PROLOGUE

I needed some fresh air so I left the lovebirds and went to the pool area. Seeing them like that gives me a bittersweet feeling. I remembered how we were once like that.  We were happy; young and in love. I heaved out a sigh and shook the memory away from my head. Ji Yong’s right; I can’t think of her all the time. It’s been 5 years for heaven’s sake.

As I suspected, there were only a few people roaming around in the pool area. Good. I needed some time alone. I sat on one of the lounge chairs and took a sip on my glass of wine. I watched the people walking around.  They were mostly couples. I see them holding each other’s hand, kissing, cuddling. Damn it. Why do I keep noticing these couples? I wish I brought a date. Oh right, I have a girlfriend. Why didn’t I bring her here? I dialed her number and waited. The number you are calling is not available at this moment. Please try again later. I tried calling her again but there was still no answer. I sighed. Just when I needed her most. I rolled my eyes and walked away, far from those couples.

After a few minutes of walking, I found myself on a children’s playground. There was no one in here. Perfect. I smiled to myself and sat on the swing. I’m not normally like this. I don’t know why I feel so anxious tonight. Seeing these couples gives me a restless feeling, asking myself absurd questions like what if I grow old alone? What if I don’t find the one? What if I found her and just missed the chance? What if She was the one? I closed my eyes and mentally punched myself in the face.

“What the hell is wrong with me?!” I said out loud, facing my palm.

I heard a soft chuckling sound so I removed my hands from my face.

“Oh Sh—t” I blurted out and almost fell down from the swing. I regretted cursing for a pair of small eyes was watching me with curiosity.

She was a small girl, around 6 yrs of age. Her hair was tied in a pony tail and she was wearing a cute pink dress. As I looked at this girl, I’m immediately reminded of her face. This is crazy. I’m seeing her face in a small innocent child. I shook my head and just smiled.

“Hi.” I said to her. She was still looking at me, as if she was reading me or something.

“Hello.” I tried again while smiling. She kept on looking at my face without answering me. I felt conscious. Do I have dirt on my face or something? I wanted to ask her, but I reminded myself that she was child.

“Hello there pretty girl.” I told her. She smiled when she heard this, making her eyes appear like small little crescents.

She does look like her.

My heart was beating fast. She was like a small version of her. Was I hallucinating?

“Why are you alone? Where are your parents?” I asked, appearing as friendly as possible.

“In the lobby.” She said, staring at me.

I have nothing else to say. I don’t know how to deal with a child, seriously. I’m afraid that I might make her cry if I say something more. So I just stared at her. Her next move surprised me.

She suddenly gave me a hug.

And what she said next even surprised me more.

“Appa!”

I almost choked. “H-haha.” I gave out a nervous laugh. “A-Appa?” I asked, making her face me.

“Yes. “ She answered with an eye-smile. Oh God, those eye smiles. “You’re my Appa. I found you!”

I smiled like an idiot. I don’t know why but hearing this child calling me her dad gives me a happy feeling. “Really huh? Who’s you mom then?” I meant it as a joke but when the little girl pointed behind me, my heart skipped a beat.

“Stephie! I’ve been looking for you!”

That voice. It can’t be. My heart skipped another beat.

“Mom!” Stephie, The small girl in front of me, responded. “Look Mom! I found Appa!”

And with that, I turned around to confirm my suspicions.

My heart skipped another beat, and another and another.

I think I’m having a heart attack.

Surely, there she was, looking as attractive as ever, wearing the same surprised expression as mine.