Haven't I repaid enough? - Han

Han's father secretly remortgaged the matrimonial home to pay his gambling debts.

When the truth came out, Han's mother was distraught. She was fearful that she would lose the roof over her head. She sought out her only son for help.

Han began making two mortgage payments. His own flat and his parents' home. The financial strain was enormous, but what choice did he have? His mother had nowhere else to go.

Then Han was retrenched. The double mortgage payments became impossible.

His best mate from army, Jae, stepped in. "I'll give you an interest-free loan to cover the payments until you find another position."

Han was overwhelmed with gratitude. Jae was saving him and his mother from disaster.

Han found a new job within months and began repaying the loan steadily.

But then Jae began to ask for favours.

Could Han help source specific items? Han had connections in retail. Could Han accompany Jae's elderly parents to the grocers when Jae was out of town? Han had flexible hours now.

At first, Han was happy to help. Jae had been there when he needed him most.

But the requests kept coming. More frequently. More time-consuming.

When Han attempted to decline a request, Jae would grow unhappy.

"I made sacrifices to extend that loan to you, you know," Jae would say, "I could have invested that money. I put my own plans on hold."

Han felt guilt wash over him. Jae was right, wasn't he? He did owe Jae.

Han did his best to fulfil Jae's requests, even when it meant cancelling his own plans or stretching himself thin.

But this debt never seemed to decrease. No matter how many favours Han did, it was never quite enough.