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By the time I got home, the soft glow of the living room lights greeted me, casting a warm ambiance over the space. I carefully took off my heels, feeling the lingering buzz of the party still coursing through me. As I stepped further into the house, a familiar voice called out from down the hall.
"Mommy?" Yeonji's little voice echoed, and before I knew it, she came running toward me, her tiny feet padding across the floor.
"Yeonji, sweetheart, why are you still awake?" I asked, crouching down to scoop her up into my arms.
"I wanted to wait for you," she said with a sleepy smile, her hands gripping my shirt as she snuggled closer.
My heart melted at the sight of her sleepy eyes and messy hair. "You should have gone to bed, little one," I whispered, kissing her forehead. "But I'm glad I get to say goodnight to you."
"I missed you," she murmured, nuzzling into my shoulder as I walked her toward her room.
"I missed you too, my love," I said softly, tucking her under the blankets.
She gave me a sleepy smile before finally drifting off, her tiny hand still clinging to mine. As I stood there watching her sleep, the weight of the night settled over me. There was so much more to face, so much more to reveal especially to Rumi.
———————
The house was quiet as I moved around the kitchen, chopping vegetables for a light meal. Yeonji was out with her grandmother, probably getting spoiled with snacks and toys, while Jungwon was at work. I had some rare time alone, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the past.
The phone buzzed on the counter, interrupting the silence. It was Rumi.
"Hey, Jieun. Are you free? I was hoping we could meet," Rumi said, her voice carrying an air of casualness but with an undertone of something more serious.
I hesitated for a moment. I knew what this meeting would lead to, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. But then again, it was time for the truth to come out.
"Sure, why don't you come over? I've got some lunch ready," I replied.
"Perfect. I'll be there soon," she said before hanging up.
It wasn't long before the doorbell rang, and I found Rumi standing there, a smile on her face.
"Ah, this place brings back memories," she said, stepping inside and glancing around. "Everything's the same but also... different."
I chuckled. "Yeah, it's been a while. Come on in."
We settled at the dining table, the smell of freshly cooked food filling the air. Rumi reached for a glass of water, but her eyes kept scanning the house, like she was trying to place the memories.
