Untitled 2014

Thirteen (Untitled 2014)

Dara was only thirteen, but in their neighborhood, she already had that sparkle—sweet, bright, and endlessly kind. The neighborhood boys secretly adored her, and the aunties always had candy ready when she passed by.

But not today.

Today, she wasn't smiling.

She stood in front of Bom's house, eyes red and cheeks damp. Her best friend—her partner in every little crime and every loud laugh—was leaving for the States. For good.

Bom held her hand tightly, trying to keep things together.

"Stop crying, Dara," Bom whispered, her voice a little shaky. "I'll call. I'll text. Every day. I promise."

Dara sniffled. "Really?"

"Really. And when I grow up, I'll come back."

Without thinking, Dara threw her arms around Bom and hugged her like she never wanted to let go.

"If you don't come back," she muttered into Bom's shoulder, "I'll follow you there. I swear."

A few feet away, Bom's parents exchanged soft looks but didn't interrupt. It was hard enough saying goodbye.

Days passed. Then weeks.

Dara waited. And waited.

No calls. No texts. Nothing.

She sat on her bed, clutching her phone like it owed her an explanation. Every buzz gave her hope. Every silence left her a little emptier.

Then one day, a car pulled into Bom's driveway. Dara sprang up and ran outside barefoot.

"Bom?!"

But it wasn't her.

Instead, a woman stepped out—a kind face, a warm smile. She spotted Dara right away.

"You must be Dara," the woman said.

Dara nodded slowly. "Yes..."

"Bom told me about you. She was right—you are lovely."

Dara's eyes lit up. "You know Bom? Where is she? Is she coming back?"

"Not yet, sweetheart. But she sent you something. Come inside for a bit, okay?"

Just then, a boy slid out of the back seat, dragging his feet like they weighed a hundred pounds. He barely glanced at Dara before disappearing into the house.

Inside, Dara greeted the man who was carrying luggage into the house. "Hi."

"Hi, Dara! Heard a lot about you," he smiled.

"You all know me?" she asked, blinking.

The woman chuckled. "Of course. Come sit. I'll go get your package."

"Oh—but I'll leave my slippers here."

"No need, dear. The floor's clean."

"My omma says it's rude," Dara replied quietly.

The woman just smiled. "Very polite. Alright then."

Dara sat on the couch and turned—only to find the boy sprawled next to her. One eye half-open, he stared at her for a beat.

"Hi," he said, voice hoarse from sleep.

"Hi," she replied, startled.

"You're Dara, right?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"I'm Jiyong. Bom's cousin."

"Oh..."

"She said you're her best friend."

"I am."

He nodded once. "Goodnight, Dara."

And just like that, he went right back to sleep.

Dara blinked. "Okay..."

The woman returned with a small box wrapped in brown paper. "She said to give this to you right away."

"Thank you! Um... can I go now?"

"Of course. And call me Auntie, okay? We're staying next door now."

"You're living here?! Really?" Dara grinned.

The woman laughed. "Yes, really."

Dara bowed politely, hugged the box, and ran all the way back home.

In her room, she didn't even sit. She jumped straight onto the bed and tore the wrapping open. Inside was a letter and a soft stuffed toy.

She opened the letter first.

Dear Dara,

I'm sorry I haven't called yet. I got sick after the flight (you were right, plane rides SUCK), and everything's been so tiring. Also, your shark horror stories gave me anxiety the entire trip, so thanks for that. 😤

Anyway! I finally have time to write this. I miss you SO MUCH. I don't have any friends here yet, and phones aren't allowed in school or the dorms, but I'll try to call this weekend when I'm home.

Please don't be mad, okay? I didn't forget you.

I love you, sissy! Mwah mwaah mwaaah 💋

P.S. My cousin Jiyong will look after you. He's cute, right? I showed him your photo and he said you're pretty. 😉

Love,
Bominator

Dara rolled her eyes at the last part, but the smile on her face couldn't be helped. She hugged the stuffed toy to her chest.

"You're soft," she whispered. "And your face kinda looks like Bom's."

Then she giggled.