The next morning, Mr. Noh invited me to go on a trek with him up in the mountain leaving Dara behind. When we had reached our destination, I beheld the beauty of the province. I inhaled the fresh breeze of the wind. I saw the little town’s main trade center busy with people. We stood there and we chatted.

“So, how long have you two been? If you don’t mind me asking.” Mr. Noh inquired with a smile on slightly aged face. “J-just yesterday, Mr. Noh.” I stuttered. “What! You just made out like yesterday?” Mr. Noh blurted. He is acting like a girl, I thought. I nodded in agreement. Then, his expression suddenly changed into gloom. “That’s terrible. To think you will be leaving soon, eh?” He said. I suddenly felt sad after remembering that I had but a few days left with Dara. “How much do you love her?” He inquired. “I’ve yearned for her for 15 years, Mr. Noh. Hoping to see the person that marked so much on who I am today. I could say, I would trade anything in the world to be with her.” I responded huskily. “Would you give up your job for her, then?” He asked sternly. “If that is what she wanted, Mr. Noh. I would.” After hearing my response, he suddenly sat on the ground and looked at me. He tapped the ground, gesturing me to sit beside him. After a moment of silence, he said, “I don’t think Dara would allow that though. You see, Dara-ah is a very selfless girl. Did you know that she became an agriculturist because she wanted to help her parents in the farm. His father wanted her to be a nurse in the city but she insisted not to.” I smiled thinking how expectantly it is for her to do so. “But that Dara, really admired you. She said the first time she saw you on TV she knew that you were a very kind person and wanted to make the world a better place.” He added. I shook my head in disagreement, “I think I’m far from that though. It may help little on the society. Seeing other scientists’ proposal, mine is just but a speck on the research world.” I responded bitterly. “Don’t be like that, son. Don’t look down on your work. Everything would come from something little and eventually it will expand greatly.” Mr. Noh said and placed a hand on my shoulder. “You will have this chance I assure you. However, I have one request...” He stood up and he stretched out a hand to help me up. I let out a confused look waiting for what he was to say next. He walked ahead of me and said, “Just don’t break my poor Dara-ah’s heart.” I smiled and hastily paced myself to catch up with him. When we arrived at Mr. Noh’s house, the women had already prepared our lunch. He enjoyed a friendly chat. I felt so well at home with the Noh family. Soon after, Dara and I started off to go back to the Park’s residence.

On the way, Dara and I was happily chatting. I wanted to hold her hands but hesitate. After a few moment of silence I spoke, “Dara, what would you do after I’ve gone back to the mainland?” I said. I wanted to know so bad. “I will continue helping dad out with the farm and I will continue sustaining the patients with the fluid extract of the herbal plants I harvested and help take care of them.” I nodded in agreement. “I bet you will do great.” I smiled looking at her. She had her head down again. I didn’t notice we had arrived at the their house. Mrs. Park greeted us and advised to change and rest. Dara went straight to the barn to check the livestock. I went to my room and took a shower. I started to change and on the table I saw the Euphorbia Hirta pot. I hastily finished changing and took the plant with me downstairs. I went to Dara where she was feeding the pigs. She noticed me arriving with my hands behind my back. She took out her gloves and smiled at me. “I have something to give you. I thought about it before I would go back to the mainland.” I, then, stretched out my hand and handed the plant to her. I saw her astonished expression on her face and saw a light blush on her face. I smiled. I didn’t notice Mr. and Mrs. Park was watching us until Mr. Park broke the silence, “Wow Dara-ah! You should take that to your little botany garden. Why don’t you show Jiyong your collection of plants?” He said with a smirk. Dara with the pot on her firm grip nodded and started to walk. I followed her. We crossed the corn field and saw a little fenced area. I widened my eyes seeing all the wild herbal plants before my eyes. Varieties of plants were there: from Vitex Negundo to the very heavenly elixir Tinospora Rumphii. I touched the plants and observed them. I was so transfixed with them. How I wanted to bring them with me to the mainland. I started to talk to myself while admiring the uniqueness of their texture and taking a leaf and tasting them and how I tried to remember how it would taste and smell. I momentarily forgot about Da