I WAS sitting on the bed when Mari stepped out of the shower. It’s already nine thirty in the evening. I felt her moved and sat on the other side of the bed. I turned around and I saw her back. She was facing the door while I was facing the window.

“Mari.” I called her. My voice trembled. She turned to me anxiously. “I don’t want to go home yet.” I said.

“Nana…” She said softly as she went beside me. “I know it’s hard to leave. But I guess that’s life. We’re not actually from here, we have our family waiting for us. Besides, we have to go to school.”

I cried. “It’s like I belong here but you’re right, we have a family out there that misses us so much. It’s just so hard to leave those people I learned to love.” I said as I couldn’t contain my cries.

“Shh don’t cry, Nana.” She said as she hugged me. “I know it’s hard leaving those people behind who already have a special place on our hearts. Just like us remember? I couldn’t afford to transfer another school without you coz I wanted to be with you always even though we’re just neighbors.” She said and it made me laughed. “Even we’re always having a sleepover, almost every night.”

I laughed as I looked at her. There were tears in her eyes. She held my hand. “Those people are important to me just like you but we have to choose right now.” She laughed softly. “Don’t worry, Nans. I’ll ask dad to buy a house here in Korea or a house near the Starship building so we could see them always when we’re having a vacation.” I laughed as she wiped away my tears. “We’ll mee