It was an amusing fact: so much could change in three years. It was an astonishing fact: so much could change in two weeks. The Mark and Jenni who said their goodbyes in an airport were nonexistent. Both’s lives dramatically had changed, one for the better and one for the worse.

***

            Mark’s shoe once again securely stood upon the ground of Korea. It was a Friday morning. It was not a particularly unique Friday or any special day, just a simple morning in March. His hair was transformed back to that almost-black color due to the requests of a certain younger sibling.

            “That girl’s going to kick you to the curb if you don’t fix your hair soon. I swear, you went to Korea looking handsome and came back like some kind of delinquent.”

            So yes, the era of “fire-head” and “fire-haired youth” were now over, not that Mark was too disappointed. At least Cassidy didn’t make him wear his hair like a porcupine anymore, those were the glory days.

            It was probably a good idea to go home, sit back, and relax after the long trip. However, there was someone Mark desperately wanted to see. Needed to see. Isn’t it funny how long two weeks could be when there was someone waiting at the end of them? And so he found himself on that cell phone not even a minute after stepping out of the airport.

            “Jenni, I’m back.”

            “How did it go?”

            “Can we meet at the park?”

            “Okay.”

           She didn't offer some witty response or tease. In fact, she sounded...tired.  

           The oddly short replies were because of the inconvenient time, right?

***

            She was waiting on that special bench when he arrived. Jenni always managed to get there first, no matter what the circumstance, it seemed. He waved and took in the distinct difference in her appearance. Mark tried to find that long, black hair; the hair always framing her face in that indescribable way. It was gone. Hastily chopped off. The remains hung above her neck, all at different lengths. It was almost as if she cut it a few minutes ago. A stained shirt and jeans. Her eyes were blo