Twisted Rope

Family Time

Over the next few days, they had a great time. On the first day, the weather forecast was fine and clear, so they made the most of it and visited the One World Observatory to get the best view of the city. It was almost as tall as the Lotte World Tower, and the views were stunning. They found it a great way to spot all the landmarks of Manhattan. They could see the airplanes taking off from Newark airport, so tiny they were hard to spot unless you knew where to look. Beyond the skyscrapers of Manhattan Island, they could look over the East River into Brooklyn and the coast beyond, and with the weather so clear, they were amazed how far it was possible to see. They followed this with the World Trade Centre memorial, which they found poignant, especially when they found the names of the Korean victims.

They were more interested in galleries than museums, so they chose to visit the Museum of Modern Art, Guggenheim and the Met. Whilst they all were interested in art, they didn't all share the same tastes. Ka-youn and Yeji, especially, were keen to see the work of new and innovative artists. Jeong-hyeok felt more comfortable with more established work, but he was willing to be challenged. Overall, they found the vast range within the galleries stimulating and they happily discussed the styles of the different artists and merits of their work.

They had always been a close family, but Seri felt that the last few months had threatened that a little. She was now keen to reestablish a better balance between work and her family, and grasped the chance to spend more time with them. As the girls had grown up, it meant that they could share more activities and interests together, but the passage of their childhood felt poignant. Soon they would be adults and want their own lives.

Watching Yeji and Ka-youn as they stood debating the merits of a piece of abstract art, they seemed so grown up. But just a few minutes later, they were giggling together over another painting. And then they seemed like little girls again. Maybe there was still some time on her side. She saw Jeong-hyeok going over to them and when they shared what had triggered their giggles, she heard his deep laugh too. She'd missed that from him over the last few months. There had been too few occasions for laughter in their house. It would be good to bring that back again. The three of them were now walking back across the gallery, all of them beaming, keen to share the joke with her, too. Her happy, wonderful family.

Thank goodness I've found my way back to this.

The weather was kind to them, staying dry and warm, so it was pleasant to be out and about just exploring the city. In the evening, they had tickets for a broadway show the girls had chosen and the ballet another night. There was no shortage of opportunities for sightseeing, but sometimes it felt good just to sit and chat, to people watch, and enjoy the atmosphere.

As he spent time with his family, Jeong-hyeok felt that the distraction he had experienced over the last few months was easing. His mother had chosen to put him, her son, first, when she had left her home. He had thanked her for that by expanding their family, creating a loving unit that Yoon-he had been very much a part of. Seri was right. His mother had been happy, and she had adored Ka-youn and Yeji. He should look back positively on that and not find reasons to feel guilty. He would always miss his mother, but he felt he was coming to terms with her death now. He had memories of her from his childhood in the North and their life in the South. Both were valid, and both had value. He should allow himself to accept them both. And going forward, loving his family was the best thing he could do to honour her memory. The holiday felt like they were all coming together again. Life felt good once more.

They now only had one full day left, Friday. Seri had made an appointment to see an upcoming designer she was keen to meet. The girls would go with her too. She trusted her own judgement on fashion, but she also welcomed their views. They were from a different generation, and she felt it was good to have their perspective. After the appointment, they would have lunch and then meet him back at the hotel. He, meanwhile, would meet with Park Hyun-ki and Jack Stein there for the preliminary interview. Afterwards, Hyun-ki would fly back to Boston, and the family would have a last precious evening in the city before the long flight the next day. The last night of a special holiday always felt a little poignant, but Jeong-hyeok felt that this one would feel especially like that. This holiday had meant so much to him.