XIX.The Red Thread

"...the gods tie .. the pinky fingers of those who find each other in life. Legend has it that the two-people connected by this thread will have an important story, regardless of the time, place or circumstances. The red string might get tangled, contracted or stretched, as surely often happens, but it can never break." The Legend of the Red Thread.


Hae Jin stood in line by the counter of the airport café waiting to pay for her water bottle. Her hands gripped the chilly bottle a little too tightly to calm her nerves. That morning Jun had sent a company car from Nabi enterprises to pick her up from her apartment. Her luggage was already checked in and on its way to Osaka, Japan. She heard announcements over the speakers for flights arriving and leaving.

Jun had traveled ahead of her and spent the whole week already in Osaka, negotiating a contract at the exchange.

Today was already Friday, he had asked her to join him over a long 4-day weekend for a quiet getaway. They would be staying at a hot spring inn south of Osaka and spending some time over the weekend sightseeing.

This would be her first trip to Japan. Fortunately, she wouldn't be traveling alone.

She looked around trying to spot Jeong Ahn and Ju Hee. They had said they would meet her at the café.

She looked at her cellphone and checked her messages. They were late.

She heard an incoming text, as she took a sip of her water. It was from Jeong Ahn, and read,

"Meet me by the Korean Air main entrance. I've been delayed." After reading it she headed for their meeting gate.

She heard the commotion before she saw it. Loud excited voices, and then as she turned a corner arriving at the entrance she saw it.

Fans surrounded Jeong Ahn. His tall frame stood in the middle as he signed autographs and posed for pictures.

He saw her approaching and smiled apologetically at her.

Fan girls, ahjumma's and an odd assortment of older and younger men and women turned to pin their eyes on her. Feeling self conscious she suddenly wished she had a pair of those sunglasses celebrities wore.

Behind Jeong Ahn and his fans stood his manager and Ju Hee next to him.

Ju Hee, seeing her smiled. Hae Jin smiled back at her and approached her.

Jeong Ahn had a scheduled concert, over the weekend, in Osaka.

He had spoken to his manager to arrange everything for a business/pleasure getaway weekend, so they could travel together.

"I wasn't expecting this." Go Hae Jin said to Ju Hee as she approached her .

Ju Hee said to Hae Jin,"As a musician with two solo albums out, his fan base isn't huge, but he does have determined followers. Jeong Ahn plays mainly ballads, and traditional Korean songs. He prefers playing traditional and classical instruments. His concerts tend to be small and personable.

Oftentimes he plays at universities for students and professors of classical Korean music." Then, she had added, "I try to stay out of it, and stay in the fans good graces. Loving Jeong Ahn means accepting his music and lifestyle too. I'm just grateful he isn't a well-known idol. His hectic traveling schedule is already stressful at times." She said.

Some time later, all three sat next to each other in first class. Hae Jin had never flown first class. Jeong Ahn on the other hand mastered airports and traveling like a complete pro. His schedule kept him busy shuttling from airport to airport. His manager sat behind them. They only had a short flight, under 2 hours to travel from Seoul to Osaka.

As the flight attendant came to check on them, Jeong Ahn said to her, "Best thing about first class…. even this early in the morning. It's okay to order wine." Then he pushed his seat back and prepared to nap.

That afternoon they arrived at the hot springs in Kawayu Onsen the town was south of Osaka and was surrounded by trees: cedars, maples and cypress. The natural setting offered a tranquil and peaceful setting . They had checked into their rooms and she now sat in her room overlooking the garden.

The pamphlet she had picked up at the airport said this time April/May was when visitors came to see the cherry blossoms.

The area was also renowned for it's shrines. The shrine of Hongu was only 7 kilometers from the inn they stayed in.

She finished reading about the sights and decided to go for walk with her camera. Jun had called her at the airport, when they arrived in Japan. He would be meeting them for dinner after his meetings.

Dinner had been simply served food with what tasted like homecooking. They had all eaten too much.

After dinner they sat soaking in the hot springs. Hae Jin sat next to Ju Hee a small wall separated the men's hot spring.

Ju and Ahn soaked on the other side of the partition wall. Hae Jin and Ju Hee could over hear their conversation in the lady's hot spring. A bamboo tray floated between them holding a bottle of sake and cups. A small waterfall filled the space with the sounds of running water.

"How did the meeting go Hyung?" Jeong Ahn asked.

"As well as can be expected. We managed to trade…. The biggest meeting happened on Wednesday and we put in our bid. The competing bid was aggressive and very competitive. They really are looking to win over this contract." Then Jun added,

"They sent their own representative from Seoul. The results of the bidding will be announced after the weekend. All we can do for now is wait. We believe our offer will be more attractive and win. I called our CEO , Jeong Min to report on the outcome of the meetings."

"Hopefully we can earn favor so we will be hosting a cultural event tomorrow night on traditional music entitled The voices of the people thru Asian cultures. Your performance tomorrow night Ahn will hopefully make our offer more attractive adding the cultural component. Some of the companies we are bidding against are not Asian. We hope this will serve as a subtle reminder of the importance of dealing with like-minded partners. Our CEO will attend as well as several critical VIP''s." Jun finished, then they heard heavy splashing.

