Affection's Facade

What goes around

Elera's Point of View

Often times, as the relentless river of time flows forward, I find myself pausing on its banks, gazing backward. It's in these introspective moments that I search for those turns that were unexpected. The ones that steered me to the present, sculpted my emotions, and splashed vibrant hues onto the canvas of my past.

In the quietude of these reflective moments, the repeating thought often passed by: perhaps destiny had etched this path for me from the start. Even amid the mazes of confusion and the bruises of uncertainties, there was now an undeniable serenity that graced my days. At least it felt like it, and even that I was okay with.

While lost in these thoughts, I absently stirred my tea in the kitchen. Throughout the house, the resonance of yesterday's emotional upheavals subtly lingered in the atmosphere. It was then that I felt a gentle tug at my heart, urging me to check on the girls. I hoped to sprinkle a bit of warmth and comfort into their morning. However, as I approached their door, their hushed, voices made me stop.

Peering through the slightly ajar door, I observed the two of them deep in conversation, ensconced in their own sibling sanctuary.

"Are you okay? Your eyes look puffy." Mi-Jung's concerned voice reached my ears as she sat facing Hae-mi. She reached out to massage her sister cheeks.

Hae-mi rubbed her eyes, sniffling, "I've been crying, Unnie."

Mi-Jung tilted her head, her brows furrowed. "Still upset about yesterday?"

Hae-mi nodded, casting a forlorn glance at their shared dresser mirror.

"But what if... what if I turn out to be like my real mom when I grow up?"

" I don't think you will." Mi-Jung smiled.

After a brief silence, with Hae-mi absentmindedly twirling one of Mi-Jung's curls, she whispered, "Unni?"

"Yes?"

" Appa and Eomma keep saying nice things, but I remember my real mom. She wasn't nice. And when I look in the mirror, I... I think I look like her." She said touching her cheeks and lips.

Mi-Jung seemed to ponder over Hae-mi's words. Then, with a thoughtful expression, she gently cupped Hae-mi's face, turning it from side to side.

Giggling, Hae-mi asked, "Unnie, what are you doing?"

"I'm trying to see something," Mi-Jung replied with mock seriousness. After a dramatic pause, she continued, "You know, Hae-mi, I've been checking, and..."

"And...?" Hae-mi prompted, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Mi-Jung grinned. "I don't think you're right."

He younger sister blinked in confused, as Mi-Jung continued. " I mean, look at us! You're pretty, I'm pretty. Who could say you're not my sister?"

Hae-mi blinked, processing Mi-Jung's words, then broke into a small smile, the weight on her young heart seeming a little lighter.

Hae-mi looked into her sister's sincere eyes, searching for truth. "Promise?"

Mi-Jung intertwined her pinky finger with Hae-mi's, a gesture they often used as their own little pact. "Promise," she affirmed with a nod.

Feeling the warmth of her sister's touch, Hae-mi rested her head on Mi-Jung's shoulder. "Thanks, Unnie. I feel a bit better."

Mi-Jung patted Hae-mi's back gently. "Anytime. Oh, Hae-mi-ah... we sneak into the kitchen and grab some of those cookies Eomma made yesterday?"

Hae-mi's eyes brightened as she looked up at her sister. " Yes, let's!"

I smiled, backing away quietly, not wanting to interrupt the moment between them and their  shared laughter was the sweetest sound to my ears, and it warmed my heart to see them find comfort in each other.