A Part Of Me Is You

XIII: A Life Inside A Life

May 2021

He made his way from the little crowd that's left, carefully, as if she was going to slip away with one wrong stride, like how fishes would swim away with just a little change in the water surface.

Every step made her closer, with every step his heart beat a little stronger.

Then she caught him nearing her, but she can't seem to turn back like how she wanted to, just to avoid him. She knew he was coming for her.

With his every step made him inches closer. With every second made her held her breath tighter.

Are we ready to face each other?

There's no turning back. He had to confirm something.

She wanted to turn back, but she's also tired of pushing things back she knew she needed to address.

He took a final step and the gap has closed.

They were holding each other's gazes. He was unable to speak, his heart was still not at ease.

It was a good amount of time until she released the air she did not know she was holding. "Hi," she spoke.

September 2015

It has been over a week since Chae Won got out of the hospital due to her minor accident. Two weeks since the painful break up.

She was in an overnight get together with her girls at Geun Young's place, which Hyo Joo initiated.

The tree beautiful ladies were in their matching pajamas, which Hyo Joo also prepared.

The girls insisted that Chae Won doesn't need to bring anything but herself, yet she brought her favorite snacks anyway.

Geun Young on the other hand provided strong drinks which Chae Won would like.

They first prepared all the foods they brought. Ate a simple dinner out of what Chae Won brought.

Then a moment later, the living room became a noraebang where they sang their hearts out. Chae Won was a little obvious doing it half-heartedly. She was still stuck up from the break up. They knew.

An hour later they sit and lie on the floor in silence, opposite to the noise they did a while ago. It was time to talk about it. Clearly, the night was for Chae Won.

Geun Young opened a can for Chae Won. The first round was about to begin. Three canned beers hissed one after another. Geun Young sipped and caught the bubbles from her can before it overflows.

"How are we all keeping up?" Hyo Joo asked.

Geun Young and Hyo Joo took turns sharing what they have been through all the while, prolonging, to give Chae Won the moment she needs before she tells them how she was.

"I am not doing well." She said when it was her turn. Then both younger ladies silenced for her to speak.

She took a big sip from her beer, and though she is not into beers, she'd always prefer strong ones if she needs to drink, but unusually this time, her body can't seem to handle the alcohol. So she stood up almost too suddenly —it made her dizzy, went to the toilet and threw it up.

The two women furrowed and waited for her to return. When she did, they gave her an inquisitive look.

"You threw up?" Hyo Joo asked the obvious.

Chae Won confusedly bobbed.

"With this?" Geun Young raised her beer.

Chae Won shrugged. Probably? She thought.