Everything is a blur. We exit the plane, we take the bus to the terminal. We get through customs. Mom and I are both running at this point. We see them. Not just Auntie Ji An and Hae-in, but also Neighbor Song. She is holding a big crochet heart in her hands flapping it back and forth. Such love fills me and swarms all around me. Mom flies into Neighbor Song’s arms. Tears fill her eyes. This is going to take a while. I turn to Auntie Ji An, she gives me a brief fierce hug and releases me. I turn to Hae-in and he scoops me into a hug that literally rocks me to my core. I had forgotten how solid and strong he is. I breathe him in. I am finally here. He puts me down and for a moment we just stare at each other. He leans in and kisses me, lightly, gently, respectfully. After all we are with our female relatives.

My mom finally releases Neighbor Song. Her eyes are bright and her love for me is evident in her eyes. She opens her arms to me and pulls me close. Against my ear she says, “Thank you for coming. Hae-in has been counting the days and so have I.” Though she feels more fragile in my arms than she did when I left in August, the strength of her spirit is as vibrant as it has ever been. She releases me and hands me the big crochet heart. She smiles and says, “Something to remember me by.” It is a keepsake given to me now with me looking into her bright and alive eyes. I will remember this happy moment for all my days. “Thank you.” I take her arm and we head for the car.

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Outside the air is bright and cold. I had forgotten the strength of the Jeju wind.

On the ride to the house I am in the backseat wedged between Auntie Ji An and Mom. At least I have a good view of Hae-in in the rear view mirror. Mom is talking while Auntie Ji An patiently listens. Outside I hear the cry of a gull. I turn to the water. It is gorgeous and oh so clear. Neighbor Song lets out a small cry of delight. I think, she was born on Je Ju, she has lived her life here. I have never lived in one place. What is that like? I will never know.

When we reach the house, I go with Hae-in and Neighbor Song. Together Hae-in and I get her situated in her bed. She is exhausted. She shoos us away. Hae-in says, “If you need me, ring your bell.”

She gives him and nod and closes her eyes.

I feel Hai-in’s hand slip into mine. We go into the hall and he closes the door behind him. Silently he leads me to the front room. In a hushed voice he tells me, “She tires so easily now.” I can see the sadness and fear in his eyes. This journey that he is on is long. I wrap him in my arms and pull him close. I am so thankful to be with him now, to be able to give him some comfort. His strong arms encircle me. He rest his face against my neck and whispers, “I’m so glad you are here.”

“Me too.”