Shaking Hands

“Gawd, you look like hell.”

Amber plonked herself beside So-Mi on the bench.

“Thanks,” was the latter’s sarcastic answer.

“Still not talking to your Ahjussi, huh?”

“He’s not talking to me,” she stressed. “I called him many many times, but he’s not picking up his phone.”

“Relax, he’ll come around. Who can resist such a cute niece, huh?”

Amber pinched So-Mi's cheeks and turned it from side to side.

They both smiled when Amber finally put her hands down.

She was a good friend, Amber, So-Mi thought.

Like with Detective Lee, So-Mi only met Amber a year ago, at the university Open Day.

But Amber somehow took a liking to her and has not left her side since.

Always a loner, that was the first time So-Mi had a true friend.

Someone to share her thoughts and feelings with.

Her worries and fears with.

And Amber has always remain a steadfast friend.

“Amber, you’re shaking again.”

So-Mi looked at Amber’s hands. Worried.

“Sh*t. Gotta go.”

“You’ve got your insulin?”

“Yeah, I do,” Amber smiled and looked at her tenderly. “See ya next week, Chingu?”

“Yeah, next week.”