I often still go back to that night, when I first saw you. We were both 13, and it had only been a few months since I started my training at the agency.

The hallway was dim and gloomy. Just like us.

There was hardly any other soul in sight at that time of the night and I wouldn't have been there either had I not heard your sobs. Those soft echoes I still remember so clearly.

I had later found out, that you had been scolded badly by your instructor for not putting up your best. I saw you sitting against the wall head down, hugging your knees in the corner of the hallway as the tears flowed down your beautiful face. Even then Soojung, I had felt this unexplainable tightening in my chest. How had it not occurred to me? Why was I so stupid?

I had quietly sat down at the other end, sharing the distress and exhaustion with you.

I hadn't realized then, that the connection I developed with you in those moments was going to last forever.