<div style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:24pt;">어쩐지 나쁜 일이 생길 것 같은 저녁</span></div> <div style="text-align:center;">  </div> <div style="text-align:left;">  </div> <div style="text-align:left;">  </div> <div style="text-align:left;"> <font size="2"> </font></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">  </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">  </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이른 새벽</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아파트 베란다 창틀에 까마귀가 날아와 앉았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">까마귀의 울음소리에 남자는 깨어났다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">핸드폰을 켜보니 현재 시각은 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">4</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">시 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">44</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">분</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">벌써 일어나기에는 조금 이른 시간대였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 비몽사몽 간에 베란다로 나가 까마귀를 쫓아버리고 다시 침대에 몸을 뉘었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">13</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">층 아파트에 새가 날아들다니 별일이라는 생각을 어렴풋이 하면서</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-size:10pt;">……</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">다시 눈을 떴을 땐 오전 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">9</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">시경이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">회사의 출근 시간은 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">9</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">시까지였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이럴 수가</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">’ 5</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">년간의 회사 생활 중 지각을 단 한 번도 하지 않았던 그는 몹시 당황하며 출근 준비를 했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">오늘은 회사의 중요한 프로젝트를 마무리하는 마지막 날이었고 그는 프로젝트의 핵심멤버였던 것이다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">머리를 대충 정돈하고 오늘 발표할 때 사용할 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">USB</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">와 서류 가방 그리고 다이아 반지를 챙겼다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">평소와 다르게 부산스럽게 움직인 탓인지 책상에 올려 있던 연인과의 사진이 담긴 액자를 떨어뜨렸다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">바닥에 떨어진 액자는 여자 부분의 유리 쪽은 말끔했으나 남자 부분 쪽이 산산조각이 났다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">세탁소에 맡겼던 양복이 모두 도착하지 안 않기에 그는 어쩔 수 없이 상갓집에 갈 때나 입는 검은색 양복을 꺼내 입었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">구두라도 색깔을 달리하려고 갈색 구두를 꺼냈지만 처음 신은 순간 구두끈이 끊어졌다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">어쩔 수 없이 검정 구두를 꺼내 신으니 남자의 차림새는 영락없이 장례식 복장이 되어 버렸다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">핸드폰을 보니 현재 시각은 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">9</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">시 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">15</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">분</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">한동안 연락이 없으시던 고모할머니에게 걸려온 부재중 전화 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">4</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">통이 찍혀 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">예전에 무당 일을 하셨던 고모할머니가 유독 자신을 귀여워 해주셨다는 유년 시절 기억을 그는 잠시 떠올렸지만 서둘러서 출근해야 한다는 압박감에 통화를 미루고 집 밖으로 나왔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><span style="font-size:10pt;">   </span><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">   </span></font></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아침임에도 불구하고 하늘은 어두컴컴했고 비가 내리기 시작했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아파트 앞 주차장에 세워놓은 차를 타고 급히 시동을 걸고 전진했으나 얼마 가지 않아 타이어가 펑크나 버렸다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 욕지거리하며 차를 다시 주차장에 세워놓고 택시를 잡기 위해 큰길가로 달리기 시작했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">길거리엔 검은 고양이들이 비를 맞으며 울부짖고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 고양이를 잠시 바라보며 달리다가 그만</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">맞은편에 있던 남자와 강하게 부딪치고 말았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">부딪친 남자는 그 충격으로 손에 들고 있던 카메라를 떨어뜨렸는데</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">검은색의 그 카메라는 한눈에 봐도 예사 물건이 아닌 귀한 것으로 보였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">죄</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">죄송합니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 사과하며 카메라를 주워 주려고 했는데</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">갑자기 서릿발처럼 차가운 목소리가 들렸다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">손대지 마십시오</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 남자는 마치 그처럼 검은색 정장을 입고 있었는데</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 위에 검정 코트와 챙이 넓은 중절모자를 쓰고 검은 우산을 들고 있는 차림새였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">온통 검정색 차림의 옷차림이었지만 유달리 피부는 창백한 하얀색이라서 더 도드라져 보이는 차가운 인상의 남자였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">정말 죄송합니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">제가 지금 시간이 없어서 나중에 보상해드리겠습니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 지갑에서 명함을 꺼내어 남자에게 건넸지만 남자는 받지 않고 그를 쏘아보았다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">뭔가 기분 나쁜 느낌이 든 그는 남자에게 고개를 꾸벅 숙이고는 지나쳤다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">조심하십시오</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">검은 