The Halcyon Stiction 🪐

6 - Impermanence

Kids.

Two kids specifically.

These two little beings are just staring right back at her, possibly questioning her existence in this reality and of course, she is doing the same.

She takes a quick look at her surroundings and realizes she is at a somewhat crowded beach. Something feels familiar about this beach almost as if she has been here before but she doesn't dwell on that thought.

The beach seems so ordinary what with families just relaxing and kids playing all sorts of games. It feels almost as if it is just an ordinary day.

The stares she is getting from the kids grow to be rather distracting so Haerin turns back to look at them. Both kids still have their stare on her and Haerin takes this time to carefully analyze their faces. Though the two kids look similar, almost like siblings, it is then that she realizes that the shorter one of the two share similar features with a particular someone.

Those big round eyes.

High nose bridge.

Thick eyebrows.

And even that same stance.

Wait, is this where she finally arrives in a reality where time has somehow been twisted? This can't be, it must be a coincidence. They only met much later.

Then perhaps, is there a slightest chance that this little girl in front of her happens to be that certain someone she is thinking of?

She hopes not because that would be insane.

"Oppa, she is spacing out like a cat."

"Minji, don't say that out loud. It's rude."

Oh dear, it is Kim Minji indeed.

That voice, and that frown, that unmistakable frown, Haerin can recognize that frown from a mile away. This little girl is indeed Kim Minji.

"I'm sorry, eonni but you do look like a cat. I don't mean it in a bad way. I like cats."

Haerin finds little Minji so darn adorable that she bends down to take a closer look at the little girl.

Even as a child, Minji still looks pretty much the same, perhaps the only biggest difference would be her shorter limbs and small stature. It's funny seeing Minji like this when all her life, Haerin has always been shorter one. It almost feels surreal.

"Eonni, do you know how to make sandcastles?"

Haerin looks around and notices that Minji's older brother has already begin to play with his friends, leaving her all alone.

Well, perhaps just keeping little Minji company for a while wouldn't alter the timeline in this reality?

She'll make it quick, she thinks.

As if.

"Yes, do you want to make one?"

Little Minji nods once before her little fingers grasp onto Haerin's thumb, pulling her to the pile of sand nearby. Haerin merely follows the little girl without any hesitation.

Somehow or rather it feels as though their roles have reversed and Haerin finds it all nostalgic. Because just looking at those once big fingers now become tiny ones just holding onto hers so very tightly, she is reminded of her beloved's big hands grasping onto hers not too long ago.

How cute she thinks.

But enough of reminiscing, Kang Haerin. Let's focus on little Minji now.

Once there, little Minji immediately hands her a scoop and urges her to start scooping. Geez, even as a kid, Minji has gotten her wrapped around her little finger. Emphasis on the little finger because little Minji is really tiny. It is almost hard to believe how tall she grows up to be.