"Enough about work Ahn. What about you? I heard you and Ju Hee won't be heading to the altar soon." Jun said, they could hear them splashing water at each other.

"You know Hyung what's wrong with all play and no responsibilities, marriage means lots of work too Let's play, and play some more….and you know you can never have enough of that." Jeon Ahn said nonchalantly,

Then he added in a loud voice," My heart keeps breaking. She keeps turning me down. If I didn't love my Ju Hee as much as I do… Even the fans follow me to the airport. She tells me she doesn't want to be on their bad side as the girlfriend that stole their star away from them, but I say to them love me, love my Ju Hee." Those were his last words as Ju pushed his head under the water. He came up for air spluttering.

"I can hear that Ahn!" Ju Hee yelled at him. Her voice sounded angry but Hae Jin could see a big grin as she winked at Hae Jin pouring them both one more cup of sake.

The next morning, they all boarded a tour bus to visit Hongu shrine. A cheerful lady served as their tour guide. She stood at the front of the bus speaking to them through her microphone about the sites they would visit over the weekend. The lady translated from Japanese into Korean for all the tourists on the bus.

"Tomorrow we will board a boat through the Kumano-gawa river where we will arrive at the Hayatama grand shrine. Along the way we can admire the rock formations along the valley walls. At Hayatama there is a massive Asian bayberry tree believed to be eight centuries old. Placing one of its oval leaves in your wallet is said to ensure you will never run short of money."

Hae Jin sat next to Ju Hee for the first leg of the trip.
"I'm surprised Ju agreed to go on a tour bus instead of driving." 

Hae Jin said to her.

"It was Ahn's manager who arranged this tour. Ahn thought it would let everyone enjoy the trip so no one needed to focus on the road." Ju Hee added.

The tour guide continued to speak. She now spoke about the myths and legends of Japan, her words suddenly captured Hae Jin's attention. She read an excerpt from a book that explained the legend of the red string.

"… human relations are predestined by a red string that the gods tie to the pinky fingers of those who find each other in life. Legend has it that the two-people connected by this thread will have an important story, regardless of the time, place or circumstances. The red string might get tangled, contracted or stretched, as surely often happens, but it can never break.

The myth of the red string is a way to understand our itinerary of encounters as a predetermined plot where couples' relationships, the intimate brushes against someone, and all the little stories we crisscross with others are neither random triumphs nor accidents, but part of a scarlet tapestry whose threads were given to us when we were born but which we knit ourselves."

As the lady continued speaking Hae Jin was silent, mesmerized by the legend. 

It explained so much of the questions that constantly plagued her. It was as if in listening to this legend maybe the encounters in her life could make some sense after all.

She wondered if Jun and her had such a string tied to each other.

Had the encounters in her life truly been part of a scarlet tapestry as was mentioned in the legend?

Was her story part of a predestined and perfect path, with a scarlet string attached connecting her to all the destinations in her life?

Could all those encounters not be accidents but designs in her journey?

As she sat pondering the ramifications a sense of peace fell over her. She was suddenly very glad she had signed up for this trip.

Late in the afternoon they finished their visit to the shrine, as rain started to fall. They had heard from the tour guide that rain and weather patterns could be unpredictable in this region.

They headed back to the tour bus taking their seats.

Everyone felt tired after a long day exploring the shrine grounds. 

As they headed down the mountain pass the swerving bus made her drowsy and she lay her head on Jun's shoulder.

The bus turned down the narrow pass as rain continued to pour.

A speeding sports car suddenly swerved from behind the bus, passing on its right.

The bus driver managed to avoid the vehicle seconds before a mudslide on the left side of the mountain side crumbled onto the vehicle. A river of mud descending on the mountain side pushed the vehicle and its driver towards the side cliff, precariously close to being thrown down the cliff side.

The bus driver managed to keep his steering wheel from spinning out of his control as the mud slide hit the front wheels of the bus.
The bus slid partly as most of the mud avoided the second half of the bus.

The vehicle stayed at a complete stop having partly slid into the middle of the street.

The sudden stop made Hae Jin wake up.

Screaming inside the bus stopped as the bus did too.

The driver stood from his seat. He managed to open the door to the bus asking the passengers to please exit calmly.

Hae Jin's heart was pounding as Jun held her hand urging her towards the front of the bus. "Hae Jin, let's go." He said to her.
It was dark outside as they exited the bus. Ahn and Ju Hee stood next to them.

Passengers stood around the bus dialing their cellphones. The four of them huddled together.

"We were extremely lucky to have only slid half way down the road, especially as we are so close to those cliffs." Ahn had said.

Turning to see the cliff, they spotted the sports car.

The bus driver had spoken with the police. Mud blocked the road up from the town.

He then addressed the passengers asking for their help to help the passenger inside the sports car.

The bus driver walked to the sport car. Jun and Ahn followed him helping the driver exit the vehicle.

The man driving the sports car had walked away from his car slowly with tentative steps heading towards Hae Jin and Ju Hee.

His hand had gone to his head as he stood just a few steps from them.

Then he looked at Hae Jin and reached his arm out towards her a moment before he collapsed.

Ju Hee and her tried to catch his fall.

Half of him had landed crushing Ju Hee as he lay on the ground.