옷 입은 남자가 그의 등 뒤에서 차갑게 쏘아붙였다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">굉장히 불쾌한 느낌이 들었지만</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">너무 급한 나머지 그는 그대로 회사로 향하고 말았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그가 회사에 도착한 시간은 </span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">10</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">시 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">30</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">분이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">비에 젖어 축축해진 초라한 몰골로 자신의 부서 사무실에 들어가자 모든 직원이 그를 쳐다봤다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">부장님이 일어서더니 호통치듯 외쳤다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">죄송합니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 눈을 질끈 감았다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">오전 중에 거래처에서 자신에게 걸려올 중요한 전화들도 있었고 오후에는 프레젠테이션에서 발표자로 나서야 하는데 이미 다 망했다고 생각한 것이다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">부장님은 서 대리에게 다가와서 그의 손을 잡으며 말했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">축하하네 서 대리</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">자네가 추진한 거래처 세 곳 모두 거래 성사됐어</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리가 눈을 떠보니 부서 내 전 직원들이 그에게 박수를 보냈다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">정말인가요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">?” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그래</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">지금 사장님도 회사 창립 이래 최고의 성과라고 아주 기뻐하고 계셔</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 어안이 벙벙했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">전자부품 유통 전문 중소기업인 그의 회사는 국내 시장에서 작은 거래처 하나를 확보하기도 하늘의 별 따기인 보수적인 시장구조 안에서 경쟁하고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">회사는 작지만 확실한 국내의 소규모 거래처를 공략하는 방식을 고수했었는데</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 역으로 해외에 대형 거래처를 세 군데나 개척하는 공격적인 영업 전략을 썼다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">회사는 물론이고 본인 자신도 성공에 대한 기대감이 별로 없었는데</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">한 군데도 아닌 세 군데 모두 거래가 성사되다니 정말 기적과도 같은 일이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">게다가 엄청난 성과급과 파격적인 진급이 주어질 것 또한 확정적이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">회사 사람들은 모두 서 대리에게 다가와 축하해주었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 아침에 있었던 불쾌감은 잊어버린 채 그들의 축하에 일일이 화답했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">오늘 점심은 제가 사겠습니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">제법 비싼 곳으로 점심 식사를 하러 가며 서 대리는 직원들에게 호기롭게 말했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이야</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리에게 밥을 얻어먹다니 진짜 별일이 다 있네</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">어머</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그러게요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리님 오늘은 진짜 평소랑 달라 보여요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">진짜 오래 살고 볼일이다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이런 날도 다 오고</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">직원들은 평소보다 더 살갑게 그에게 다가갔다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">사실 서 대리는 평소 직장에서의 평판이나 대인관계가 좋지는 않았던 것도 사실이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">큰 키에 잘생긴 외모였으나 매사에 무심하고 심드렁한 태도 하며 수시로 업무시간에 졸다가 혼나는 등 은근히 무시당하는 편이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그러나 오늘부로 단 한방에 자신의 존재가치를 크게 증명해낸 것이다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그런 서 대리를 은주경 과장은 흐뭇하게 바라보았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리도 은주경 과장을 보고 살짝 웃어보았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">어느새 비는 멎었고 어두웠던 하늘은 밝게 개어 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">식사를 마치고 회사로 돌아가는 길에 직원들은 노상에 허름하게 세워진 타로 점집을 지나치게 되었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">여자직원들은 점집을 보게 되자 흥미를 보이며 몰려들었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">남자직원들은 별 관심 없다며 먼저 회사로 들어갔지만</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 은주경 과장이 점집에 들어가자 슬그머니 그 뒤를 따라갔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">점술가는 나이를 가름할 수 없는 할머니였는데 검은색 로브에 목걸이</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">귀걸이</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">팔찌까지 모두 검은색으로 통일한 복장이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그러나 그중 가장 인상적이었던 건 그 끝을 알 수 없을 만큼 깊고 까만 눈동자였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 그 눈동자가 어쩐지 낯이 익었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">어린 시절에 분명 느꼈던 강렬한 기시감</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">하지만 더는 기억이 나지 않았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">여자직원들은 점쟁이 할머니의 타로 점에 완전히 빠져들어 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">너무 잘 맞고 신통하다며 난리도 아니었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">멀찌감치 뒤에서 구경하던 서 대리도 은주경 과장의 떠밀림에 타로점을 보게 됐다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">장난삼아 연애 운을 물었더니 할머니 점쟁이는 서 대리에게 앞에 있는 놓여 카드 중 하나를 고르라고 했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서대리가 고른 카드를 점쟁이가 뒤집자 언덕 위에 큰 태양이 뜬 그림이 보였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">자네는 이미 인생 최고의 여자를 만났다네</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">무슨 일이 있어도 그 여자를 잡도록 해</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">점쟁이 할머니는 은주경 과장을 한번 훑어보더니 살짝 미소 지었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">설마</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">자신과 