PROLOGUE
2016 (present time)
Lotte World. South Korea.
I smiled, a wide one on that.
I can see happy faces. Lovers in love. Children at play. Families spending time together. People screaming, giggling and laughing. Everybody’s livin’ the life.
I just smiled once again.
When was the last time I’ve been here? I pondered and sighed. Ahhh. It was almost six years ago.
*Smirks*
Six years ago. When life was way better than it is now. When life was simple.. was free.. and was happy. I smiled once more, this time, a bitter one.
A light pull in my knee-length skirt brought me back to reality.
“What?” I asked.
“Omma, let’s go and see their skating rink,” answered Mel-joon. I looked at him with patronizing eyes and my heart just swelled with joy. Mel-joon is five years old now and grows each day looking similar to his father.
“Aren’t you tired? We’ve been exploring this huge place for more than three hours now. Omma needs to rest. Look at my feet.”
“Okay. I’m permitting you Omma to rest and sit for a while. The pigeons might feast on the worms at your feet,” Mel-joon said pointing at my tired feet.
I looked down and grimaced. I think I really need sclerotherapy.
I held his hand and we sat at the nearest bench. The park is surrounded with beautiful and colourful plants. The field of tulips in front of me is just a wonder. One reason why I’ve decided to stay here in Korea? Everything is a visual delight. Koreans seem to have a sixth sense, the aesthetic sense. And I love it. Everything feels dream-like. Everything seems perfect. A beautiful consolation to someone with a lonely heart.
I sighed and rubbed Mel-joon’s arms as I motioned him to lie down. He rested his head on my leg and stretched his little frame over the bench.
“Omma, can I take a nap? I think I’m tired,” said Mel-joon with half-closed eyes.
“We can go home now if you want.”
“No not yet Omma. Please. We haven’t checked the skating rink yet.” His sleepy eyes are now pleading.
I smiled. “Okay.” Mel-joon smiled back and proceeded to travel to Lalalala-land.
I watch the people as they pass by. And I laughed at the thought that I’m here in Lotte World with a kid, looking silly to everyone’s eye. So what? I’m single and happy. Uhhm. Well, I believe I’m happy. What’s wrong with that? As I quote one of my favourite Filipino movie, “Happiness is not an option. It’s a choice.” Oh diba bongga? Hahahaha. Oh man! I think I’m losing my sanity.
I suppressed a smile and bowed down my head. For one crazy moment, I felt young and carefree again. It’s funny and amazing. I think I should go out more often. Maybe my Vitamin D-deprived skin needs it. Hahaha. Okay. My soul needs it. I have to loosen up a bit. At 27, I look and feel like an old-maid. Whaaat? Oh no! Oh God please nooo! I wanna have a hubby and beautiful kids!
“Hahahahaha.” This time I made an audible and hearty laugh. I don’t care if people think I’ve gone insane. This time, with conviction, I say.. Rommie is happy. A wide smile is plastered on my face. Why I am feeling euphoric all of a sudden? I dunno. Does it really have to have a reason? Hahaha. My smile widened as I slowly lift my head up.
And then our eyes meet. The same eyes. The same look that melts my heart. The same warm feeling that engulfs my whole being. The same man. The only one.
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