The folded note
She walked along the narrow tunnel, narrower and narrower it got until a door, like a hatch was present. A smiling woman looked upon her, clad in navy and crimson, gesturing, welcoming her into the cabin. The woman lead her to an upfront seat, she sat down and took a deep breath. As neighbouring seats began to fill up with strangers she took a piece of folded up paper from her pocket. She held this delicate paper carefully, for it was very dear to her. She began caressing, running her fingers across the bumps and tears along the edges.
After a while of examining the outside she reluctantly opened it. Lost in the moment the engines angrily began to thunder behind her. Dropping the paper by her feet with fright. She began gripping the arm rests clawing at them like an agitated cat. As the engines rumbled and the plane took flight she began to squint her eyes tighter and began gripping the seat even harder.
"You know it's perfectly normal", said an aged man in the opposite row, she was startled, looking up and searching for this somewhat familiar voice. "There's no need to be scared" he paused. Picking up the folded piece of paper. "Here" he said, "I think you dropped this". He handed it to her with immense precaution and understanding, as if he new that such an artefact can be of the utmost importance. She just smiled warmly and gladly took the note from his grasp. She waited a moment to gather her thoughts then proceeded in a ritual that had been performed many a time. Inside there was a piece of writing that was written in Korean:
not in the coldest of nights 없는 밤의 추운에
or the hottest of days 또는 일의 가장 뜨거운
shall I leave your side. 나는 당신의 곁을 떠나지해야한다.
not when the fire rains down 불이 아래로 비가하지 않을 때
or the ocean engulfs you 또는 바다는 당신에게 먹기
should we be apart. 우리는 떨어져 있어야한다.
not hill, or river, ocean or land 또는 강, 바다 또는 육지되지 언덕
will keep me from you 당신이 저를 계속합니다
if darkness descends 어둠이 내려 경우
I shall not be afraid 나는 두려워하지 않는다
for I have my sunshine 에 대한 내 햇빛이
She also took a white and lilac flower that had been pressed between the pages, it was dead and withered, although it still held the scent of a spring morning. She held it to her nose and gently closed her eyes bathing in its aroma. The man opposite her gazed at this, puzzled. All of a sudden she rapidly pulled it away from her nose and looked over at the man.
He smiled and said "I didn't mean to intrude, but its fascinating how someone can be so careful and delicate".
She simply smiled and replied "it was my parents", her smile died away as she reflected on these words.
"Oh I see" he wondered "is that where you are traveling to? To see your parents?".
She paused, "no. my parents passed away when I was very young".
The man looked uneasy and began fidgeting in his chair "I do apologise" he continued. "I'm Richard, by the way. Richard Albert".
She nodded, then her eyes glistened, a flash of realisation ran across her face. Richard was startled and looked at her with interest. "my name.." she continued as butterflies fluttered in her belly. "my name is.. is.. Ji Yeon".
Richard's heart sunk and his eyes began to water "Ji Yeon?" he said hastily. "Ji Yeon Kwon?" Richard took off a golden watch that clasped his wrist, gazed at it then handed it to her. She began to weep, for this was no ordinary watch, this was her fathers.