OFFICE ROMANCE

Emma~015

Grandma was crying poorly while Grandpa was in a state of shock. The loss of a daughter was surely painful. I stared at Alex, who looked despaired too. He had not slept even for a bit, he looked tired from the long flight.

I walked to him and grabbed his shoulders, he looked at me and mumbled a thank you and I shook my head.

"At least don't cry now, she is still here! I heard dead people can listen to everything, their souls can watch around too! You are her only son, she would be helpless right now, seeing you cry!" I rubbed his arm and he sniffed, wiping his tears.

He held my hand in a tight grip wanting some warmth and my heart shattered. I knew how this felt, losing a blood relation was the most painful thing on earth. I could get deja vu at the moment.

At least Aunt Mary was right in front of us. We didn't even get Yoongi's body. The most unfortunate thing was that he went for the flight without bidding goodbye to me. I couldn't see him for the last time.

"She was fine in the afternoon, she went to her room for her usual afternoon nap and never woke up! I was in the house, oblivious, while she was dying!" he told me, his voice cracking.

"It's not your fault! Everyone has to die one day, I, you and everyone on earth! She lived a beautiful life and did whatever she wanted, she must be fine, the grave is the resting place of a human! You will meet her one day again!" I pursed my lips, hugging his side.

Alex and I were close because we were of the same age. I remember waiting for the summer holidays since we all would come to Busan, to my grandparents' house and enjoy our holidays with Aunt Mary and her son. I remember crying every time we left. We used to write letters to each other since international telephone communication wasn't a common thing in the early 2000s.

"There was so much I wanted to say to her! I want to ask for her forgiveness, I wasn't an obedient son to her. She kept mentioning her wish to see my kids while I wasn't ready to marry!" he explained his guilt to me.

"Trust me, she is not mad at you! And she always wanted your happiness, right? She was an understanding lady, there is no way she holds any grudges towards you! Don't blame yourself!" I hugged him, he clutched onto me as if he wanted someone close to not leave him alone, now that he was. "You are not alone, okay? You have me! I will not leave you alone, I never did!" I said and he nodded shedding tears.

-

I sighed putting the blanket over Alex, I had given him sleeping pills to have him sleep since he didn't want to sleep. He refused to eat anything too and I didn't want to force him. He needed some time.

I walked out of his room and moved to my room looking around the house I didn't come to for years, yet it gave the same vibe. Grandma's house was vintage and comforting.

I peeked through Mom's room and Dad was making her sleep too. He noticed me and gave me an assuring look.

I noticed Andria standing on the balcony. This wasn't the right time to talk about the elephant in the room but I thought to at least initiate a conversation.

A good relationship of 24 years couldn't be forgotten over a 5-minute-long fight, right?

"I hope Aunt Mary rests well in heaven now!" I spoke out looking at the sky, holding the railing. She looked at me and turned around to leave but I held her wrist. "Now are you going to sulk this terribly?" I asked and she looked at me.

"Shouldn't I?" she asked and I pursed my lips.

"Of course, you have the right! Because you know I will placate you! Agree or not, you do have pride in me!" I hugged her from the side and she sighed.