I FELL IN LOVE WITH A STRANGER

One- Autumn Leaves

YOU'RE THAT ONCE IN A LIFETIME DREAM COME TRUE

It was a day in autumn when I met him again. The day when the leaves turn yellow and orange When the weather starts to get cooler, it's a welcome hint at winter.

It happened a few years ago when I answered an ad that was sent to me through email. The director of the Pediatrics Department encouraged me to apply for a live-in hospice nurse who would take care of a sick 4-year-old child. The pay was great, but I actually wouldn't mind even if the pay was lower. I just wanted a change of environment. I have been a nurse for about 4 years now. When I graduated from college in the US, I went back to South Korea and started working at the Red Cross Hospital in Seoul. I've worked for 2 years in oncology in the US, 1 year in general surgery, and 1 year in the ER here in Seoul. But I have never worked in pediatrics. I have applied for a transfer to the pediatrics department, but the opportunity has never arisen. I was ready to quit and move to a different hospital when Dr. Kang told me about the ad for a hospice nurse. I emailed my resume to my possible employer, got a reply right away, and asked for my availability for an interview. I immediately replied to the email and told them that I would be available the next day.

And that day is today-the day my life will change.

My interview was at 10 a.m. I showed up at the clinic where the interview would be held and was met by a middle-aged lady wearing scrubs and Dr. Kang. They said that the meeting was actually for a pre-screening to check my qualifications. The lady, Mrs. Choi started with her questions, and then the guy, Dr. Kang, followed. Mostly medically related questions and things like what I would do in case of a medical emergency. After the series of questions, Dr. Kang called someone and said that she would be sending me to the next location for a final interview. The lady said that my possible employer would be meeting me at his house for the final interview. Mrs. Choi drove us to an area in Hannam-dong and stopped at a building that says UN Village. I am familiar with luxurious apartment buildings like this since my family owns a few units. We got out of the car, and Dr. Kang started talking again, trying to impress me with how much the apartments in this building cost. It didn't faze me, as I have no interest in them. We walked to the building and were greeted by the doorman, who let us in. We stopped at the receptionist area and told the receptionist that we had an appointment with Mr. Min on the 17th floor. When we finally got the clearance, we headed for the elevator to go to the 17th floor.

Mrs. Choi rang the doorbell to unit 1717; the door opened, and we were greeted by an elderly lady who was wearing a uniform and looked like a nanny. She greeted us with a nod and a warm smile. We entered the unit to a wide, spacious living room with a black sofa and loveseat, a big TV on the wall, a piano on one side, and a console table on the other that had a few pictures on it.  Ahjumma told us to wait in the living room and that he would call my possible employer.

A good-looking guy emerged from a faraway bedroom holding a file. He was busy reading it, and I assumed that it was my file since I was there for the final interview. We stood up as soon as he came to the living room. He scanned us but looked surprised when his eyes found mine. I nodded as a sign of respect, and he nodded back and smiled a little bit. He had a cold demeanor and a stoic face when he started talking to the people I came with. He ushered them to follow him to his home office, leaving me by myself.  Ahjumma came back with coffee for the three of us, which she left on the black coffee table in front of me. I took the coffee and started drinking it when I saw a little girl peeking from behind the hallway that led to the bedrooms. I waved at her and smiled at her. She waved back at me and started running toward me. The little girl hugged me and started talking to me. I asked for her name, and she replied:

"My name is Min Minjae."

"You have a pretty name, baby girl," I said.

"My name is Kim Nami," I continued, but