Hae Jin had caught the top half of his body and his head now lay on her lap. She had stretched her hands out instinctively last minute as she tried to catch it before it hit concrete.

He opened his eyes. She recognized those eyes.

It was 3rd. Prince, Prince Yo.

XVIII. Coming Back

“There is a kind magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed.” Kate Douglas Wiggie

Hae Jin stood in front of the sink inside the small kitchen in her apartment washing her dishes.  She slowly scrubbed a glass with the wash sponge. She wore a pair of latex gloves.  She enjoyed washing dishes in warm water. It served to relax after work and meditate on her day.  She only owned two plates and currently washed only one. She had gotten used to eating with Jun and eating alone again suddenly felt like both a curse and a blessing.

She hadn’t spoken to or seen Jun in a week. She took a moment aware of the quiet around her. It gave her space to think and let things catch up for her. Since Jun had appeared everything had moved so rapidly. Her days had felt like she was always holding her breath in expectation, waiting for their next encounter, wondering at how it could all be happening to her. Feelings just so many of them.  The space had been a needed respite to figure it all out. Even so, she also missed him terribly.

They had quarreled as they hiked back down from the temple visit. 

Every time she replayed their conversation in her head, which she had done all week, she started feeling upset again.

She dried her dishes and slowly put them away. It was a Friday night, but she didn’t want to go out. Instead, she would take a shower and put her pajamas on.

The doorbell rang making her freeze. She was almost afraid to find out who it might be.  She looked at the camera and saw who it was.

“Hello, Hae Jin, it’s me.  Came over for a visit. I’m glad you are home. I thought you might have gone out, since it’s Friday night.” Getting closer to the camera he said, “Your baby is here, he misses you. It’s been a whole week, so come on, open up, pleaaase.” He finished with a wide grin. Seeing those adorable eyes placed in front of the camera, she couldn’t resist opening the door. She knew he was using those eyes against her.

His tall frame filled the door. Suddenly she saw him darting in between her feet.  His little puppy legs running as fast as they could and bolting into her apartment. All she managed to see was a white fur ball running past her. She forgot all about the man standing at the door and started chasing after snowball, without looking back she said to him, “You did that on purpose, Jeong Ahn!”

Jeong Ahn leaned on the door smiling with his arms crossed. In his hand he carried a plastic grocery bag and said to her, “Of course, I did! Who can resist snowball? You and Hyung left him with me for a week. I was okay for both of you to have some time together last weekend, and it’s not that I mind snowball. You both know that, but it has been a week. I have a girlfriend and a life too, you know? 

Besides, Hyung came back in a foul mood.  I thought you were both getting away for some relax time?”

Hae Jin had managed to catch snowball and held him close to her in one arm, rubbing her cheek against his fur. Already, holding him was making her feel better than she had all week. 

She walked up to the door and focused her eyes on the bag Jeon Ahn carried with a question in her eyes. She could have sworn his eyes were twinkling with mischief.

 “We didn’t mean to leave him with you for a week. Thank you for taking care of him. I thought your brother would pick him up? I’m not supposed to have dogs in my apartment. Stop blocking the door. Come on in, before my landlady sees snowball.” She said, then asked,” What’s in the bag?”

“Therapy” he answered. “I picked up some soju at the store on my way here. Seeing her narrowing her eyes at him, he said,” Before you say anything more, you owe me for snowball, and this is for me as well as you.  I need a friend now.” As he spoke to her he entered her apartment and sat on one of her chairs.

Hae Jin closed the door, walked into her kitchen, grabbing a bowl of water for snowball. 

“Ju- Hee turned me down.” He said. “I proposed, and she said, she wanted to think about it.  “His voice was full of disbelief and hurt.

“After everything we’ve been thru together, she loves me, and I love her.” As he said this, his fingers interlaced through his hair and he looked down at the floor looking dejected. “What’s the holdup then?” He added feeling frustrated.

Snowball drank water from his bowl, and Hae Jin was able to focus on Jeong Ahn.  Instead of giving him an answer she grabbed the bag from him walking to her kitchen. She opened the cupboard looking for glasses.  “Did you remember to buy any snacks?” she asked, smiling at him as he looked up at her.

An hour and a half and several soju bottles later they both sat on the floor around her coffee table.  She had fed snowball and he lay on a floor pillow napping.  She was feeling sleepy herself and wished she could be napping too.

They had played a few rounds of Hi Low, and Titanic.  Hae Jin had beat Jeong Ahn at Hi Low since she seemed to pull better cards than him.  Jeong Ahn had asked they switch to Titanic, and now he was winning as her balance was not great and her glass kept sinking.

“That’s enough, Jeong Ahn. You’re too good at this game, we’re switching again.” she said.  As she spoke she was finding it hard to keep her thoughts focused and her back straight and leaned against the coffee table for support.

“There. That’s it. Right there. We can switch to playing King.” then he said “but first I need to understand women. Why do you always change your minds?  What is it women want?  In a 1,000 years I will never understand.” He said to her with finality, laying his head on the coffee table for support.

