I watch Hae-in run down the beach. His ponytail doesn’t swing behind him anymore and for some reason this makes me sad. I gather my things and pick up Gong Yoo because he refuses to walk. Apparently he has met his step goal for the day.I head for the house.When I get to the drive, Gong Yoo leaps out of my arms and races to the front door and starts yapping to be let in. Auntie Ji An opens the door. Gong Yoo disappears inside.

I put on a smile as I take the steps. Auntie Ji An asks, “You okay?”

My fake smile didn’t work. I drop it and shake my head. “Mom called.”

“Oh. What about?”

“Jason. She said, he thinks he made a mistake.”

She frowns. “About you?”

I nod.

This time she shakes her head. “She should have kept that information to herself. What do you think about what she said he said?”

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

I sigh before I answer. “I think my mom needs to mind her own business and I need Jason to do more than think.” Tears pool in my eyes. Silently, Auntie Ji An takes me into her arms. The waterworks start. Does Mom really think I would risk my heart on second hand news? Does Jason think I will? I won’t. Bitterness and hurt spill into the vacant place Jason left inside of me.

Auntie Ji An releases me and looks directly into my eyes. She says, “You are going to get through this.”

Will I?

Though I didn’t say the question out loud, Auntie Ji And says, “Yes you will.”

*

It is after midnight and I still haven’t put on my pjs. I am sitting at my bedroom window looking at the stars.Out here, so far away from ambient light they are large and bright. A small breeze sets my hair to fluttering. It beckons me to join the night.Careful not to make a sound I creep to the front door. As quietly as I can, I open the door. I am not quiet enough. I hear Gong Yoo’s toe nails clicking across the floor. I try to get out quickly, but I don’t manage it. He slips passed me onto the porch.

Gong Yoo hops into the swing and I join him. The air is heavy and humid tonight. I lean back and set the swing in motion. I hear someone running up the drive. It is Hae-in. How much does he run in a day? Gong Yoo leaps off the swing and rushes toward him barking. Quickly Hai-in picks the dog up and scolds, “Hush!” Unapologetic, Gong Yoo snorts but doesn’t try to get free. Hae-in looks at me in the porch light and asks, “Can’t sleep?”

“Yup.”

“Mind if I join you?”

My heart skips half a beat. “No, I don’t mind.”

I watch him climb the porch steps. He is near, and then nearer. He doesn’t smell of Old Spice, but of sweat and salt.