Gentle Forest

Chapter 66

The first airport i visited was bustling with a year-end atmosphere. Like someone stepping into the world from the mountains, my dad and I marveled at the grandly decorated tree for quite some time. At the top of the tree, a golden star with fairy patterns engraved, and on the floor, unidentified dolls lay scattered alongside gift boxes.

Even though Christmas had already passed, the festive spirit lingered. It felt magical to see such decorations in the forest where anything related to Christmas or the end of the year was nonexistent.

Amidst the bustling crowd, a sense of anticipation for travel and a lingering melancholy for the fading year were palpable. The winter was unbelievably cold, to the point where I couldn't believe my breath turned into frost as I turned around, wearing the white jacket Aiden had gifted me.

"Did you remember the passport?"

"Yes, it's in there."

My backpack had been in my dad's hands since earlier. We walked from the parking lot to the check-in counter, but from there, I had to board the airline staff's wheelchair that came to greet us. My body was too frail to climb onto the plane through the usual route.

"Aiden is coming to pick you up, right?"

"Yes, I mentioned it at least five times. He's
waiting in front of the gate."

"Any intention of going together?"

"He said he'll wait in front of the gate."

Despite countless farewells since last night, my dad couldn't bring himself to let me go. My dad crouched in front of the airline employee who kindly but awkwardly held on to the handle of the wheelchair and looked at every inch of my body pointlessly. Because half of my face was covered by a black mask, he had to take it down to look at my face.

"Now, I have to go..."

Nonchalantly mentioning it, my dad's throat visibly bobbed.

"Why are you acting like you're upset that you can't go quickly?"

"When did I?"

Parting with my dad was something I didn't want either. He fidgeted with his red eyes, feigning irritation.

"I suggested we go together..."

"Why! Sending you off like this feels refreshing..."

"Then why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying! Something got in my eye."

With a blatant lie, my dad eventually stood up. Though I felt a sense of regret as he reluctantly released my hand, the truth was, as soon as my decision to go to the U.S. was made, my dad had swiftly secured a serviced apartment near Seoul. Back then, I threw a fit when I learned that he planned to leave even before I did.

Dad said he would start creative work with his college friend. In the end, my decision became a boost to his wings. Nonetheless, we hadn't experienced separation since I was born. It was strange and unfamiliar. Dad drank heavily for a while, grappling with the situation, while I sank into deep sadness.

Dad might be thinking about the liquor cabinet filled with aged bottles. I reminisced about my room, the last thing I closed before leaving, and the semi-transparent curtains.

Last night, my thoughts were consumed by the forest. Dad hadn't demolished or disposed of the old church. The reason being, there had to be a place to return to. Contemplating such a dire situation didn't seem appealing.

If Dad and I didn't return to the forest because of overwhelming happiness, that place would remain dormant like a secret garden. Preserving the innocence of me, our small family, those who lived there, and even Aiden's memories.