His reference to time triggered a memory of Goryeo. She had sat at a similar table with him then drinking after Lady Hae’s death.  Jeong Ahn did not know who he had been then in Goryeo.  He didn’t understand that things between him, Prince Baek-Ah and Woo Hee had not ended well then. She wanted him to know how important getting things right this time around in the present was especially since he did not know about his past………she finally said to him,

“The problem is boxes, women are always inside boxes….  You can be the wife, the mother, the slave, the Queen, or the lover.

What about not being someone who fits into one box?  What if you just want to enjoy each other’s company. Is being yourself not good enough? Must you always have a title for others to accept you? What if you like being free of boxes? You just want to live. Just because someone hands you a box, it doesn’t always mean you should get inside it.  Let me tell you Jeong Ahn, I don’t think people always have as much time as they think they do.  So just live and forget about the boxes………Got it?”

He looked at her and said in return as he offered her a benevolent smile “Got it!” and nodded his head.

Then she added, “I never fit into any of those boxes anyway.  I thought I knew Jeong Ju. I realized on that trip to the mountains, I truly don’t know him. Jeong Ahn, tell me, you can be honest with me. How can you know someone’s heart so well it feels like they are already a part of your own, and then realize they aren’t that person anymore? But even so, you still love them? What if you realize your heart truly can’t forgive them this time? Maybe it isn’t in you? I’m scared that might be the case. I don’t know what to do.” As Hae Jin spoke her lids stayed half open, then slowly she laid her head on her arms closing her eyes.

“Hey, Hae Jin you can’t fall asleep on me…we’re still playing King remember? He gently touched her shoulder “You always worry too much.” He said to her shaking her shoulder to wake her up.

Her head suddenly popped up, “King? ……. Ok, fine, I’ll be the King then. Jeong Ahn jump on one foot!” she commanded waving her hand as if giving a royal command.

Jeong Ahn stood and started jumping on one foot…the floor to her apartment shook before he lost his balance and landed on the floor.

They both broke into fits of laughter before hard knocking on the door to her apartment brought the merriment to a full stop.

Hae Jin covered her eyes with both hands “Oh no! I think that’s my landlady or the downstairs neighbor.  Jeong Ahn this is all your fault!” She said, standing up carefully and walking slowly to her door ready to apologize.  She straightened her skirt and tried to straighten her hair and back already anticipating their anger at all the noise she opened the door slowly, saying “I’m terribly sorry.” Suddenly she stopped.

“Are you?  I’m sorry too. Let’s not fight anymore. “ Jeong Jun said.  He watched her for a minute. Her cheeks were flushed. Her hair was in disarray. She looked adorable!

 “You’ve been drinking.” He said.  Hae Jin nodded at him. He stepped a little closer.

“I’ve been thinking this week and I remembered you saying to me as we stood by a lake that if we ever met in this world, you would truly, truly, love me without reservation.  I came over to let you know, I plan on holding you accountable to that promise.” 

Stretching his arms out he wrapped them around her waist pulling her to him.  “I’ve missed you” He said, giving her just enough time to look into his eyes, before his lips landed softly on hers, to kiss her.

Jeong Ahn’s voice made them pull away. “Hyung? Is that you?” he called out at them. “I’m so glad you’re here. We were just about to start playing King.” He added.

Turning towards the door Jeong Jun closed it, saying to them, “Now that’s something I can easily do. Let’s play!”

  

XVII. Tapestry

“Time unfolds beauty, wonder, and mystery to reveal the auspicious tapestry of life.” ― A.D. Posey

At Haeinsa Temple

Hae- Jin stood in front of the open doors to the Buddha Hall. Jeong Jun had left to meet with the Abbot.

She had chosen to continue seeing the temple. She stood before one of the statues trying to clear her head of worries and questions. 

She tried not to wonder what the Abbot and Jun were discussing.

Jun had said she could go to the meeting, but she knew she was already struggling with understanding the changes up to now. At times, the past could come riding in and surprise her. She would wait and let Jun explain everything once they reached home.

A man’s tentative voice called her by name, “Ms. Hae- Jin?”

She turned to see the man they had met on the trail standing shyly at a distance.

He smiled at her and said, “I thought I recognized you and your boyfriend when we saw you on the trail. I didn't want to interrupt your hike then. It is an auspicious meeting Ms. Hae- Jin. My children and I are here at the temple to give thanks. My wife and oldest son could not join us today. We feel doubly blessed running into you today.” As he spoke his eyes traveled to his children who were taking pictures on the open courtyard close to the hall.

“You might not remember me, Ms. Hae -Jin. I’m Ji-Suk. You were there the day the accident at the dock happened. You jumped in and saved our son Ji-Yun.” As he spoke his eyes glanced towards the teenage boy they had met on the trail.

“He isn’t the child that fell into the water anymore.” There was joy in his voice when he added with a smile, “His mother is having a tough time keeping his clothes fitting. He seems to grow overnight at times.”

“How are you feeling? Have you been able to recover fully from the accident?” He asked.

Hae -Jin tried to focus as memories of the day at the dock came flooding back. “I am doing well. Thank you. I have returned to work.” She said.

“I am glad to hear it Ms. Hae- Jin. We owe you. Your courage to jump in that day and try to save Ji-Yun got you hurt. I tried to reach for your hand once the boat reached you, but you went under the water so quickly. As if you were being pulled by something.

