I remember the day so vividly-packing my bags, feeling a strange mix of happiness and sadness. My parents had finally come to take me home, back to Seoul. While I was excited, a part of me didn't want to leave. I had spent years with my grandparents, doing my schooling in Busan, far from the bustling city where my parents worked. They were always busy, trying to settle into their jobs, so it made sense that I stayed with my grandparents for stability. My younger brother Jiho stayed with them, being younger and needing more attention.
It wasn't like they ever neglected me. No, my parents visited me every week, bringing me everything I asked for-sometimes more than they could even afford, just to make sure I was happy. I always felt their love, even from afar. But still, a part of me longed to be with them, to be a part of their everyday lives. Now, that was happening, and I was torn between excitement for the future and sadness for leaving the past behind.
"YN, are you done packing? We need to leave soon!" Mom called from downstairs, her voice a mix of joy and urgency.
"One second!" I yelled back, staring at my room for a moment longer. This room had been my safe haven, my sanctuary. It felt strange, knowing I wouldn't be waking up here anymore, wouldn't hear the familiar sounds of my grandparents moving around the house.
Finally, I zipped up my suitcase, feeling the weight of the goodbye that was about to come. I took a deep breath and made my way downstairs.
The second I saw my grandparents, standing in the hallway with soft smiles on their faces, the tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn't hold it in any longer. Without a word, I rushed to my grandma and threw my arms around her, holding her as tight as I could. The familiar scent of her perfume and the warmth of her embrace broke me completely.
"I'm going to miss you so much," I whispered, my voice cracking with emotion.
"Oh, sweetheart, we'll miss you too," Grandma said, her voice just as shaky as she squeezed me tighter. I could feel her hand gently rubbing my back, the same way she used to when I was little and needed comfort.
I pulled away, just enough to look at my grandpa. He stood there, trying to maintain his calm demeanor, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. His usually steady voice trembled as he spoke. "You'll be okay, kiddo. Just make sure you take care of yourself, alright? And don't forget to call us. Every week."
"I will, Grandpa. I promise."
He pulled me in for a hug, his strong arms offering comfort that only a grandpa could give. I leaned into him, letting the tears fall freely now. This was harder than I thought it would be.
My dad was already outside, loading the car. "YN, we've got to go soon!" he called out, trying to give us time but also aware of the long drive ahead.
"Coming, Dad!" I called back, wiping my eyes quickly.
I turned back to my grandparents one last time. "I love you both. I'll visit as soon as I can, I promise."
"We know, sweetheart," Grandma said, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You're going to do great things in Seoul. We're so proud of you."
With one last hug, I stepped back, feeling the weight of the goodbye settling in my chest. My mom and dad were waiting by the car, giving me encouraging smiles. I forced a smile back, trying to stay strong for them.
I walked toward the car, taking one last look at the house, my home for so many years. It felt like I was leaving a part of myself behind. But I knew I had to move forward. I had to start this new chapter of my life.
As we drove away, I looked out the window, watching the familiar streets of Busan fade into the distance. My heart ached, but I knew that this was just the beginning of something new and exciting. I was going back to my parents, to start college, and maybe-just maybe-find a piece of myself that had been missing all along.
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