I will try out in this audition!

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i hope you enjoyed this small chapter of white swan. i'm getting back into writing (and i'm starting to do graphics as well) so i'll try my hardest to do my best. english isn't my first language, so correct me if you want :)

- xoxo , darkcvpid- (iris)