Pen Pals

Realisation

"My boy!" My mother squeezed me into a tight hug.

"Eomma?" I pulled away and looked at her in shock.

The small woman before me looked well and a lot more mobile. She seemed quite cheery too.

"I've been put on new medication and it's doing wonders, now stop looking at me like that!" She chuckled which warmed my heart.

"Oh eomma!" I hugged her again, taking in her lavender scent.

"I could never repay you for all the money you've spent on me!" She rubbed my back.

"Well.. you could." I shrugged, smirking.

"How?" She gave me a 'tread carefully' look.

"By making me food." I smiled boyishly.

"Considered done. Also, why did you cut your hair?"

"No reason." I walked off into the kitchen.
"You want a plate?" I offered.

"I've eaten. There's reason as to why you've cut it so short, just tell me." She sighed.

I toppled my plate with japchae, bulgogi and kimchee. She really outdid herself.

"Why so much food?" I asked

"Why aren't you telling me your reason?"

"I felt like a change. I just felt ambitious to have something different." I shrugged.

"Either you and the girl have rekindled, or you've finally moved on." She hummed, starring at me hard. I began to feel uncomfortable.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I began to stuff my face. I was in heaven, because of the food.

"I will beat you boy, don't test me." She glared at me, causing me to choke.
"You see! That's a sign for you to spit it out." She tittered as she handed me a glass of water.

"Has the maid, cook and gardener been visiting lately? I'm not getting any charges by their arrivals." I changed topic, knowing this will cause a reaction.

"Aish! You're lucky I'm in a good mood. I've terminated their services, I'm stable enough to do everything." She grinned. I loved my mother's smile. Beautiful smiles show beautiful hearts, was what she once told me.

"You must take it easy." I said seriously.

"I know! I'm just tidying and gardening a little." She tried to play it off cool.

"And cooking a little too, I suppose." I said sarcastically.

"Don't get smart with me. So which option was I right about?" She took a seat at her kitchen island.

"Neither." I sighed. She looked at me to proceed.
"Do you recall when when I told you we sort of rekindled, but in the wrong way- when she didn't recognise me..." I felt nervous bringing this back up.

"Yes and..." She urged for me to continue.

"Well when she finally recognised me all her barriers went up. Then to get over her rejection I needed to change." I explained nonchalantly in simple terms.

"Dramatic change. I like it." She gave me a thumbs up and I chuckled briefly. It was quiet for several seconds, but I had a feeling she had more to say.
"And...?" She prompted.

"And what?" I raised a brow before taking in another mouthful.

"How have you been dealing with your emotions?"

"It's not that serious ma. I have work to focus on and a lot of it." I sighed and almost rolled my eyes.

"You had a sexual relationship with her, knowing she didn't know who you was, for Christ's sake. Boy are you out of your mind?! Clearly there's something. You loved this girl." She disappointedly shook her head, expecting more from me I guess.