Jingle Bells

Christmas was extra special for So-Mi that year.

She spent the eve having dinner with Lee.

And Christmas day with all the people she loved.

Dalseo-ahjussi and Amber spent the whole Christmas day with her at Choi-Appa's and Omma's.

As well as Ahjussi.

The men talked and drank; while the women gossiped and cooked.

Then, they all sat down to lunch and the guests stayed well over after tea.

It was the happiest day So-Mi has ever experienced.

All problems kept away in a box for a little while.

-----

"I know it's sad for you, that your sister had to be out of the country, this time of the year," So-Mi said. "But I'm so glad you get to be with me today."

"I'm happy too. This is the first time I get to spend Christmas with a big family," Amber grinned.

"Yeah, even if none of us are related at all," So-Mi agreed, laughing. "It sure feels like a family though, doesn't it?"

"Yup, it does," Amber laughed too as she helped So-Mi with the tea things, feeling strangely domesticated. "It's also my first with actual parents."

So-Mi smiled at Amber, knowing that like Lee, she has no parents either.

Strangely, the three of them seem to be connected that way.

Either parent-less or coming from broken homes.

All of them had to grow up before their time.

"I'd share mine with you anytime, chingu," So-Mi said, giving her friend a tight loving hug.

Amber grinned.

"You've shared them with me at the graduation."

"Of course! We were so proud of you. You worked really hard for that degree, Dr A."

"I love it, medicine," Amber noded. "Really love it."

"I know. We hardly get to meet you nowadays," So-Mi pouted. "You are always at the clinic. Don't make them work you to hard."

"I won't, chingu," Amber smiled fondly. "By the way, I'm off next Saturday. Shall we try out that new heated pool at the Y?"

"Mocheron desu!"

"Yeah, ok, whatever you say!"