Eight years ago...

In the clear waters flowing by a shallow stream deep in the woods, surrounded by a blanket of purple flowers, big innocent eyes were reflected. As it stared back at its image, the eyes wondered deep in a trance as if it's imagining something, drowning in the magic of its creativity, engrossed in its limitless dreams. All of a sudden, a ruffling noise not far ahead broke the eyes in its reverie. It looked up, searching for the source of the noise, but before she could even stand up to begin her curious adventure, she heard another voice.

“Chaeyoung ah!” it was her mother calling.

“Umma?” she answered, looking back and seeing her mom running towards her.

“You went off again,” said her mother, “how many times did I tell you not to go wandering around on your own.”

“I was just observing the stream,” answered the young girl, reaching for the hand of her mother to stand up, “and besides, I think I got company.” She smiled lightheartedly, looking towards the direction of the ruffling noise which was now nothing but stillness.

“Oh Chaeyoung, you never know what kind of creatures lurk in the forest.” Said her mom, worried about her daughter. “It’s not safe for you here.”

She merely giggled at her mom’s overly concerned words. “I don’t think it wants to hurt me though,” said she, “maybe it just wants to be my friend.”

Her mom could only smile back at her wondrous daughter. “Well, you may bid your friend goodbye. I’m afraid it’s starting to go dark and we need to go back.”

Chaeyoung felt a little bit sad knowing that she had to leave before she even met her new-found friend. She felt like she didn’t want to go, but she also knew she didn’t have a choice. She waved her hand towards the direction of the noise, her way of saying goodbye, and for a split second, she thought she saw two eyes staring back at her, blinking as if answering. Her smile returned to her youthful face and she gladly went back with her mom. She knew then that they would meet again.