Just A Few Numbers Away

Chapter 3

The Shield of Silence

It's almost 2 years.

It's been that long since I have worked here in Korea.

In just a few months, I will have my vacation and can finally go back home.

The countdown to my flight is the only set of numbers I allow myself to care about.

Unlike the digits hidden under my sleeve, these numbers have a clear destination—a departure and an arrival.

It's been tough but I guess working here is better since the pay is really high.

I can provide for my family better and start being a good daughter-something I haven't been doing since who knows when.

The guilt of being away is easier to handle than the fear of what's waiting on my skin.

A tap on my shoulder shakes me back to reality.

"Yah, what are you thinking so hard about that you haven't even drunk your milk? It's gonna get cold, you know."

"Ahh. I didn't realize."

I smiled at her and drank my milk.

"How silly."

Then she sat beside me on our shared couch in the living room.

"Yeah. How silly of me. THANKS FOR REMINDING ME EOMMA." I cheekily told her, using the title as a jab at her motherly nagging.

SLAP.

"Yahh, that hurt!!! My poor arm. You could be brutal sometimes."

"Serves you right."

After that, we both laughed like idiots.

"Seriously, Ate. If it weren't for you, I don't think I could survive working here."

"Awww... I didn't know you love me so much, Gel. But no homo though."

"Yakkkkk!!!! Like I could ever fall for you!! Besides, I already found my soulmate and he's patiently waiting for me in the Philippines."

Silence.

The word "soulmate" hung in the air like a heavy fog.

The laughter died instantly, replaced by the humming of the refrigerator and the distant sound of city traffic.

She averted her eyes from me and looked down.

"I, uh, Ate, I didn't mean to brag, I'm so-"

I patted her head lightly.

"It's okay, Gel. You don't need to get so worked up and apologize all the time whenever you mention him. I'm happy for you."

She looked up at me.

Then I smiled at her.

"But Ate, aren't you gonna look for your soulmate? He's probably here somewhere and maybe he is looking for you too."

"No, Gel. I won't." I firmly said to her and averted my eyes.

The finality in my voice surprised even me.

It was a wall I had spent years building, and I wasn't about to let it crumble over a glass of milk.

Standing up, I said to her, "Let's go to sleep. It's late."