Ji-Yun had a life vest on that day which saved him. He tried to reach for you too once inside the boat. When both of us tried to lean out of the boat, our weights tipped our boat over.

He was hit by the boat and it gave him a severe concussion. I managed to swim with him to shore. His vest acted as a floater for both of us.

You both were in the same hospital.  He spent a month recovering from a coma. “

“Ji-Yun was in a coma too? I didn’t know. My mother never told me. I’m sorry” She said.

“Please don’t be Ms. Hae -Jin. We are the ones who feel terribly apologetic to you and your family. We visited you in the hospital and tried to pay for your hospital stay but the lady at the hospital told us the bill was being paid in full by your boyfriend. He was also the one who pulled you out of the water that day. We could tell he loves you very much as we saw how he cared for you at the hospital. We were so grateful he was there for you.” He said with relief in his voice.

Hae -Jin stood in stunned silence for a minute, trying to make sense of all this additional information.

Her heart was starting to feel scared. She could sense the panic starting to form, as questions started to slowly fill her mind.

“You say, I was pulled out of the water by my boyfriend?... I’m sorry but many things after the coma are still not clear to me, my memories are mixed up a bit.” She said trying to get clarification from him.

“I understand” he said, “Ji-Yun went thru the same thing. He woke up with mixed memories. He even said to us he remembered living in the past in Goryeo, as a Prince.” The father added with a small embarrassed smile.

As the father looked up Ji-Yun and his daughter stood next to him. Wondering who their father spoke too. The girl walked to her father and held his hand.

“Ji-Yun, this is Ms. Hae- Jin. She is the one who pulled you out of the water during the dock accident. We spent many days waiting for both of you to recover at the hospital. Today we all meet here. She is your savior.” He said, then turned to his daughter and added,” Ms. Hae- Jin this is my daughter, Ji-Ye-Seul”.

She tried to smile at them and then slowly and deliberately Hae- Jin met Ji-Yun’s eyes. Trying to see in them traces of the past. Searching for traces of a face she remembered.

A long silence fell as their eyes met.

A veil separating the present from the past fell for Hae - Jin, as images of the past flooded back.

The soldiers had flooded the Daminwon blocking their escape.

Their cries of “Find the 10th Prince!” had made them realize they only had moments left. Park Soon-Deok had put herself in the direct line of fire to save Prince Eun.

She had tried to escape the Daminwon with him after Soon-Deok had left, but Prince Eun wouldn’t move.

Fear had filled her then, but Prince Eun had remained calm, saying to her, “What can I do? I am her awesome person now. I am all she has.”

His smile had been the last one she saw from him as he pulled his arm out of her grasp and followed his wife leaving her empty handed.

She stood in full realization of the enormity of what was about to happen then.

In her mind she could see the battle field and the open courtyard, as they knelt, afterwards their faces in complete devastation: Prince Jung, General Park Soo-Kyung holding his daughter’s fallen body, and herself with Prince Eun ‘s body next to Soon-Deok’s. The General had asked her if they had been happy.

He had said his Seon-Deok would have married him anyway even knowing the outcome.

The memories made her eyes fill with tears.

Seeing her crying, Ji-Yun approached her and placed his hand softly on her shoulder. “Thank you unnie, for saving me." He said.

He then pulled a small ball out of his backpack, one that had been sewn from pieces of silk and handed it to her. “This is one of my creations, I like it better than the modern plastic kind. I think toys are the best way to forget your troubles.

I plan to grow up well now and someday own the best toy store in Seoul.” He said to her.

I also plan to have my best friend join me. Together her and I will make and sell toys someday.”

He then smiled at her and said, “You and Hyung should be happy together too unnie. You deserve it.”

Ji-Yun’s father then said to her, “You should join us at home for dinner one of these nights. My wife is a good cook. We’d like it if you could both join us.” He finished looking up behind her.

She turned to see Jeong Jun, standing there.

XVI. Reunion

“The only thing sweeter than union is reunion.” -Kathleen McGowan

These days Hae Jin rode in a car to so many locations. This morning they were riding to a Saturday morning hike in the mountains.

Five months ago, she was still taking the bus to travel around Seoul. Since then, so much continued to change.

Her mind seemed to be catching up with understanding how he had found her. The modern world afforded them time to have conversations, in a way that Goryeo had not.  They found time to meet around their jobs and daily routines.

Here, the days seemed to move faster. Here, they were not surrounded by a royal household constantly enmeshed in its plots, scandals, and day to day responsibilities. Here, their hearts could meet as two ordinary people.

In Goryeo the days had seemed longer, and time had passed slower.

The modern world suddenly felt so rushed.  The realization that five months together had already passed made her feel like time here slipped like water thru her hands.

Their times together were frequent here.  Jeong Jun seemed focused on making every minute they spent together matter.

If only her heart could move as fast as her mind had, into fully accepting all of it. Most days, she felt as if she walked in a dream afraid of waking up.

Jeong Jun seemed to know she was struggling and simply continued to be by her side, accompanying her thru long silences.  

Holding her hand to comfort her, and continuing to move them along, as they engaged in activities. As if he understood, time would eventually help her heart catch up, and until then he would keep them both going thru the motions. Adapting to life together in the modern world.

