His Little Butterfly

30 - Priorities and Dreams

Mrs. Kim leads Yuna towards a large greenhouse behind their house. It was structured to make sure that the plants wouldn't get too cold during winter times or too warm during summer. Its roof was even retractable which was very impressive. She had a wide variety of plants, from local to  imported ones. Yuna could see how the older lady's face lit up as she described each one. Her face radiated with pride as she explained that the plants she was showing her at the moment rarely survive outside their original country of origin. 

"Wow, and you're able to grow a variety of each kind." Yuna remarked in fascination.

"That's right. I even gave some of them away to my friends. The secret there is to be patient and you need to be gentle when it comes to pruning and fertilizing. Some of these plants took months before showing any sign of growth and flourishing but once it does, it just keeps on going. This one is yours Yuna." She places the small pot she is holding in Yuna's hands.

Yuna held on to the pot with great caution, gulping quietly as she thought about the pressure of having to keep it alive. She only had one plant in her home and it's a succulent, which belongs to the cactus family. It's not that hard to maintain and it's very sturdy even if she forgets to water it sometimes. But this one looks like it's a lot of work.

"Don't worry dear, that one only needs watering once a week and as long as it stays near the window, it'll be fine." Mrs. Kim laughed as she saw the younger woman's worried expression. "Even if it dies, that's ok. I won't get mad. Knowing you have done your best to keep it alive is more than enough for me."

The younger lady bows her head as she whispers her 'thank you'. It just hit her out of nowhere but, is Mrs. Kim also referring to her relationship with Jin in some way? The secret to making her plants grow and multiply is to be patient and gentle when it comes to pruning and fertilizing. She's just being a nerd again who had too much English Lit even if she was taking Chemistry back in College. But she just couldn't shake it off her head. 

Even if it dies, that's ok. I won't get mad. Knowing you have done your best to keep it alive is more than enough for me.

Nope, that can't be about their relationship. She can't see any reason why it would be ending. She could feel goosebumps crawling up her skin all of a sudden and she physically started to shake her head to get those negative thoughts out of her head. Fortunately, the other woman didn't see what she did because she was so busy tending to her plants.

There was a patio set at the corner of the greenhouse and that was where they sat moments later. Mrs. Kim had prepared tea from the small cupboard at the corner where an electric kettle and a few set of cups and saucers were. She obviously had been entertaining guests around here.

"Can I be honest with you Yuna?" She asks.

"Of course ma'am." The other replies.

"When Jin told me that he was seeing you, I was expecting another spoiled, self-centered brat. Excuse my words dear. The thing is, I don't like seeing my son get hurt. Sure, it's inevitable, but I don't want him to go through that again. Anyway, I proved myself wrong and  everything Jin told us about you is right." She reached out and held Yuna's hands in hers.  "I could see in your eyes you have a kind and gentle soul. I will give you my trust that you will take good care of my son."

Yuna's relationship with Jin is still new, and yet his mother is saying these words to her already. She can't help but wonder if she did the same with his exes. Nope, she's not going there, she told herself. 

"I will do my best not to break your trust ma'am." That was what she managed to say.  

"I hope you weren't offended over the way my son reacted earlier. I hope I didn't put you on the spot either."