Chapter 8

“The cemetery?” Yuri was confused for a second. When realization hit her, she gasped at the shock of it, “My father's buried there, isn't he?” She could only stare at the man who continued to look directly ahead. His hands were gripping the steering wheel so tightly that his knuckles turned white against his tan skin.

Her first inclination was to run, to get as far away as she could but she couldn't. This was real. This was her life & she had to face it. Clenching her fists tightly in her lap, she turned to look out of the window, her face as expressionless as Yunho’s had been.

“Can I get some flowers? He would like that.” Her words were spoken softly. Once she began though, she couldn't seem to stop, “Did you know that he liked to garden? Peonies were his favorites. He used to plant them for mom. Mom liked them a lot, too.”

Yunho relaxed his grip & reached over to place one of his hands over hers, “Of course we can get some flowers.” He told her.

Yuri simply nodded, no longer trusting her voice. They rode in silence until they reached Mrs. Kwon’s condo. Mrs. Kwon’s condo was located in a newly developed section of town & was decorated with contemporary furnishings mingled with a few familiar items from their family home. The overall effect though, was so completely different that Yuri found herself wandering through her mother's home, feeling like a complete stranger. All the good intentions she had tried to develop during the drive were quickly melting away.

Mrs. Kwon kept a running dialogue, explaining which items Yuri herself had helped her pick out. Yuri remembered none of it. She wanted none of it. She only wanted to get out & run until she found something that she could recognize as her own. Eventually, after receiving only monosyllabic responses, Mrs. Kwon gave up. Yuri didn't miss the tense look she shared with Yunho.

When Yunho then turned towards her, she knew the words he was about to say. Her eyes implored him not to say it. He opened his mouth & then closed it, seeming to fight with some internal battle. Before Yuri could think what that meant, Mrs. Kwon approached her & took her hand.

“Come on, honey.” She said, “It's time to go.” Yuri followed her mother out of the apartment. She maintained her silence until they got into the car.

“Mom, I just don't think I'm ready for this. “ She pleaded, panic rising, “Maybe in a w...week or two I c...could come back. I'm just not ready right now.”

Mrs. Kwon responded calmly, “Honey, Yunho & I have discussed this already. We feel that it’s necessary for you if you are to get on with the rest of your lives together.”

“You?!” Yuri cried, “You discussed it?! What about me?! What about what I want?!”

“Yuri.” Yunho spoke consolingly, from the driver's seat.

“This was probably your idea!” Yuri spat at him, panic, fear & anger mingling within her. She wanted to hurt him like she was hurting & she hated herself for it, “You don't care about me!” She accused, “You just want to control me, make me into some person that you prefer! Maybe I don't remember because it was too horrible & I don't want to remember it!”

“Yuri!” Mrs. Kwon rebuked her.

“You've already got her.” Yuri went on, ignoring her mother, “Must you take everything? I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.”

Yunho tightened his grip on the steering wheel & grounded out a question to Mrs. Kwon, “How much further?” Mrs. Kwon saw his agitation, “Only about a mile on the right.” She assured him, then turned back to Yuri. She reached out & placed a tentative hand on her leg, “It was my idea, honey. Yunho only wants what’s best for you.”

“Mom, you don't have to take up for him.” Yuri said mournfully. Then defeated, “It doesn't matter. Nothing matters.” Turning away from them both, she leaned her head against the side window & let its coolness seep into her tanned skin.

All too soon, Yunho stopped the car. Resolutely, Yuri picked up her flowers & got out of the car. The cemetery was bordered by a wooded area where the trees were changing colors for the fall season. The lovely oranges, browns, reds, yellows & greens which painted the landscape seemed at odds with the task she was set to perform.

Yunho watched as Mrs. Kwon led Yuri to the correct spot. He didn't know what he would have done had she fought them. He didn't think he could physically force her, no matter what Mrs. Kwon or the doctors said. Remaining at a discreet distance, he found himself considering the things she had said in the car.

She had been angry. She didn't mean the things that she had said. Yuri didn't hate anyone. She was just lost & alone & she needed his help. He would be strong for her. He would take care of her. Right now, that meant allowing her to be alone with her mother so he watched from a distance.

For hours, the two women sat