은주경 과장의 관계를 알아차린 건가</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">? </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 당혹스러우면서도 할머니의 신기에 묘한 호기심이 일었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">내친김에 자신의 장래 전망에 대해서도 물었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">점쟁이는 카드 석 장을 고르라고 했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">각각의 카드는 과거와 현재</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">미래를 뜻한다는 설명과 함께</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리가 석 장을 모두 고르자 점쟁이는 카드를 한 장씩 뒤집기 시작했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">첫 번째 과거 카드에는 여우 그림이 나왔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">점쟁이는 무표정하고 거침없이 다음 카드를 뒤집었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">두 번째 현재 카드는 캄캄한 방 한구석</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">어두운 소파에 앉아 고뇌하고 있는 검은 실루엣의 남자가 담긴 그림이 보였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">검은 남자의 절반가량은 그림자에 가려 있었고</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">나머지 절반은 고독해 보이는 모습이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이럴 수가</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">짧은 탄식과 함께 점쟁이 할머니의 표정 없던 얼굴이 일그러졌다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">일순간 허름한 천막 안의 분위기도 달라졌다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">모두</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">적확한 이유는 알 순 없었지만</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">불길한 어떤 공기를 느꼈던 것이다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">점쟁이 할머니의 눈동자에 더욱 깊은 어둠이 파고드는 것을 서 대리는 놓치지 않았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">어디서 봤단 말인가 저 눈동자를</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">한동안의 무거운 침묵 속</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아직 미래 카드는 뒤집지 않은 상태로 놓여있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">저것을 본다면 아마 알 수 있을지도 모른다는 막연한 생각을 하며 서 대리는 그 카드에 손을 내밀었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">건드리면 안 돼</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">점쟁이 할머니가 새된 소리를 내지르던 그 순간</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">천막 안에 경찰들이 들이닥쳤다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> <span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">할머니</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">불법영업 행위로 신고가 들어왔습니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">모두 이곳에서 나가주셔야겠습니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">갑자기 들이닥친 경찰들 덕분에 장내는 잠시 소란에 빠졌다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 혼란한 와중에 점쟁이 할머니는 검은 눈동자로 멍하게 허공만을 쳐다보고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 모습을 바라보며 서 대리는 마침내 기억을 떠올렸다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">자신의 어린 시절</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">무당 일을 하던 고모할머니가 할아버지의 갑작스러운 죽음 뒤에 온종일 멍하게 허공을 쳐다보던 바로 그 눈이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">오후 시간에는 예정된 대로의 프레젠테이션을 서대리가 발표했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">다만 이미 계획했던 프로젝트가 기대 이상의 대성공을 거두었기에 지금의 발표는 그저 형식상의 진행에 불과했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">회의에 참석한 직원들의 표정에도 모두 여유로움이 느껴졌다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">단 한 명</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리 혼자만이 몹시 긴장하고 있는 모양새였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 바지 주머니 속에 손을 넣어 다이아 반지를 만지작거리며 은주경 과장을 바라보았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">은주경 과장</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서대리보다 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">3</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">살 연상인 그녀는 명실상부한 이 회사의 에이스였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">명문대를 졸업해 해외 유학을 다녀온 수재였으며 예쁜 외모와 날씬한 몸매로 뭇 남자들의 동경과 여성들의 선망 대상이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">항상 남을 존중하고 배려하는 성품은 모든 직원들에게 사랑받았으며 성실하고 부지런한 태도는 늘 타인의 귀감이 되는 여성이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그런 그녀와 서 대리는 지난 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">2</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">년간 몰래 사내연애를 하고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">별 볼 일 없는 자신을 왜 좋아해 주는지 이해가 안 됐지만 확실한 건 그의 인생 최고의 행운이 그녀와의 만남이라는 사실이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">사실 이번 프로젝트의 성공도 절반 이상은 은주경 과장의 도움 덕분에 가능했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 만약 프로젝트가 조금이라도 성공한다면 마지막 프레젠테이션 시간에 공개 프러포즈를 하기로 결심했고</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">지금 이 순간 최고의 기회가 찾아온 것이다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 주머니 속 다이아 반지를 만지작거린 후</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">긴장된 목소리로 말하기 시작했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">여러분께 진지하게 드릴 말씀이 있습니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 은주경 과장을 똑바로 바라보았고</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">은주경 과장도 이 상황을 예감한 듯 상기된 표정으로 그를 바라보았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 순간</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">갑자기 회의장 문이 열리면서 회사 사장님이 호탕한 웃음소리와 함께 걸어 들어왔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">으하하하하</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-size:10pt;">　</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이 친구 아주</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">! </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">오늘 운수 좋은 