DECEMBER

001

NELI's POV

"Neli, come here." I hear mom's voice calling me from the living room. I came after, and she gave me a hug.

"Why are you sad, my little girl? Huh?" She asked while pinching my cheeks.

"Mom, why do we have to move to the US? Why can't we stay here? I don't want to leave my friends here; I'm going to miss Jam." I said with a sad face.

"My girl..." Mommy said while cupping my cheeks. "When you grow up, you'll realize everything. Right now, we have to move to the US because your dad will start a business there. Don't worry, Neli, you're going to meet new friends there. And if you want, you can use mommy's laptop so that you can communicate with Jam. Is that okay for you?" Mom said, assuring me that I can see Jam on screen.

I just nod at her; as a 9-year-old kid, I understand everything. But not at the part about leaving my friend and this city.

As soon as we packed all the things we had to bring, we went to the airport for a flight. I was really sad that day. I remember that night with Jam; we made a promise. I realized that was the last time I saw her this week. After saying goodbye to her, I can't see and play with her anymore.

...

Days passed by, and Jam and I really achieved our goals of communicating with each other. I'm in the US already, and all the things I did here I shared with Jam. She also did the same with me. We almost talk with each other from time to time, to the point where we are on our screens the whole day...

Until we lost interest in communicating with each other, we had no problem; we didn't even argue on screen, but our moms were worried if we got bad eye sight from that.

...

16 years later...

 
JAM's POV

"I'm going now, byeee!" I said as I got up from my chair. Mom prepared kimbap for my breakfast; it was so delicious, but I have to go now before I become late for work.

"That fast?" I heard mom's response from the kitchen.

I just grabbed my bag and went outside. I was looking for every single second on my watch while waiting at the bus stop.

My phone suddenly rang for a call. Jiji (Jihyo) is calling me.

"Yes?" I said.

"Girl, you're going to be late!" Jiji said on the other line.

"I know, I know."

"Make it faster; someone is coming here, and the boss expects everyone to be here before the visitor comes." Jiji said.

"Yes, I'm coming now." I said while getting into the bus. At least I'm on my way.