Her mind which had asked endless questions before he appeared, now seemed to almost hold in expectation of the day to come.

Each conversation fit another piece into place and brought another surprise, another explanation, a new way to look at everything.

“We’re here.” Jun said turning the engine off. Looking out the window, with a satisfied smile he added,” The weather is holding. Sunny, but not too warm.” Turning to her he smiled. “It’s going to be a good day. “

Seeing his enthusiasm, and the smile in his eyes, made her smile too.

Moments later, they sat on a rock as he checked their backpacks one more time. He had packed light but necessary as he told her; 

Rain jackets, snacks, food, water, first aid kit, flashlight, map.

He tested the straps on her backpack. Adjusting the straps for her comfort. His closeness even now continued to take her by surprise.

Seeing her hiking boot shoelace undone, he knelt before she could to tie it.  Lifting her leg onto a small rock for support. He leaned on one knee too.

Seeing the top of his head and his short hair, she remembered the days when his hair had been long. She gently touched the shorter strands on top of his head making him look up.

She couldn’t resist teasing him, “Jeong Jun you’re a regular boy scout, aren’t you?” she said.

He smiled at her and said, “You never know when wolves will come along. If you don’t want to be eaten, you should be prepared. 

Lucky for you, you have me. Sometimes it takes one wolf to fight off another.” He answered with a grin.

His casual reference to the past again took her by surprise.

Before she could think, he strapped his own pack on, and said, “There’s a temple at the top of the mountain. It’s the highlight of the trip. Come on. We don’t want to be coming back after sundown…. Remember those wolves…..” He said  as he walked off, leaving her to focus on the hike ahead.

They were more than halfway to their destination when, they stopped to eat. 

The hike made her legs feel tired and sore.

She sat on the ground looking through her pack to find the sandwiches she had packed.

He sat close to her, his arms wrapped around his knees. Their arms and legs touching. She could feel his warmth radiating from his clothes. She ate slowly.

She looked up into the nearby treetops realizing that real silence now surrounded them.

He spoke, breaking the silence “It’s the real quiet in Goryeo I miss most. I never realized I would miss it.” He said while biting into his second sandwich.

Watching how he ate she was glad she had packed extras.

She could hear birds up on the branches and the brook gurgling nearby. Taking a deep breath, she suddenly felt grateful.

The exercise and quiet was exactly what she needed. She felt relaxed and at peace as a real smile suddenly crept up on her.

His eyes followed her every expression.

Noise from the trail made them look up as a man and two children approached.

The boy was in his teens, the girl was 10 or 11 years old.

They greeted them and stopped to talk before continuing the trail.

The girl held one of her father’s hands, and handed him flowers she picked. His son complained loudly about how they would never reach the temple if she continued.

The father’s free hand-held flowers and his smile showed he was enjoying their dilemma.

As they walked away, Hae Jin wished her every thought and feeling in that moment were not spelled clearly across her face for Jun to see as her eyes traveled to the daughter and her father’s intertwined hands.

Fearing Jun could read her like a book, she tried to focus on packing away the remains of their lunch shielding her eyes.

As the family walked away, he spoke.

“She had your smile. Seol.”

His words left her tuning in to his every word, letting her imagination fill the gaps for all the images her eyes would never see.

“She was very knowledgeable in medicinal herbs. Her skills helped many at the Daemi-won. She grew up smart, a little rebellious, strong and beautiful; she was loved by Prince Jung and their family.”

He paused for a moment drinking some water from his water bottle then continued, “She knew I was her father. I watched over her…. I loved her.” He ended.

Their first week together their conversations had centered on Seol.

Feeling a now familiar sadness, Hae Jin stood up and walked towards the creek wooden bridge.  He followed her and stood next to her watching its rushing waters through the rails.

“What are you thinking?” he asked.

She took a moment and then said,” I was thinking about stolen moments.”

“Are you regretting things again?” He asked.

She didn’t look at him, but nodded slowly in answer.

His hand reached for hers then.

Then after a moment, she asked, “Did you hate me after I left you?  After you found out about Seol? After you knew who I really was?”

He placed his hands on her shoulders then, turning her slowly to meet his eyes.

She could see her answers in them.

He kissed her forehead.

His simple “No” was enough for her.

It was afternoon by the time they reached the gates to the temple.

The doors stood open for visitors.

They walked up the narrow path and through gates to reach an open courtyard.

They stood watching the view of the surrounding mountains as two monks quietly approached.  They were both greeted in the manner she remembered those at court greeting them.

“Welcome to Haeinsa temple.” One of the monks said.

Then turning the monk faced Jeung Jun and said softly, “The Abbot would like to meet with you. We have been expecting you, Your Majesty.”

XV.. Miracles

“Expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles.” ~Edwin Louis Cole

Modern Day Seoul, South Korea.

Inside the Library.

Hae Jin tried to land her steps softly as she walked on the floor.

She enjoyed the quiet inside the library but realized it also made her feel uncomfortable. 

Every single noise she made seemed amplified inside a library.

The lady behind the counter looked up and met her eyes and seeing her approach gave her a small smile.

She recognized Hae Jin from her multiple trips to the library these past weeks.

