Prologue

“Stephanie,” I heard Appa call after me, “Come back here this instant.”

I heard him, but I didn’t look back. I ran away, away from him and my siblings—away from a truth that I didn’t want to accept. Tears spilled down my eyes as I reached the park, dropping myself on one of the swings as I sobbed hard.

My tears continued to fall as I cried in silence—until chubby fingers held out a handkerchief. I looked up to see a boy wearing a worried smile.

“Here,” He said, prodding me to take his hanky.

I took the hanky hesitantly, watching as he stuffed his hands into his shorts. I looked at him intently, taking in his appearance. He had chubby cheeks and noticeably huge ears.

“My mom says girl’s tears are sacred, good boys like me should always have a hanky to catch it.” He told me with a smile.

“Wh-what will you do with the tears you catch?” I asked in between sobs, clumsily wiping my tear-stained cheeks.

“She says I have to keep them,” He said, hoping on the swing beside mine, “To remind me never to make them cry again.”

I laughed softly, finding humor in his mom’s logic. Eomma. I sobbed again. The little boy walked towards me, taking his handkerchief to wipe my tears for me.

“What’s your name?” he asked me.

“Tiffany.” I answered curtly.

“Why are you crying?” He asked he wiped the fresh set of tears that ran down my cheeks.

Without knowing why I felt like I can tell him, I answered: “My Appa says my Eomma is gone now. No one is going to take care of me now.”

He looked at me thoughtfully, tapping his thumb against his chin. He tilted his head in curiosity, as if assessing what to do.

“How old are you?” He asked.

“Seven.”

“Good, I just turned eight so I’m your Oppa.” He said with a smile, “My name is Ok Taecyeon, and I will take care of you from now on.”

He kept his promise and we were inseparable ever since.