I also posted this story on asianfanfics.

Kang Mo Yeon and Mrs. Kang

Mo Yeon drove her Big Boss across the city on Saturday morning. Despite the lack of luck she had with cars, she had no choice than to drive her own car to her mother's house. Her soldier boyfriend, Yoo Si Jin, was on a mission abroad. As always, he didn't give anything details, but what made her mind easier was he no longer full in charge on the operation since he got promoted as Major. He might in charge on the operation, but not at the front line for being shot. At least that was what he told her. Mo Yeon knew better the scenario could change. For almost three years on their relationship (added in one year when she thought Si Jin was dead), she knew dangerous missions could go awry.

There was a reason why Mo Yeon visited her mother. She felt the need to talk between mother and daughter. These past few months, she felt Si Jin was more attentive and as straightforward as he was, he often hinted about marriage. Mo Yeon never was a good person to learn about someone's character unlike her boyfriend, but as a woman, her guts told her Si Jin was near a way to propose to her. And that was why she needed to talk to her mother.

Mo Yeon parked her car in front of her mother's, her childhood home, when the day turned noon. She took a break from the hospital for two days. She smiled when she remembered visiting this house with Si Jin when he returned to Korea after staying with her in Albania for weeks. Her mother, as shocked as she was, but gladly welcomed him back. Si Jin was enveloped on a big hug which the soldier returned with a wholehearted apology.

Before Mo Yeon stepped into the front porch, the door already opened and she hugged her mother when she saw her figure.

"Mom," she mumbled on her mother's shoulder.

"You're alone? I thought you come here with Si Jin," her mother replied.

"He is on a mission. He will return next week."

"I see."

After a moment, Mo Yeon released her hug and smiled at her mother.

"My girl," Mrs. Kang said while stroking her hair. "Come on in. I already cooked for you."

The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Mo Yeon felt like a little girl again for being spoiled by her mother. She stayed at her old room, watching TV in the living room, and doing she often did before becoming a doctor. After dinner, Mo Yeon and her mother sat on the back garden looking at the stars.

"The stars are beautiful," Mo Yeon said. "Although it was not as many as in Urk." Her mind wandered when Si Jin pointed to the sky above them after the earthquake.

"It's always peaceful whenever we look at them," Mrs. Kang replied.

Mo Yeon smiled. "That was Si Jin told me. He said the stars made us comfortable."

"Is there something you want to talk to me about Si Jin?" Mrs. Kang asked her daughter in comforting tone.

Mo Yeon took a deep breath before looking at her mother. "Mom, I think...he's going to propose to me."

Mrs. Kang blinked. "Really? Well, that's a good news. Don't you feel happy? How do you know?"

"Si Jin is never the one to hide his feelings from me. Even when I wasn't even sure how I felt about him, he already said to me he liked me a lot and told repeatedly he fell in love with me. It made me surprised and confused. So, it was not a surprise when he often hinted about marriage to me. Probably to see my reactions."

"And?"

Mo Yeon blew a breath. "I don't know, Mom. There are a lot of things that I need to consider. I mean...he's a soldier, I'm a doctor. We barely have time together. What happened when we get married or when we have children? And, when he went on a mission? I just..." Mo Yeon put her hands over her face. "I just don't know, Mom."

"Well, they say love can solve everything. Maybe it's cliche, but it's the truth. As for love, I can see how much he loves you. The love you both shared, enough to make him stay alive during the time all of us presumed he was dead. The love he has for you enough for him to fight for this relationship."

"But still..."

"Do you trust him?"

Mo Yeon stared at her mother. And after a moment, she answered, "Yes."

Mrs. Kang smiled. "Then, it's worth fighting for. Like I said before, he is perfect for you. You barely home, but you got paid. Imagine if you have to marry with someone normal. Not everyone could understand how doctor works. As for Si Jin, not everyone understands a soldier like him, unlike you."

Mo Yeon looked back to the stars. "The thing that makes me thinking is when he goes for a mission. He promises to always come back, but he broke the promise once, although in the end, he did keep it for me. I just..." Her eyes brimmed with tears. "I can't get through like that again, Mom."

"Oh, you, silly girl..."

Mrs. Kang enveloped her daughter on an embrace. Mo Yeon sniffed on her mother's shoulder.

"Not only soldier, Mo Yeon. We are not immortal. The time will come when we have to say goodbye to our love ones for eternity. But, at least we can have our time together while we can and cherish it. And the way to spend it is with someone we love, right?"

Mo Yeon didn't say anything, only enjoying her mother stroking her hair. Her mother's words really moved her. She was right, though. We couldn't predict the future. But, today was blessing. That was why it called present.

"So, next time you both come here together, I want to see you wearing your engagement ring."

Mo Yeon chuckled and leaned away from her mother's embrace. "Mom!"

"Aww...don't be shy. It's about time you get married. And I'm so happy it's not that director of yours."

"Aiisshhh..."

That night when Mo Yeon was about to sleep, her phone vibrated. Her heart leaped when the phone flashed with her boyfriend's call sign. Mo Yeon already forgotten the last time Si Jin contacted her. And now when he did, it was a sign the mission had ended and he was allowed to use a phone again.

What are you doing? Have you slept yet?

Mo Yeon smiled and texted the reply.

I was about to sleep. I'm at my mother's house

A brief moment later, another text.

What happened? Why are you at your mother's house?

She texted another reply.

Just having a mother and daughter talk. I'll be home tomorrow. I took two days off from the hospital.

And then, the phone rang. Raising one eyebrow, Mo Yeon answered the call.

"I am in the middle of nowhere and you take two days off to see your mom? Not fair!"

Mo Yeon laughed lightly. "What can I say? I missed my mom."

"How about me? Don't you miss me?"

Mo Yeon, again, couldn't contain her laugh. She could imagine Si Jin with his pouting face. She just couldn't understand him, a major who carries gun, a sharp shooter, fighting with his life, and yet could be so childish.

"Of course I do. I missed you so much. How are you? Anything I could check when you get home?'

Si Jin playfully growled. "Don't talk like that. It makes me anxious to get home soon. Do you think you can take another day off next week? There's something important I want to ask you."

Mo Yeon blinked. "Something important? What is it?"

"You'll have to wait for next week. It's a punishment for you having day off when I'm not around."

"Aisshh...this man. I don't know why I have a relationship with you."

"Because I love you?"

Mo Yeon laughed again.

And the upcoming week, Mo Yeon's gut came true when Si Jin proposed to her at the place they often spend together. It was crowded, he wore his dress uniform; showing her his trueself as a soldier, and presented her the ring before asking her hand for marriage. He was nervous when Mo Yeon didn't answer immediately, but his eyes turned bright when she said 'yes'. She even ignored her surroundings when Si Jin pulled her up from her seat and kissed her in front of a lot of customers. They were clapping their hands, congratulated her and Si Jin for the engagement and in the end, she hugged her fiance tightly.

Yes, she would cherish the moment.

With him.