날이야</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사장은 서 대리를 껴안고 볼에 뽀뽀하며 기뻐했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">전 직원들은 기립해서 손뼉을 치며 축하해 주었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">분위기가 다소 어수선해졌지만 서 대리는 이번 기회를 놓치고 싶지 않았기에 다시 한번 용기를 내서 말했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">정말 감사드립니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사장님을 비롯한 전 직원 여러분</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그리고 제가 이 자리를 통해서 드릴 말씀이</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-size:10pt;">…</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그러나 성질 급한 사장은 서 대리의 말을 자르고 자신의 얘기를 하기 시작했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그전에 미안한데 지금 서면에 위치한 우리 회사 부산지사에서 약간의 문제가 발생해서 말이야</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사장은 여전히 서 대리의 어깨에 손을 두르며 말을 이어 갔다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이렇게 좋은 날 미안하긴 한데 말이야</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">부장님이랑 은 과장님이 잠깐 내려가서 문제 좀 해결해주고 와야겠는데</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">  </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아닙니다 사장님</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">! </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">당연히 가야죠</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">! </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">당장 달려가서 차질없이 해결하고 오겠습니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아부쟁이 부장은 이미 짐을 챙겨서 회의장을 나갈 준비를 하고 있었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">미안하네</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">대신 돌아와서 내일 저녁은 내가 정말 거하게 한턱내겠네 으하하하하</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">상황이 이렇게까지 진행되고 보니 서 대리는 프러포즈를 내일 저녁으로 미루기로 결정했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">부장님은 벌써 회의장 밖을 빠져나갔고</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">은 과장도 짐을 챙겨서 나가려다 서 대리 앞에 와서 악수를 신청했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리님</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">오늘 멋있으셨어요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><br><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">감사합니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">다 은 과장님 덕분이죠</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">  </span></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">      </span><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그녀가 싱긋 웃었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span> </div><font face="굴림"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 마주 잡은 손을 놓고 싶지 않다는 기분이 들었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></font> <div></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">은 과장</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">! </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">빨리 안 갈 거야</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">?”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">회의실 밖에서 부장의 닦달하는 소리가 들렸다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">네</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">지금 갑니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리님 다녀와서 또 봐요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">인사를 하고 멀어지는 은 과장의 뒷모습을 바라보며 서 대리는 먹먹한 그리움을 느꼈다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">은 과장님</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">! </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">다음 달에</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">네</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">?”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사 일 날</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">       </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">랑 같이 파견근무</span></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">       </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">해 야 하는 거 아시나</span></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">       </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">요</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">은 과장은 환하게 웃으며 화답했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저 는 그날</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">       </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">도 저히 시간이 안 될 것 같은데</span></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">      </span><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">  </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">요</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">다시금 멀어지는 은 과장의 뒷모습을 서 대리는 우두커니 바라보고 있었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">무슨 할 말 있다고 하지 않았었나</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">?”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사장이 갑자기 생각났다는 듯이 서 대리에게 물었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">별거 아닙니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">내일 저녁 회식 자리에서 말씀드리겠습니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사장에게 대답하며 서 대리는 아쉬움을 삼켰고 마지막으로 주머니 속 반지를 한 번 더 만져보았다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">집으로 돌아가는 퇴근길 저녁</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">하늘은 다시 어두워졌고 연신 비가 내리고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 사람들로 붐비는 버스 안에서 창밖의 비를 바라보며 오늘 하루를 반추했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">생각지도 못한 프로젝트의 성공에 기쁜 마음도 있었지만</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그보다 더 마음에 짚이는 건 아침부터 일어났던 불길한 징조들이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">평소 미신을 믿지 않고 성격도 둔감한 편인 서 대리였지만 뭔가 꺼림칙한 마음이 드는 건 어쩔 수 없었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">괜찮아</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">집에 갈 때까지만 조심하면 돼</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.’