Affection's Facade

New lands

Elera's past pov

So-yeon enveloped me in her arms, a cocoon of warmth that almost made me forget the list of my complicated relationships with her. It almost felt authentic.

"Safe travels," she whispered. " I'm going to miss you." I returned a simple smile.

My mother stood next to her, her eyes misty pools.

"Be safe, my love. I will see you soon. And don't worry about your father; he'll be alright."

I nodded, clutching the emotions that had wound themselves tightly around my chest. Mrs. Kim and Mr. Kim, came forward.

"Take care of yourself, Elera," Mrs. Kim's voice added. To that I looked at her maybe a moment longer than I wanted to. Her husband smiled and proceeded to give what was no more than a nod.

The car waited only for a moment, till the driver opened the door for me, and as I settled into the seat, the world outside became a blurry canvas. Each familiar sight dissolved into the background, as if bidding me a quiet, subdued farewell.

As the vehicle pulled away, my phone buzzed, a soft interruption. It was a text from my mother: "I love you." And in that fleeting moment, the complexities of my life felt suspended. I could only look at it wondering if any of this was as worth it as I was trying to make it.

I replied, "I love you too, Mom," allowing myself to bask in the simple purity of these words.

As Seoul faded in the rearview mirror, the airport came into view. Before I knew it, I was on the plane, seated among a few other first-class passengers. Being on an aircraft didn't seem so bad; it was a vessel with wings that could disconnect you from one world and transport you to another. Though the thought mainly helped me calm my nerves.

As the plane lifted off, the force pushed me back into my seat. For a brief moment, it felt as if gravity was giving me one final, lingering hug before releasing me into the unknown sky. Even the turbulence seemed like whispers from the Earth.

Upon landing and making my way through the airport, I proceeded to collect my luggage from the carousel, when a man holding the sign approached me.

"Miss Elera Osei?" he inquired in Korean, glancing between me and the name on the sign. Although he wore a face mask, his eyes seemed warm.

"Yes, that's me," I confirmed.

"Welcome to the United States. I'm James, your driver for today," he said, extending his hand for a brief shake. "Do you have all your bags?"

James appeared to be in his early fifties, with graying hair that hinted at a once darker shade. His face was marked with lines that seemed to speak more of experience than of age. His eyes were a warm brown, observant but nonintrusive. Based on the soft curve of his eyes it I assumed that, he offered a modest smile as he awaited my response.

"Yes, just these two," I gestured toward my suitcases.

"Excellent. The car is this way," James led the way, maneuvering through the crowd.

As we reached the car, he popped open the trunk and stowed my bags carefully inside. After ensuring I was comfortably seated in the back, he slid into the driver's seat.

"Do you speak English?" he asked, finally breaking the car ride's initial silence.

I nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Which do you prefer, Korean or English?" he continued, adjusting the rearview mirror.

"English is fine," I answered, meeting his eyes briefly in the mirror. "Are you the one driving me every day?"