DESTINATION: TO THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

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Spring was going to start. I looked out through the window which was left to my bed in my cosy French styled bedroom. People were rushing to their works as it was eight this morning. I had late night duty in Seoul University Hospital so it was going to be a night for me. I completed my medicine degree in Paris which was where I met Do Kyungsoo, my boyfriend who was also a Korean as like me and we both were from Seoul, South Korea. I could not say that we had a smooth relationship all these time. There were many ups and downs in our relationship. Though we had many quarrels and fights, we never neglected to meet each other as we were working in the same hospital but different department what a relief! If not, the patients would suffer a lot of course! He was my only hope, only sunshine, my one and only happiness as well as my cold moon. I could not be normal, if had not talk to him or meet him. He was my drug. He was very practical and precautious, quite opposite to me. Whenever I got into any trouble, he would be there to save me.

Kyungsoo was very handsome and also is as well as will be. Though he got many proposals in Paris, he dedicated his heart and soul to me. We had many dates in Paris but our first date in Korea was always special to me till my last blink. I could not forget even a second that happened on that day. During that morning he called me and asked for date not wasting even a second I accepted his proposal. My excitement level reached the height of Eiffel. I dressed up accordingly, thinking how to spend the whole day with my love, shopping, movie, dinner and how could I forgot visiting amusement park! I wanted to watch a romantic movie with him but he was not that type, anyhow he would accept because of my nagging. I heard the horn sound, he came! He came to pick me up! My heart fluttered as if I had just reached the end point of a marathon. Though we were together for a long time, I could not find the reason for my rapid heartbeat. Kyungsoo was stunned to see me in a lavender frock, his gaze got distracted after I wore my jacket and sat inside the car. Even today I could hear his words, "You are beautiful!" said while meeting my eyes. I could not hold up my tears, he was not the one who utters such words. I switched on the music to divert myself from him. The car headed towards Gangnam. I had no idea where we were heading to and also I was in no intention to ask him anything as I was already melted by his words and gaze. The car's engine slowed down and came to rest before a villa. He smiled at me and I gave him a confused smile. We entered the villa; I could see his family and childhood photos. It was his parent's home. He wanted to introduce me to his parents. Indeed it was a sweet shock! And so he did. Unlike Kyungsoo, his mom was very sweet as well as kind hearted and his dad was very friendly and humorous both of them were professors. Kyungsoo had never cracked jokes as like his father, he never liked to go for a romantic dinner or a date. Every date that we went in Paris was all because of my compulsion. We had lunch together, had a long conversation and played board games. I never expected that Kyungsoo could play games and could chat for a long time. He laughed lot and it was my fist time to see laughing Kyungsoo. His eyes were like inverted crescent moon when he had hearty laugh. He looked like a baby. I admired him a lot. I felt like I was with my family, "I am with my family" I said to myself during that moment. On the way back to our places, we had a luxurious dinner. I asked him for a movie to my surprise he nodded without any objection. He preferred horror; I did not interrupt him because I could hold his hands when I felt scared! The day was the most cherish able in my entire life. I was dwelled in the memories of Kyungsoo until I heard the ringtone of my phone. It was from the hospital and they wanted my help. While driving to the hospital I remembered our last night fight. Mistakes were on my side I could sense it but he was very harsh to me that night. I felt that he was not my Kyungsoo so I decided not to talk or meet. Though my soul wanted to, my ego did not allow me to speak to him.

When I reached the hospital, I came to know the mass breakout of malignant virus attack. The hospital looked like a battlefield. I was a warrior and I wanted to kill the entire virus. I had my protection suits, masks and glasses as like a warrior with armor and I stepped into the battle. A week had passed; I treated numerous patients without food, sleep and any thoughts of Kyungsoo so did he. It was a bright morning but the battle had not ended. I was happened to attend the old couple who were in their eighties. The old lady was in much fear; I could see it in her eyes. She neither took medicine nor let the doctors and the nurses to attend her. Her husband dragged himself to her and tried to console her but she yelled at him very badly all the heads in the isolation ward were upon him. He felt embarrassed. He didn't do anything for a moment. He was not willing to meet my eyes. I was much irritated by the lady's action how could she treat such a precious person like dirt? But the old man approached her once again and said "Believe me; I am going to take you a walk in anmin road this spring". Both of them shared their smile to each other. I treated them with tearing eyes. I could feel their divine love. Despite dispute and misunderstandings they believed each other but what about me and Kyungsoo just because of ego I abandoned him. I felt ashamed of myself. No sooner I got out of the ward I called him; he picked up at the last ring and said "Du Gwenchanayo?" (Trans: Are you alright?) I was sure that his voice was breaking down because of grief and care. I was such an idiot. Holding my tears I said him "I want you to take me a walk in anmin road during spring". He said "Sure, wait for little being" and also I asked "Do you love me?" no sooner he replied "Always". I cried and cut the line.

The very next year, in the month of May: i.e. present day,
I am holding his hands and walking under the shelter of cherry blossom trees in anmin road, wearing the same lavender frock which becomes very close to me since our first date in Korea. The battle is over but the marks in my face and heart has not faded away. He stops and his gaze meets mine, he utters "You are beautiful" tears break out my eyes. Now, I am hugging my Kyungsoo very tightly than ever. The cherry blossom petals start to fall on us as if it rains. I want this moment to last long...