Hush [Semi-Active]

Ch. 06

    Sitting on the sofa while at your grandma's house, you and your friend So Hee visit her. Thanking her for the tea as she sets the little plate of cookies down for you both to eat. The familiar smell of her home was so refreshing and brought back so many memories. It smelled so much like an asian house hold, but mostly of kimchi since she loved spice.

"Halmeoni, this is my friend Choi So Hee."

Your grandma, who looked no older than 50 but was actually 78 years old, smiled at your friend as So Hee bows at her.

"Annyeonghaseyo. Jeoneun Choi So Hee-ibnida*."

Your grandma returns a small bow.

"You don't have to be formal. You're friends with my sonnyeo*."

"Algesseo*. You have a lovely home."

So Hee looks around her living room, seeing family photos of our family on the mantel and walls. Your grandma's living room was cozy and warm. She had a small coffee table made from redwood, her couch was a beige color with two big cushions and was placed in the middle, facing th3 fire place. Her curtains were salmon pink linen and her walls were painted a fading pink color. It smelled like cherry blossom and lavender thank to the air wick she had mounted on the wall.

"Thank you. Would you guys like some more tea?"

"Ne."

You and So Hee both say at the same time. Your grandma goes into the kitchen, humming a song she used to sing when your dad was a kid. You smiled and remembered from a long time ago, when you were maybe 5 years old, you heard her sing it to you while you sat on the floor in the sunlight playing with your blocks. You remembered your dad telling you that it was a traditional folk song and the lyrics had a deep meaning to them.

"Your halmeoni is so nice! And she smells like oatmeal cookies."

With that, So Hee laughs a little and so do you. Finding her compliment somewhat humorous. As you two calm yourselves, your grandma comes into the living room with a small kettle. Her sandals brushing against the carpeted floors as she stands before you, pouring slowly into your cup.

"Halmeoni, Jihyun said to tell you that she misses you. She wanted to follow along but she was too late to tell Appa* that she wanted to come."

Your grandma nods her head slowly, frowning at the thought of your younger sister not being able to come along. So Hee sipped her hot tea slowly, asking if she could get a napkin as she spilled a little on the coffee table while setting it down.

"Your baby sister, I miss her as well. Would have been nice to have your sister and mother here. I haven't seen them for 6 years."

You can hear the solemn tone in her as she sits down beside you, hands over yours. You couldnt help but feel sad because the last time she had seen Aaliyah was when she was 11. Just imagining how lonely she must have felt made your mood fall and you hugged her.

"You can call her if you'd like Halmeoni." You pull out your phone and dial her number. "She'd be glad to hear your voice."

Your grandma smiles happily and takes the phone from you, thanking you. You nod your head and look towards So Hee who was busy sippig her tea and looking at the family photos. Smiling to herself when she sees a young girl holding her mothers hand and a brown teddy bear in the other. Standing infront of a building wearing a sky blue dress and having two bows in your hair.

"This was taken when I was 4. Mom was expecting Aaliyah about 2 months after my birthday."

So Hee looks at you and smiles. Your mothers huge stomach very noticeable even when she wore a black turtleneck and a gray long skirt. You rememebred it was very sunny in New York and you went out for ice cream.