She had answered many of her questions about where to locate Goryeo history resources.

Hae Jin sat by a corner table with a window view. 

She had picked this spot the first day she had started her research and had seemed to gravitate to the same table every day.

Her notebook, backpack, phone, laptop and books spread on the table.

She had started coming to the library the day after her meeting at the coffeeshop. 

She knew now, that her answers would need to come from books and research.

Her laptop stood open, and she typed King Gwangjong into the search engine.

The first thing she would do every time she arrived at the library is browse through his life as a King. 

She had read about the reforms during his reign.

She read slowly once more,

When he ascended the throne at the age of 25, the Kingdom was unstable….his first law was the emancipation of slaves….

King Gwangjong rewarded those who contributed to the progress of Goryeo… he instituted the national service examination, to expel people from powerful clans from positions of inherited power….He created the Daebi-won “houses of mercy” providing free medicine to the poor….

He saw the association of church and state….

King Gwangjong founded temples and chose the Abbot at Heinsa Temple to promote buddhism…

As her eyes reached his later years and death, she stopped.

Despite having read this part more than once, she still felt confused and sad when she read it again.

She continued,

In 971 an earthquake occurred in Goryeo, the nobles and the people blamed the King……

As she read the last line, the memory of King Taejo and the rain ritual

came back to her.

It seemed some things had not changed for King Taejo’s son after he became King.

The people had blamed King Taejo for the lack of rain, and therefore the rain ritual had happened.

The information she had been searching for followed.

In July, (fifth month of the lunar calendar), 975 after 26 years of reign, he developed a serious disease and died a few days later.

No matter how many times she read that line, it still hurt her to read those words.

Had he died alone?

There were so many things she wanted to understand about his years as King.

The books could only give her some of the answers.

She continued reading.

His son Wang Ju, succeeded him.His reign lasted only 6 years.

Once more Hae Jin stopped.

She stayed quiet in her thoughts and looked out the window.

Queen Daemok’s son, had become Crown Prince and King.

Her gaze returned to a different book on her table that contained information about Goryeo eclipses.

Her hand held a pencil and traveled to her notes.

She underlined the title, Goryeo Era Eclipses

This last book she had used to seek answers about her time travel.

She did not know if she was onto answers, if it was just a suspicion, or if this was all wishful thinking on her part to research eclipses and their consequences hoping for answers.

She read the dates she had jotted down alongside her calculations.

Her pencil point traveled to the last date she had written.

 Goryeo Eclipses in 975.

 Total eclipse.

December.975.

 Right next to it she had written,

King Gwangjong’s death 

July.  975.

She continued underlining the month on the last date, and as she applied more pressure on the pencil, the point snapped.

The sound of it breaking made her stop again.

He had missed the eclipse by 5 months.

She looked out the window once more.

The eclipse had happened on the same year of King Gwangjong’s death, but it happened 5 months after the King’s death.

Her thoughts traveled then to her meeting at the coffee shop.

The encounters over the last days had started her on this road to finding answers about time travel.

As Hae Jin sat in the library she set her pencil down, and reached for one of the books next to her.

It was a book of poems.

She browsed thru it until she found the poem she was looking for by Wang Wei, called Zhognan Mountain Retreat and located the familiar lines,

When the water has run dry.

Sit and watch the rising cloud.

She closed the book, and held it in her hands, wrapping her arms around it, holding it close to her heart.

She no longer believed in coincidences.

She reached inside her purse and pulled out the handkerchief, wondering if she needed to wait for the rising cloud

Or pray the cloud would find her first.

Moments later she reached inside her purse and found the invitation and read it one more time.

Nabi Enterprises Christmas Party was scrolled in gold on a white invitation.  

The invitation had arrived in the mail.

She had sent her response saying she would attend.

Pulling out the invitation to the party she had just left before coming to the library made her remember what had happened there.

She had arrived alone. 

Feeling more nervous than glad.

Despite the fancy white and gold decorations, the feel of the party was that of a corporate event.

The festive decorations, lights and the snow outside made the streets in Seoul seem like the sort of Christmas scenery she loved to see in post cards.

A true winter wonderland.

Despite the cold she would have preferred a walk outside to see the lights than standing by the buffet table with a drink in hand in a dress trying to appear casual and mingle.

She knew she was failing at both.

She knew what had her feeling nervous, it was the handkerchief and returning it that had made her show up today.

It was the questions that never left her head.

It was hoping that among these fractured conversations during these encounters she could find clues any clues to help her understand what was happening.

 She remembered the gallery and meeting him as she knelt crying after watching the exhibit.

He had walked quietly behind her.

A handkerchief had been extended to her then.

A familiar voice she hadn’t expected had said, “You seem to need this. “

She had stopped crying and looked up in shock to see his familiar face standing next to her, looking down at her with kind eyes.

An announcement at the door as the CEO for Nabi enterprises walked into the party was followed by applause, bringing her thoughts back to the party.

He stopped at the door for a moment and then spotted her as he walked slowly towards where she stood.

All eyes turned towards her.

She froze in place realizing he was about to reach her.

He stopped in front of her and greeted her warmly, “Welcome Ms. Hae Jin. 

Thank you for coming.”

