our crossed paths | jww.

four.

"Here's the room key," Wonwoo said, handing it back to the receptionist. His brief getaway had come to an end, and now he was eager to return home to his daughter, Ahrin.

The time away had made him realize just how much her presence meant to him. Sleeping through the night without the interruptions of a toddler's cries had been a rare luxury, but it had also felt strangely unsettling.

He had grown used to being both father and mother to Ahrin, a role that filled every waking moment of his life.

As he turned to leave, his thoughts briefly flickered to Jiwoo, the woman he'd met during his stay.

Since their conversation at the temple last evening, she had disappeared from sight.

Neither at the local convenience stores, nor the nearby restaurants—nowhere.

It was as if she had vanished overnight.

"Thank you for staying with us, sir. Here's everything you need," the desk clerk said.

"Thank you. But, uh, could I ask—do you know where the woman in the cabin next to mine went? Room 202?" Wonwoo asked, trying to sound casual, though he couldn't shake the feeling of not wanting to part ways with Jiwoo just yet.

There was something comforting about having someone to share the burden of grief with.

"Oh, her? She checked out earlier this morning," the clerk replied. "I think she mentioned going for a quick hike to a nearby waterfall before heading back down the mountain."

"I see." Wonwoo nodded, but the clerk's next words caught his attention.

"Hope she's okay, though. The weather forecast mentioned possible rain today."

Wonwoo's brow furrowed. 'She's a strong person,' he thought, trying to dismiss his concern.

He picked up his duffel bag, made sure he hadn't left anything behind, and headed to his car.

As he started the engine and plugged in the GPS, it estimated a two-hour drive home, twice the usual time, likely due to the incoming weather.

He sighed and began the slow descent down the mountain, soft music playing in the background to keep him company.

As he rounded a bend, he noticed a lone figure walking by the roadside, close to the cliff's edge.

To his surprise, it was Jiwoo.

He pulled over and rolled down the window.

"Dr. Jiwoo!" he called out.

Jiwoo turned, startled by the sudden appearance of the car, but her expression softened when she saw him. "Oh, Mr. Wonwoo!"

"What are you doing walking down alone like this?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Jiwoo chuckled lightly. "I took the bus up here, but it turns out the station is a bit further down the road than I thought. So, I decided to walk."

Wonwoo shook his head, still puzzled. "But I thought you were going on a hike?"

"I was," Jiwoo said with a shrug, "but something came up. I need to get back to Seoul sooner than planned, so I'm making this walk my hike replacement."

Wonwoo nodded slightly and then said,

"How about I give you a ride to the bus station? The GPS says it's quite a walk from here, and with the weather turning, it's not exactly safe."

Jiwoo glanced around, noting the darkening sky and the strengthening wind. Wonwoo was right.

She nodded and accepted his offer, climbing into the passenger seat. "Thanks, but just drop me off at the station."