Promise Me You’ll Be Happy
Fireflies: The Man From Nowhere Sequel
Promise Me You’ll Be Happy
She went back to his apartment, but he was not in.
So, she sat on the floor, hugging her knees, and waited.
Once he was back, they sat down to dinner together.
He asked if she was staying the night.
"Neh. Is it ok?"
"Call your Omma and let her know.”
And she did.
Then she showered, and took her books into the living room.
Once the main bulk of her work was done, she stared into space for a long time.
He was seated a few feet away, reading.
Without thinking, she moved to sit by his feet.
And like a child, put her head on his knees.
"Ahjussi, you must promise me to be happy this time around. Neh? Promise me."
And she fell into a troubled asleep.
-----
She’s asleep, he thought.
What is worrying you, little one?
< Ahjussi, you must promise me to be happy this time around. >
She said.
His hand moved involuntarily to smooth down her hair.
But he stopped it, just in time.
Letting it hang just above her head.
< What's in you, is your own choice. If you choose the darkness, you will forever remain in darkness. >
Does that apply to me as well? He asked himself.
I wanted to die 8 years ago.
In fact, I was already dead 4 years before.
When Ha-ni and our child died.
But I started to live again.
Even in prison, I lived.
Knowing she was alive.
Knowing she had a better chance at life.
Finally acknowledging that there was God after all.
To give us second chances.
But am I strong enough to take it?
To take a risk at living, knowing death would come unannounced?
I don’t know.
And so, he simply picked her up, for the first time, and cradled her in his arms.
Holding her a little longer than necessary.
Before tucking her into bed like he did a long, long time ago.
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