</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 자신을 스스로 다잡으며 버스에서 내렸다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">이제 횡단보도 하나만 건너면 집에 도착할 수 있는 상황이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">신호등은 파란불이 깜빡이고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">평소 같으면 급하게 뛰어서 건넜겠지만</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">오늘만큼은 안전하게 다음 신호를 기다리자고 서 대리는 생각했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그렇지 않아도 도로 끝에서 검은색 대형 덤프트럭이 빠른 속도로 빗길을 달려오고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 신호를 기다릴 동안 팝송이나 들을 요량으로 주머니에서 이어폰을 꺼냈다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그런데 그때 문제가 발생했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">이어폰 줄에 딸려온 다이아 반지가 바닥 쪽으로 떨어져 버린 것이 아닌가</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">반지는 대굴대굴 구르면서 도로 쪽을 향해 나아갔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">반지가 도로에 굴러 들어가기 직전</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 황급히 발을 뻗어 반지를 멈췄다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">휴</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">큰일 날 뻔했네</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.’</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">안도하며 반지를 손으로 주우려는 순간 서 대리는 보았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">반대편에서 노란 장화를 신은 네 살가량의 여자아이가 천진난만하게 횡단보도를 건너오고 있는 모습을</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이의 보호자로 보이는 만삭의 임신부는 휴대폰을 보느라 잠깐 신경을 못 쓴 듯했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이는 벌써 횡단보도를 반 정도 건넜는데 신호가 빨간 불로 바뀌었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 앞으로 덤프트럭이 맹렬한 속도로 달려오고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이가 너무 작고 빗속이라 운전자의 시야에 닿지 않은 듯했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이는 얼어붙은 듯 그 자리에서 멈춰 버렸고 임신부는 그 모습을 바라보고 비명을 질렀다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 순간 심각한 고민에 빠졌다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이를 구할 것인가</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">반지를 주울 것인가</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 머릿속으로 빠르게 확률을 계산하기 시작했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">고교 시절까지 했던 농구부에서 항상 에이스였을 정도로 서 대리는 운동신경 하나만큼은 자신 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">다른 사람은 몰라도 자신이라면 높은 확률로 아이를 구할 수 있을 것으로 생각했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그러나 아이를 구한 후에 자신이 무사할 확률까진 장담하지 못했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">불현듯 오늘 아침에 만난 검은 정장 남자의 불길했던 한마디가 뇌리에 스쳤다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">조심하십시오</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.’ </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그렇다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">오늘은 정말 조심해야 하는 날이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이는 그와는 상관없는 타인이었으며</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">괜히 무리하여 자신의 인생에 불행을 가져올 확률을 높일 필요는 없는 것이다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 반지를 향해 몸을 굽혔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 순간 떠오르는 주경 씨의 환한 미소</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그래</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">선행은 산수가 아니야</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">!’</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 결심을 굳히고</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">총알처럼 도로를 향해 달려나갔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이를 구하지 않는다면 주경 씨에게 당당한 남자친구로 살아갈 수 없을 터였다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 아이와의 간격을 단숨에 좁혔고</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">번개처럼 아이를 안아 올려 임신부 쪽을 향해 던졌다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">정말 내 인생 최고의 어시스트로군</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.’</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 웃으면서 생각했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">덤프트럭은 그의 코앞까지 다가왔고 곧이어 들리는 찢어질 것 같은 급브레이크 소리</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 눈을 질끈 감았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">안녕</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">주경 씨</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.’</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">눈을 떴을 땐 세상 모든 것들이 멈춰있었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">도로 위의 차들도 사람들도</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">움직이는 건 오로지 아침에 만났던 검은 정장의 사내뿐이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 카메라를 들어서 대리를 향해 셔터를 눌렀다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그 모습을 바라보다 서 대리는 깨달았다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저 남자는 나의 저승사자였구나</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">결국에 나는 이렇게 돼버렸구나</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.’