Engraved in Flesh

A Scheduled Life

Aru Kim decided on day one that she hated wars. They terrified her because they were so unpredictable. As she made her way to her friend's house, she remembered that fateful day when she travelled the same path.

It was December 7, 1941. She had been off to meet up with some friends, when suddenly, everyone became frantic as they screamed and spewed out words of a bombing. She was pulled into Xena's house. Her childhood friend sat her down and went on and on about how she knew this would happen. How there was no hiding from the war for the United States since the very beginning. Aru had finally found the opportunity during one of Xena's pause for breath to question what was happening.

"Pearl Harbor has just been bombed, Aru. Two attacking Japanese planes flew by and bombed it."

Aru couldn't believe it. Her heart sank at the thought of the bombing. Did they only bomb Pearl Harbor? Were they planning on bombing again? Did they bomb bomb Hawaiian civilians as well? Then she remembered about someone who went to visit the island not too long ago.

"Xena, you're sister, she-"

"It's okay, Pearl already contacted me. She's okay."

Relief filled the terrified young adult as she sank into the seat. She shakily accepted tea and a small slice of cake from her friend, terrified that another attack would destroy her entire world.

It was now a week after the surprise attack. The United States immediately declared war on Japan following the attack, pulling the country into the war. Troops were gathered and deployed. Her brother, Hyun, and her father were one of the first troops to go overseas. The family house seemed much quieter and bland without them there. There was now a set schedule for Aru. She'd get up and clean, not wanting her mother to do it. She would then make a small breakfast, keeping the rations in mind. She would then go to her backyard and check on the small garden there. After that, she'd continue to do work around the house, avoiding the outside world as much as possible. Xena would usually be the one coming over, but she and her mother decided it would be best to change Aru's schedule a bit. Now, Aru was required to go outside at least once a day to keep her from rotting away indoors. That's why she was on her way to Xena's house at the moment. It was her first day back on the streets, and she was scared.

It was quieter now. Aru and Xena lived on the same road near a secluded beach. Xena's house was located just a few blocks away, making it easy for Aru to walk there. Both houses were by the beach, only a fence and a gate keeping intruders at bay. On days like this, the beach would be filled with families of all kinds strolling along the sand, enjoying nature. The usual bustling crowds of laughter were no more. Aru was surprised that she could only count two or three families around. It was a sad sight.

"Aru! You're finally out of the house!"

Aru spun on the heel of her shoe to look at who called her name from behind her. Her anxiety melted away as she smiled and relaxed. A young man who was only a few months older than her ran across the sand over to her. He was usually shy around her, but was still very energetic. He always defended her during their time at school together. When he came to a stop in front of her, he beamed as he exclaimed how much he missed seeing her. His big red eye was glimmering with joy, making Aru's smile grow. She had missed talking to him.

He explained that he was collecting some seashells for his mother and younger sister. He explained that he enrolled for the military and would be leaving soon. Her heart sank at the news, he could tell. He gave her a beautiful purple sea shell and told her to not forget him. She could never. With a big hug, he said goodbye and made his way home, leaving Aru to continue to Xena's house.

Xena lived with her sister and parents on the beach house. Her parents were always traveling for their jobs. They were in Tennessee when the attacks happened. Her father sent word that he and her mother would be staying there for the baby's safety. Xena was upset, but she knew that the child in her mother's womb was too precious to risk losing while traveling during a war. With her parents in Tennessee and her sister stuck in Hawaii, Xena was all alone in the house. When they found out, Aru and her mother made it an unspoken rule to never let Xena spend her days alone.

When Aru arrived to Xena's house, she was surprised to see Xena sitting on the rocking chair on the porch. Xena usually spent her time inside or in the backyard. She would only step foot in the front yard if she was going to leave to Aru's house. Aru quietly joined Xena on the porch, sitting on the bench. They sat in silence before Aru spoke.

"I saw Eyeball today, he's going to leave for the military soon. He's doing fine."

"How about you? You haven't spoken about yourself at all since we've joined the war. You haven't even mentioned your soulmate."

Aru stiffened as she looked over at her friend. Xena's usual brown eyes turned green as she tended to the small plant next to her while looking at her friend with concern. She was right, she had stopped talking about herself. When was the last time she heard from her soulmate? Was he okay? Was he at war as well? Anxiety filling her, she looked to at her left arm and pulled back the sleeve. Tears filled her eyes as she and Xena read multiple lines and of sincere words. He hadn't had heard from her in a week, but she never left his thoughts. He write encouraging words to her, calming her fear for the war. Xena smiled as she sat back, crossing her arms.

"Aru, you need to let know you're okay."

With that, Xena handed her friend a pen and watched as she began to write on her arm.