As I gazed out the aeroplane window, the billowy white clouds unfolded beneath me like a canvas of cotton, inviting me to surrender to their softness. The sky was a brilliant blue, with only a few wispy strands of cirrus clouds scattered across its expanse. I felt a pang of longing, imagining what it would be like to lay on the clouds' feathery surfaces, surrounded by the warmth and tranquillity of the sky.
The gentle hum of the engines and the occasional chatter of the passengers faded into the background as I lost myself in the serenity of the moment. But my reverie was short-lived. The air conditioner had failed, and the cabin was sweltering, the air thick and stifling like a heavy blanket. The passengers around me were sweating through their discomfort, their faces flushed with heat. I let out a dubious sigh and leaned back in my cramped seat, feeling the restlessness of the other passengers like a palpable force.
My mom, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed, her energy and calm radiating like a beacon. She was a picture of serenity, reminiscent of a yoga guru who had spent years mastering the art of inner peace. Her eyes sparkled with a warm, gentle light, and her smile was a soothing balm that seemed to calm the frazzled nerves of those around her. "Are you okay, darling?" she asked, breaking my reverie. I nodded, turning my gaze back to the window. The cities below were blurring into a patchwork of greens and browns, a kaleidoscope of colours that seemed to shift and change with every passing moment.
It had been six long hours. How much longer could this go on? I thought to myself, just as the speaker crackled to life. "Hello again, passengers. We will be arriving in Seoul in five minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts. Thank you," the pilot announced, his voice cutting through my thoughts like a knife.
As the plane began its descent, I felt a thrill of excitement coursing through my veins like adrenaline. I was finally back in Seoul, the city that had captured my heart with its vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage. My friends back in the U.S. often teased me about my "superpower" – my ability to attract strange coincidences. I usually brushed it off, but deep down, I wondered if there was some truth to it. As we stepped off the plane, I was greeted by a wave of warm air that enveloped me like a gentle hug. The air was laced with the earthy scent of old leaves and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers.
It was a triumphant breeze that danced around me, making me feel alive and invigorated. My mom and I strode into the bustling airport, navigating through the throngs of travellers as we checked our bags and gathered our belongings. The airport was a cacophony of sounds and colours, a kaleidoscope of cultures and languages that seemed to shift and change with every passing moment. I felt a sense of excitement building up inside me, and before I knew it, I sprinted out of the sliding doors. "Kendra!" my mom called after me, but I was too caught up in the moment. "I'm back in Seoul!" I shouted enthusiastically, my voice echoing in the open air.
The wind whipped through my hair, and the sun shone down on my face, warming my skin and lifting my spirits. But my celebration was short-lived. A sharp pain jolted through the back of my head, quickly followed by Mom's admonishing voice. "Kendra Callus! Do not run off so carelessly!" she scolded, worry etched across her features like a map. I waved my hand dismissively, brushing off her concerns. "Mom, stop worrying; I'm fine!" I replied, trying to mask my amusement. Her narrowed eyes and playful pout only made me smile wider. Just then, my mom's gaze scanned the crowd, searching for someone. "Where's Tae-Hun?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
My heart skipped a beat at the mere mention of his name, like a violin string plucked by an invisible hand. Tae-Hun was my best friend, my confidant, my partner in crime. For the past four years, he had been my constant companion, my rock, my shelter from the storms of life. His name was synonymous with laughter, adventure, and memories that I treasured deeply.
As I scanned the crowd, my eyes searched for a glimpse of his familiar smile, that devastatingly charming curve of his lips that could light up a room and melt my heart. I felt a flutter in my chest, a butterfly-like sensation that spread its wings and took flight, leaving me breathless and anticipation-filled. Where was he? I wondered, my eyes roving over the sea of faces, searching for that one pair of piercing brown eyes that seemed to see right through to my soul.