</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">그래</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사실은 어렴풋이 알고 있었다고 그는 생각했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">주경 씨에게 프러포즈하려던 계획이 틀어졌을 때부터</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">점심시간에 본 점쟁이 할머니의 눈동자에서부터</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아니</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아침에 일어났을 때 처음 까마귀를 봤던 순간부터</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">  </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">어쩌면 주경 씨를 처음 사귀게 된 그 날부터 마음속 깊은 곳에선 예감하고 있었을지도 몰랐다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">자신에게 어울리는 않는 큰 행운에 결국 이런 대가를 치르게 되리라는 것을</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">검은 정장의 남자는 사진을 찍은 후 서 대리를 부축해 일으켰다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이왕이면 천국에 보내주세요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">착한 일을 했으니까요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">서 대리는 저승사자에게 애써 농담을 건넸지만 남자는 말 없이 인도로 그를 이끌었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">검은 정장의 남자는 그를 인도에 있던 벤치에 앉히며 말했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">무사하신 것 같아 다행이군요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그의 말에 서 대리는 의아해하며 답했다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저승사자치고는 다정하신 분이군요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">무슨 소리십니까</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저는 조선겨레 신문사의 김남우 기자라고 합니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">뭐라고요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">? </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">저 죽은 거 아니었나요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">?”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아닙니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">간발의 차이로 차가 멈췄어요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그리고 선생님은 정말 멋진 일을 해내셨고요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">대단하십니다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">주위를 둘러보니 어느샌가 사람들이 서 대리 곁에 몰려들어 손뼉을 쳐주고 있었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">사람들뿐 아니라 도로 위의 차들도 모두 경적을 울리며 서 대리에게 환호를 보냈다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">임신부 엄마도 아이를 데리고 와서 연신 감사의 인사를 전했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">김남우 기자는 서 대리에게 </span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">‘YG </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">의인상</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">’</span><span style="font-size:10pt;">을 꼭 추천하겠다며 그에게 명함을 건네주었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">얼떨떨한 기분으로 축하를 받던 서 대리는 바닥에 떨어진 반지를 다시 주워 주머니에 넣은 순간에야 비로소 살아 있다는 실감을 하기 시작했다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">내리던 비도 서서히 그쳐가는 저녁이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;"><font size="2"></font></span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">김남우 기자와의 인터뷰를 마친 후</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">사람들의 환호와 아이 엄마의 사례를 정중히 고사하고 나서야 서 대리는 겨우 집에 도착할 수 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">샤워하고 소파에 앉아 멍하게 휴식을 취하던 서 대리는 문득 아침에 걸려온 고모할머니의 부재중 전화가 생각났다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">통화 버튼을 누르자 고모할머니의 그리운 목소리가 들렸다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">아이고</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">~ </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">태웅이 아녀</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">잘 지내고 있는겨</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">백호가 너 많이 보고 싶단다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">고모할머니</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">정말 오랜만이네요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">잘 지내시죠</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">전화하셨더라고요</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그려</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">~, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">다름이 아니라 이번에 감 농사가 대풍이라서 곶감 만들었자녀</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">~. </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">니 엄마 통해서 보냈으니께 맛있게 먹고 잘 지내거라</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">~.”</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">고모할머니와의 통화를 마치고 엄마에게 전화해서 물어보니까 어제 아파트 베란다에 곶감 갖다 뒀다는 얘기를 들을 수 있었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">베란다를 나가보니 정말 크고 먹음직스러운 곶감이 세 상자나 놓여 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">하나를 집어 입에 넣어보니 역시나 달착지근하며 존득한 곶감의 맛과 향이 정말 일품이었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">고개를 들어보니 까마귀가 그런 자신의 모습을 보고 있었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';"><font face="Gulim"><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span></font><span style="font-size:10pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-size:10pt;">요 녀석</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">, </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">이게 먹고 싶었던 거로구나</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.” </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span><span style="font-size:10pt;">      </span><span style="font-size:10pt;">그는 빙그레 웃으며 곶감 하나를 집어 창틀 앞에 놓아 주었다</span></span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">까마귀는 기쁜 듯이 곶감을 물어 들고 하늘을 향해 날아갔다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">. </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">날아가는 까마귀를 바라보다 그는 강렬한 예감이 들었다</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">내일은 어쩐지 좋은 일이 생길 것 같은 저녁이 될 거라는</span><span style="letter-spacing:0pt;font-family:'함초롬바탕';font-size:10pt;">.</span></div>