DEAR L

Thin Walls

JENNIE

Lisa's mom welcomed me with a tight embrace. She even cooked and I helped her in the kitchen. I actually learned something traditional from her when it comes to cooking. She told me that she is so happy to meet me because Lisa has always been so open to speak a lot about me when they talk over the phone. I am so happy to hear that. I glanced at Lisa and smiled at her when I knew about it. I am trying to hide my blushing face but I just couldn't stop smiling.

We ate our breakfast and I am so amazed of the taste. I also did not expect that I get to taste this hot chocolate that is way better than the one I serve in my restaurant. Her mother is really extraordinary! You will really feel the the food was cooked with so much love.

She kept insisting that I should call her 'Mom' too. Lisa teased me that if I agree with her mother, that means I will surely marry her. I could see how joyful her mom is that Lisa is here with her. Don't worry. I will always tell Lisa that we should visit here twice or thrice a month from now on.

"Jen, I'll just go and get some ingredients for our food. I also have to buy some materials for the roof. Do you want to come with me or stay here?" Lisa asked while she's fixing her bedroom.

"Is it okay if I stay here with your Mom? I love her company. I like talking to her." I said and she nodded. I noticed too that she smiled. I gave her a delicate kiss before she left.

We went out for a walk and  my eyes were delighted to see this greenfield in front of me. The fresh air that goes inside my lungs with a fragrance of morning dew on my nose made me want to live here. Tall trees were dancing. Birds were flying in colors with freedom.

Lisa's Mom is clinging around my arm while we walk. I made sure to look at every step she takes as she's using a cane right now. She told me that she's been feeling so much pain in different parts of her body lately. We openly talked about her condition. I told her that we must bring her to Seoul for her to be checked by another specialist for more opinions.

"I don't want to put burden to Lisa anymore, Jen. I know she's always willing to provide for my needs. If only I can stop this suffering, I really would. I cry at night thinking if Lisa has already eaten right or maybe she's cutting her expenses for herself again just to send the money to me. I really feel bad. She's supposed to enjoy her hard-earned money." She said while staring on the environment and still holding my arm.

"That's okay, Mom. Lisa loves you so much. I can attest to that. We'll do things even if it's not in our will just to provide for the people we love." I said and gave her a smile.

"You want to know more about my Lisa?" She asked and I nodded.

"Has she ever told you about her Dad?" She asked me while we both sat under this big mango tree.

"I was about to ask you, Mom." I said. She clutched my hand and took some air before speaking.

"When I brought Lisa to this world, he wanted to get rid of her. He wanted to look for some people who were willing to adopt Lisa that time. He thought Lisa will ruin his political career if people will found out about her condition." She said looking far. I held my breath when I heard it. Is this real?

"Until now he can't accept Lisa as his child. We separated after I gave birth on Lisa's brother. I saved my Lisa, Jen." It was hard for her to say it. Her tears fell from those beautiful eyes.

"He never supported Lisa on her studies. That's why she was not able to graduate. I was already ill when she entered college. I stopped working. Lisa wanted to get a scholarship but it was so hard for her because she had to get some part-time jobs for my medication.  Poor child. If only I did not have this sickness, she probably got a degree.