There is a knock on the door. Hae-in pulls away from me and says, “That is Nurse Lee.” He goes to the door. Nurse Lee is the woman looks after Neighbor Song while Hae-in is at work. In that moment I suddenly realize, Hae-in has to go to work, he will be leaving me.
The woman enters. She is tiny. Her smile is bright. Hae-in introduces us. As I say, “It is good to meet you,” I notice Hae-in glance at his watch.
Nurse Lee goes to check on Neighbor Song. Hae-in pulls me into his arms. “I hate that I have to go to work.”
Against his chest I mumble, “I hate it too.”
He kisses the top of my head and releases me. His eyes meet mine, I see an apology in them, that I do not want to hear. I place my hand over his lips and tell him, “I am here. Just down the road. Tell me when your lunch break is and I will bring you something.” Beneath my hand I feel his smile. He nods. I remove my hand and he kisses me.
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After Hae-in leaves, I go back to Auntie Ji An’s. Gong Yoo meets me at the door. I pick him up and snuggle him. I have missed this little guy. Auntie Ji An comes out of the kitchen and tells me, “Your mom is asleep in my room. There are fresh towels in the bathroom.”
This is her way of hinting that I need to get some rest too. After a quick shower, I go to my room. The window has been replaced and I can see the side of Neighbor Song’s house. I am thankful for the view. I lay down on the bed. My weariness is washing over me in waves. Before I fall asleep, I set my alarm. I could easily over sleep and I don’t want to miss Hae-in’s break.
*
I drive Auntie Ji An’s VW beetle to the Market. The wind is brisk and so cold it takes my breath away. I meet Hae-in at the Tteobokki stand. He orders our food and takes me to one of the stock rooms. There is a small table set up with two crates. Side by side we sit down. At first we are awkward. We are used to our voices and our faces being transmitted over the phone.
With a hint of shyness in his voice, Hae-in tells me, “Dami’s folks have a cabin on the south side of the island. She said we could have it Sunday night if we like.” The impact of these words reverberates through me. My time jumbled mind struggles a moment to figure out what day it is. Worry fills Hae-in’s eyes. “I am sorry it is such short notice.”
I take his face in my hands and say, “I would love to go.”
To my delight he blushes. My face feels kinda warm too. He leans in and kisses me. In my brain I am screaming, Thank you Dami!