Landing in Your Inbox

54 - the lone tree

Seri followed suit to examine the tree they hiked all the way for. 

"They call this the Lonely Tree. But I think it's better to call it a Survivor Tree." Seri mused, looking up at its thick crown of brown leaves, "They say it's the only tree to survive after demolishing houses for the park. That's saying something, right? Many seasons have passed and it continues to stand strong..."

"Not as strong..." Jeong-hyeok pointed at the stakes holding up the tree for support. 

"Once in a while it needs help...I'm sure it's still the most popular tree in the park, everyone's taking photos with it... " Then Seri sighed, "But I guess that's also sad in a way...People are taking advantage of its loneliness by posing in front of it. The same sorrow that made it strong..."

"You have a lot of feelings for this tree." Jeong-hyeok remarked.

Seri chuckled, "I suppose I see myself a lot in it."

Jeong-hyeok glanced at her.

"I'm fine. Stop looking at me wistfully." Seri said even if she was not facing him. "I'm stronger than anyone...Besides, don't you relate a little with it? You both have crutches, look."

Jeong-hyeok kept a straight face but a chortle fought to escape, "I guess. What do you think will make that tree less lonely?"

"Another tree?" Seri suggested. "But then that will take the mystique out of the place, right? It won't be a Lonely Tree anymore. The park will stand to lose visitors."

For a moment,  Seri and Jeong-hyeok just stood shoulder to shoulder, giving some thought as its leaves rustled with the cool wind.

"We could return and visit it now and then." Jeong-hyeok proposed 

"That's sentimental of you." Seri replied, "That takes some commitment though. Are you up for it?" 

"Sure." Jeong-hyeok shrugged.

Seri showed her little finger, "Swear on it."

"What is this?" Jeong-hyeok asked in amusement. "We're swearing on visiting a tree?" 

"I told you it needs commitment."

Jeong-hyeok gave in to her willies and locked fingers with her but Seri didn't release his finger right away.

"Promise me another thing, Jeong-hyeok. Whatever you decide to do..." Seri's eyes rolled up to meet his, "I hope you choose it because you want it. It's cliche but, I hope you realize your innermost dream."  

"This time, I will." Jeong-hyeok vowed.

December 26, 2020 4:14 PM
Lee Family Residence

"Your place is near Seo Dan's." Seri noted as she was driving Jeong-hyeok back to his parents' home where he would be staying until around New Year's Eve.

"Yes, we're almost neighbors." Jeong-hyeok sat on the passenger seat next to her, watching the cars pass them by.

Seri became quiet as she thought of the fallout she had with her friend before Christmas. There were no messages exchanged since. The mall heiress's gift to her remained fully wrapped. She knew that would not be the last they would see of each other but thinking about reconciliation was making her head throb. Everything was complicated, more so right after Jeong-hyeok stayed in her apartment for Christmas. It was not like they did anything besides that kiss...

A ballad cut through her ruminations that sent Seri's mind back to the present, her eyes widening, "Change the station."

"Hm? Why?"