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THE LETTER
The year was 1983, and the house was filled with laughter.
Lisa sat on the front porch of her home, her heart filled with rare, genuine happiness as she watched her three-year-old daughter, Sora, playing in the yard.
Sora’s laughter was a melody, pure and sweet, as she chased after a butterfly that fluttered just out of reach.
Mrs Lee, who had been by Lisa's side for many years, smiled warmly as she sat beside her, her knitting needles clicking softly in the background.
"She’s grown so much," Mrs. Lee remarked, her eyes following Sora’s every movement. "And she has your spirit, Lisa. So full of life."
Lisa nodded, her gaze never leaving her daughter. "She’s my everything now," she said softly. "I see so much of Jeongguk in her too. It’s like he’s still here with us, watching over her."
Mrs. Lee placed a comforting hand on Lisa's arm. "He would be so proud of you both."
Just as Lisa was about to respond, the sound of a car pulling up in front of the house caught their attention.
They exchanged a curious glance before both turned their eyes toward the driveway. A classic black car had come to a stop, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Lisa’s heart skipped a beat as the car door opened.
A man stepped out, tall and familiar. Lisa’s breath caught in her throat as she saw the figure emerge from the car.
It was Jeongguk. His face was exactly as she remembered it---strong, gentle, and full of life. But something was different; his left arm was bandaged due to the amputation he had endured.
"Jeongguk?" Lisa whispered, not daring to believe her eyes.
Jeongguk turned to face her, his eyes lighting up as he saw her standing on the porch. "Lisa," he said.
He smiled that smile that always made her heart skip, and suddenly, Lisa was running towards him, her feet barely touching the ground.
She threw her arms around him, holding him as tightly as she could, tears streaming down her face.
"I’ve missed you so much," she sobbed into his chest, her words muffled by her tears. "I’ve waited so long, Jeongguk."
Jeongguk wrapped his one good arm around her, holding her close. "I’m here now, Lisa," he murmured, his voice soothing and warm. "I’m here."
They stood there for what felt like an eternity, lost in each other’s embrace. But then, something in Jeongguk’s voice made Lisa pull back slightly, her eyes searching his face.
There was something she couldn’t quite place, a shadow behind his smile.
"Jeongguk, what happened to you? Why did it take so long?" she asked, confusion creeping into her voice.
