What's Next?

Chapter 7 The Letter

Se-ri entered her suite ready to read the letter. She sat on a chair and placed the envelope on the table. She looked at it and was nervous to open it. "Come on Se-ri, you have to do this. It will be ok." She opened the envelope and took the letter out.

Se-ri,

By now you would know that I am engaged. . I was surprised when my father told me that I was under scrutiny and that he had arranged for me to be engaged. They were watching me so I had to be extra careful. He said if I was engaged it would help in showing that I was in a stable relationship. I told my father that I will not marry her and he said it would be good for all of us to travel to Swiss to show that we are a family. The permission to travel came at the last minute.

I can't imagine what you are feeling and going through. Mianhae. I worry about you and I know this will affect your appetite, sleep and well being. Know that you are always in my thoughts and that you are loved.

I will be reunited with you. You are and will always be my first and only love and I will find my way to you, wherever you are.

Take care of yourself.

Jeong hyeok

She put the letter down, not knowing what the future would hold. Should she hold out hope? He did say they will be reunited and he will find his way to her wherever she is. He explained why he has a fiancée and why his parents came. She looked at her watch and it was time to return to the afternoon competition. She entered the auditorium and took a seat at the back, away from the others. The judges entered and a student started playing the piano. She closed her eyes, sat back in her seat and let the music wrap her like a warm blanket. She sat there until the last student was finished. It was the most peace she had since coming to Swiss. She opened her eyes and judges were in deep discussion. She left the auditorium and went in search for tea.

She left the building and went looking for a café. She found what she was looking for and ordered a tea to go. She left with her tea and headed to the park. She needed some fresh air and alone time. She sipped on her tea, looking around. There were children playing with their mothers nearby, keeping a watchful eye on their children. She wondered if she would ever become a mother and what it would be like to be a mother. Enough, she thought. She was so deep in thought, she was unaware that someone was sitting next to her. She moved down the bench so there was more space between them. She still had not looked at the person.

"Hello, Se-ri" She recognized the voice. "How are you? Yes, it's me"

"Jeong hyeok, what are you doing here? Did you follow me?

"Yes, I wanted to see you and hear how you are doing."

"I am fine, trying to wrap my head around your engagement."

"Mianhae, I did not want you find out that way. I don't love her and I will find a way to make my way to you. Seri, if you meet someone that you can make a life with, I would be all right with that."

"Are you giving me permission to relieve yourself of guilt?"

"I will always feel guilty. I just want you to know it will be all right with me if you meet someone. I can't be selfish and keep you from moving forward.

She looked at him, "What if I don't want to move forward? What if I want to wait for you? Isn't that my choice?"

"I don't want you to miss out on having a family."

"And if I want to have that family with you?"

"I can't promise that would we would be able to have our family. I will do my utmost best to make my way to you so we can spend the rest of our lives together. I love you and always will. Tonight's performance is dedicated to you."

"Jeong hyeok, your safety is my utmost concern. If by getting engaged and married will keep you safe, I am good with that. I know our situation is hard, I know the ups and downs and the heartaches are sometimes unbearable. I wish you all the best and I want you to be happy."

"Have you met someone you think you can make a life with?"

She turned to look at him, "Yes, you."

He bowed his head. "Is there something you would like to do?"

She turned and looked ahead. "I have been toying with the idea of living abroad for a year."

"Where would you go?"

"I read about a small town on the coast in California and I was intrigued. It would be nice to have an ocean view while I worked. I should be going; I am leaving early tomorrow morning and I may not be able to speak to you again. Good luck tonight, I know you will shine. I am looking forward to the concert. Good bye Jeong hyeok, I wish all good things for you, be happy." She looked at him, smiled tenderly, her eyes misted, looking at him and her fingers gracing his face, touching him ever so slightly, she got up and left.