Reminder (Hiatus)

4

   Sometimes I just sit and watch people go about their lives and wonder what their story is. Waiting at the airport for Lea's plane to arrive is the perfect time to observe people. My plane landed an hour ago. I had business to take care of in Japan before coming to Korea. Lea is flying in from America.

   It's been three months since my art exhibit in LA. Shortly after, an art gallery in Seoul asked me to hold an exhibit. Lea has never been to Korea so she asked to bring her along. Of course, I said yes. It's a must to travel with your best friend.

   Across from me, a middle-aged couple sits talking quietly to each other. The woman is wearing a beautiful summer dress. To pass the time I start sketching them. Something about the way the man smiles at his wife warms my heart. 

   As the couple stands up, I finish some final details on the woman's dress. Their eyes light up and wide smiles spread across their faces. I turn my head in the direction the couple is looking. People have started filing out of the loading bridge off the plane. 

   A young man approaches the couple and wraps his arms around the woman first before hugging the man. I look back down at my sketch. Maybe I should give it to them. It would probably come off as weird that I drew them. Though, they might appreciate the drawing.  I rip the drawing out of my sketchbook and slowly approach them.

   "Excuse me," I call out to them in Korean.

    The family turns their attention to me. I stop in front of them. I can feel my cheeks turning slightly red. I hold out the piece of paper to them.

   "I'm an artist. I'm here waiting for my friend to arrive. I drew you to pass the time. I figured I'd give it to you guys. I hope you don't mind." I explain to them.

   The woman takes it out of my hands and examines it. Her husband and son lean in to look at it as well. Smiles appear on their faces. The woman bows and thanks me. I smile back and turn to walk away.

   "Wait, I think I know you. You are that famous artist aren't you?" The son stops me.

   I turn back around and smile at him. "Yes, I'm JadeL" I confirm.

   "I'm a fan of your work. I was studying abroad in Los Angeles. While I was there, I visited your exhibit." He does a very bad job of hiding the excitement in his voice.

   Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lea walk out of the loading bridge. I thank the young man for supporting my art and excuse myself from the conversation. Lea hugs me when I reach her. It's been a week since I saw her last. 

   We make our way through the airport to the train station that will take us to Seoul.  As we walk, we chat about how our flights went. The train isn't scheduled to arrive for another fifteen minutes. We sit on a bench and plan out activities to do in our free time.

              .·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·. 

    The world surrounding the train zips by. There is another half hour until our stop. Lea fell asleep shortly after we boarded. My head rests on the cool glass of the window. Spring Day is currently playing through my headphones as I stare out the window.

    As the train pulls up to the next stop, I notice a figure outside. My heartbeat quickens. I must be hallucinating. Standing on the platform staring at me is my father. Ever-growing waves of panic surge through my body paralyzing me. 

   Unable to look away, my father's icy blue eyes bore into mine. This can't be real. A panic attack holds me in its grip. Hot tears roll down my cheeks. Lea wakes up to the sound of me hyperventilating. 

   "Luce! What's wrong?" Lea lightly shakes my shoulder. 

   I can't pull my gaze away from my father. A warm hand is placed on my cheek, gently guiding my head to rest on Lea's chest. Her slender arms wrap around me. She rubs small circles across my arm.