Winds Embrace
by Roanne Kyla L. Cailao
As the sun bathes my bedroom in a golden glow, I rise, a smile dancing on my lips as I glance at the little calendar adorning my side table. This day, eagerly anticipated for a year, finally dawns.
"See you later, my love," I message him, not waiting for a response as excitement bubbles within me. Preparations for our date commence. Five years into our journey, Dae Kyung and I are seen as a perfect match, reflections of each other, sharing a plethora of similarities that weave our lives together.
Dae Kyung treats me with unparalleled kindness, showering me with love that unveils the existence of gentle, unwavering affection. He understands me without explanation, speaking my language with an understanding that transcends words.
His expressions of love are unique, from discovering a charming journal in a bookstore to heartfelt declarations like, "You mean so much to me that I can't imagine being away from you." The memories of our journey together never fail to make me blush and fill me with joy.
I prepare a feast of Oi Kimchi, half-moon rice cakes, and omelets—his favorites, traditions he cherishes on this special day. After donning my favorite white dress, I embark on the journey to the place where we'll meet, welcomed by a gentle breeze.
Chilseok Festival, a celebration of love, unfolds around us as people revel with their loved ones. Six feet apart, I spot Dae Kyung, his smile halting my steps. His eyes shine with life, mirroring his radiant smile, and I can't help but share in his joy.
"You look wonderful as ever," I exclaim as I settle beside him, placing the carefully prepared food between us. I share the tale of Chilseok, a story he has heard countless times. As tears well in my eyes, the heartbreaking narrative resonates, leaving an ache in my heart.
As the rain begins to fall, my voice trembles with emotion. I question why fate separated us, why I must face this day alone. With raindrops mingling with my tears, I stare at Dae Kyung's picture, engraved on his tombstone.
"Never once did you let me face life alone, and now, without you, how do I move forward? How do I start my day without the coffee you made? You taught me so much about life, yet never how to live without you."
A year ago, on this same day, we were bound for Chilseok celebrations when tragedy struck. The bus we rode broke down, and out of ten passengers, I was the sole survivor.
In this soaked white dress, with Oi Kimchi, omelet, and rice cake, I cling to memories of Dae Kyung. As the world celebrates, I grieve for my greatest love.
"Let our love be the bridge. Like Jinknyeo and Gyeonwu, who meet each other every year, I'll remember you on this same day, and I will tell you how much I love you until my voice wears out, with bright blue skies or grey ones. Dae Kyung, remembering brings me pain, but if remembering means you, I am willing to bleed until the end."
"See you, my love."
"See you, my love." (Dae Kyung's last message to Bo Ra, exactly a year ago.)
The End