The new girl is mine.

1

Happy tears fell from the eyes of both Winter and her parents as they all exchanged their final hugs goodbye before Winter took off to the city of Malibu, California.

Winter was accepted into the visual arts program at Remington University, one of the highest-ranked international universities for students wishing to pursue a career in arts.

Back in her home country, Busan, South Korea, Winter is one of the top art students in her school, and even became popular overseas for her creative artwork, and famously known for her clay sculptures. After her art increased in popularity, she was granted multiple scholarships and offers from different universities across the globe, and Remington University was a program that she couldn't miss out on.

The flight to California was soon to take off, and Winter's mom engulfed her daughter into the tightest hug possible; squeezing all oxygen out of the younger girl, and weeping so loud that people were caught staring while they walked by.

"Mom, I know you're sad, but people are staring. Can you take it down a bit? It's embarrassing..." Winter expressed as she wiped her own tears, giggling slightly as her mom continued to sob.

Winter's father proudly grinned as he placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "You know your mom, kid." He chuckled. "She's losing her other half."

"I promise I'll come back to Korea!" Winter beamed, trying to make light of the situation. "I'm not gone, mom. I promise I'll call you every day, and let you know how things are going. You'll see me again," she reassured.

Winter's mom sighed as tears began to fall, just in time for the airport to announce that Winter's flight to California was to take off within 10 minutes.

"You better visit. Don't think that I won't give you paddle spankings if you don't," Winter's mom half-joked with teary eyes.

Winter sighed. "Mom, I'm 21."

"So?" her mom asked. "You're still our baby girl, no matter what. And if I say you get paddle spankings, you'll get paddle—"

"Okay! Okay, alright!" Winter threw her hands up in protest. "Yup. I get it. Hmm."

The family of 3 laughed together, saddened by the reality that this would be their last laugh together for some time.

Winter clutched the handle of her suitcase once the laughter died down, nervously biting down on her bottom lip as she prepared to say her final goodbyes.

"Mom, Dad, I just wanted to thank you both for believing in me, and supporting me through school and everything..." Winter felt tears instantly build up in her eyes, her voice beginning to tremble. "You guys made this possible for me and I couldn't be happier. I'll work hard for you guys, and I promise to call you guys every day, and I'll visit as soon as I can. Sounds good?"

"Bring it in, Minjeong," Winter's dad said as he brought his arms over both his wife and his daughter, engulfing his kid in a hug one last time. "Me and your mother are so proud of you, and we love you so much. Keep working hard and ind what you're doing, okay? We believe in you."

Winter's mom smiled as she cupped her daughter's cheeks and pulled her closer, planting a gentle and motheringly kiss on her forehead. "Keep shining, my beautiful star. You'll do great out there."

Winter took a deep breath as their group hug parted, taking everything in as she stepped back from her parents. She took multiple nervous glances at the entrance to the plane, before looking back at her parents. "I got to get going now. I love you guys so much, okay? I'll give you a call as soon as I arrive in California."

"We love you too, darling," Winter's mom responded. "Now go catch that flight before you're too late! Have a safe flight."

Winter felt more tears build up in her eyes again, but she held them in as she grasped the handle of her suitcase and began to slowly walk away from her parents. "Bye now! See you on the other side! Love you!" she gently shouted as she approached the gates to the flight, waving goodbye to her parents.