Love, Kookie

Letter # 2

"Hey Cheese,

I miss you. I always miss you, but today is different. I made a new friend today, his name is Jimin, and he was telling me about how his wife back in America. She lives a few states away from you. He told me she'd be thrilled to get into contact with someone who's going through the same thing. I'll give her your information, if you'll let me.

I had some free time today, but it didn't make me feel any better. I miss getting a long break from work back at home and getting to spend it with you. Remember that ice cream place we used to visit when we first started dating? You'd always get a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of vanilla and alternate between the two. I never understood why you didn't just ask for them swirled together. You're a puzzle, but that's why I love you so much. I discover something new about you every day.

How's work going? I hope you're working hard, Cheese, to make the world a better place. What I'm doing here in Korea could never compare to what your research has the potential to do. Just don't use your sexy doctor talk on anyone else. I miss you telling me about all the 'cool' studies you read about, no matter how graphic. The way your eyes light up when you're telling me about one of your trial patients makes me wish I was with you now.

There's little I wouldn't do to see your face in person right at this moment. I have that picture of you, from last summer in Tokyo. It's taped above my bed, on the bottom of Jimin's bunk. Your smile makes me smile.

Please don't cry when you think of me. I know you think you're alone. You are loved, by so many people. Don't shut yourself in from the world. I couldn't bear it if I knew you were suffering alone. Talk to my mom for me, tell her about your patients, even if she gets grossed out. I think it would be good for both of you.

Love, Kookie"

I wipe my wet cheeks and put the letter in my desk drawer, on top of the first one. I leave my room and go downstairs to the house phone, dialing Mrs. Jeon's number.