The White Tulip (Symbolism Of My Feelings)

At The Evening

Honey

I got home. I wasn't tired at all from school as I should be. Usually, aunt is watching TV when my classes end but there was no one in the living room so I looked for her around the household. After searching for her on the first floor and understanding she was nowhere in sight I made my way upstairs. As I sought her, I noticed light coming from her room. When I opened its door wide, I spotted her silhouette at her bed. I walked quietly in the room. She was in deep thought, looking at two dresses at the same time and setting the first dress on her and then the other one to decide which one would suit her better.

I planned to surprise her a little. ''GOOD EVENING, AUNTIE! What's with the dresses?'' I shouted. She jumped in shock and turned around to look at me.

''Oh god, Honey! Don't startle me like that!''

''Oops, my apologies, aunt!'' I simpered in apology.

''Never mind.'' She smiled and clapped her hands in joy; a delighted sound escaped from her mouth. ''I've plans for us this evening - we're going to eat dinner in a restaurant.''

''How did you come up with that suddenly?''

''Well... once in a while we have to get out of this house. I don't enjoy cooking much, you know.'' She reasoned and placed the dresses on the bulky bed. ''It's not healthy being here every day... Wear a dress or something formal. You know, these days...''

''Restaurants have their strict dress codes!'' We said at the same time annoyingly.

I was very comfortable with wearing a sweatshirt and jeans in restaurants but the first time I entered one with aunt, everyone was peering at me as if I went to the wrong place. Guys were wearing classic suits and trousers while girls were sporting extravagant dresses. I did not mind their articles of clothes but obviously, they labeled me inwardly as an alien. Since then I dressed formally. Usually, I wouldn't give a damn about someone's opinion but a sullen waiter showed me irritatingly a blackboard with their golden rules and smart clothes were one of them.

''Got it.'' I ran to my room, opened my wardrobe and started choosing dresses like auntie a while ago.

After a while, we went downstairs (the house has two floors) with our dresses. I dressed up in a simple white, V-neck dress whose length was above the knees. My aunt was wearing a violet cocktail dress with one sleeve. She looked stunning. She examined me from head to toe and beamed.

''You're so beautiful, Honey. Just like always. Your family would have been proud of you.''

I hummed in acknowledgment as I fainted a smile.

I really missed Mom, Dad, and my sister but I couldn't get them back from the other side even if I wanted to. We've never reserved a dinner at a fancy restaurant or been on a family trips before. The only time when we were out of Busan was when we go to grandma's house. Otherwise, we stay at home and do our routines I quite get tired of. I dread to travel with my family to a mountain or go on an excursion in another country but my dreams will never come true. My aunt and I had spent at various recesses in summers. However, the feeling is not the same as when I was together with my family.

''Let's get going.'' She took my hand and we headed to my aunt's car.

* * *

''The skirt stake is great. Here, try some.'' She gave me a small piece of the meat. I stared at her who was munching food non-stop.

''Aunt, I have no intention of getting fat and still, you give me a lot of food.'' I looked at the abundant amount of every portion that was given to me.