Hae Jin had tried to prepare herself to meet him, and she had answered automatically, “Thank you for inviting me.”

She heard herself speak feeling disconnected from herself.

As if she watched this happening to someone else not her.

For a moment it was as if time stopped and she could almost feel the veil between her modern-day self and her Goryeo self-evaporating as memories of Goryeo came back.

“You’re looking very beautiful in red, the color suits you.” He said smiling.

 The compliment took her by surprise. Making him smile more.

“Thank you” she said.

“No tears today.” He added.

The mention of her crying at the gallery made her suddenly remember why she was here.

She pulled out the handkerchief saying, “I wanted to thank you for your help and return this to you and ask more about the exhibit and its origins. I was too emotional to really find out more about the artist, and the collection.” As she spoke she extended the handkerchief to him.

“Please keep it. I appreciate someone who appreciates good art. You looked so distraught.  I feel flattered that our collection moved you, and interests you so much. “

He then added, “Only a pure heart can truly appreciate how art imitates life. Christmas is a time for miracles.” He added winking at her and smiling again.

“We should schedule an appointment to meet and discuss the exhibit.  “As he said this Ji-Won who stood behind him greeted her with a nod.

“Thank you for joining us today. I look forward to meeting again.  “He said politely adding with a smile “Please enjoy the party.”

She said her goodbyes as she saw Nabin Enterprises CEO walk away to rejoin the rest of the party. Behind him walked Ji-Won.

There were so many things she still wanted to know and ask him. Her emotions stirred again as memories of their last meeting came back.

A part of her felt relief to see him here again. Alive and well.  

Especially now, she could confirm for the second time she had met King 

Wang Mu himself in the modern world.
 

An announcement over the library speakers said the library would be closing in 15 minutes making Hae Jin stop thinking about the Christmas party she had left earlier.

She had headed straight to the library after the party to keep herself from loosing her mind as questions she couldn’t answer would keep her from sleeping, and fill her every waking moment.

She slowly gathered her things, and prepared to go home.

It was Christmas Eve.

Outside she walked slowly on the sidewalk, as snow flurries continued to fall. 

Most people were celebrating or heading to parties to celebrate Christmas.

Pedestrians passed her by, and she could feel their excitement over the holiday.

Her feet left footprints in the snow.

Her heart felt tired and burdened.

A familiar pressure made her pound her chest lightly with her fist.

She continued walking.

The sudden quiet in the street made her look around.

A few shops remained opened.

She saw the pet store window she had been searching for and the light inside still on. 

She walked in following like a moth to the flame.

She entered the shop.

A bell on the door chimed as she opened it to enter. 

Christmas music played inside.

She slowly walked towards the back of the store.

A cage held what she was looking for, two white puppies she visited occasionally after her visits to the library.

It had comforted her to see them cuddling up against each other.

Sleeping next to each other for warmth, before she reached them, she saw a mother and daughter standing in front of them watching the puppies too.  

Behind the cage a large window pane overlooked a large Christmas tree with blinking lights in the outside plaza.

The little girl’s face could hardly contain her excitement as one of the puppies was pulled out of the cage and placed in her hands by an assistant.

The assistant brought a small blanket to wrap the puppy and provided instructions for feeding and caring for it.

As Hae Jin watched silently from a small distance, she smiled to see the little girl’s excitement.

“What will you name her?” Her mother asked.

The little girl stayed quiet thinking.

Then blurted out “Snowflake.”

Her mother added with a smile, “It’s like your new friend is a Christmas miracle.”

“Mom, what’s a miracle? “The little girl asked.

Her mother stayed silent for a moment considering, then answered, “It’s the moment your heart realizes magic has finally found you.”

Both mother and daughter had smiled at each other as the assistant had finished preparing a carrier for Snowflake to travel to her new home.

She heard the bell at the door chime again.

The store was quiet, empty of customers.

Hae Jin held in her hands the puppy left behind.

Snowflakes companion.

He was alone. 

The realization made her tears well up as she held his warm body in her hands.

Her tears continued to fall, and she tried to softly rub behind his ears.

She didn’t know if the motion with her fingers was her trying to console the puppy or if she was here expecting the puppy to console her.

The puppy seeing her tears started licking her nose. 

Its wet tongue took her by surprise.

She momentarily wished she had no rules in her apartment against pets.

She rubbed its warm fur against her cheek one last time considering its eyes.

“I’m sorry. I have to go” She said to him.

The Christmas lights on the tree outside continued blinking their light reflected into the store.

On and off.

After a long silence she prepared to return the puppy to its cage.

She reached up balancing the puppy in one hand towards the cage door.

The latch was stuck. 

Trying to balance the puppy and open the door was proving difficult, she tried looking around to spot the assistant.

She saw someone moving behind her, their image reflected on the window.

For a moment she stopped, then slightly rubbed her eyes with one hand.

Then she heard soft footsteps approaching and stop.

 A soft voice from behind her said,

“You never did listen. You never did stay in one place.”

Hearing that voice, she thought her heart would stop right there and then. 

The voice continued,   

“I told you to stay with me. I told you, you could not leave me without my permission.”

The familiarity of his voice and his words shifted her entire world.

She saw his reflection on the window pane in front of her. 

“The modern world suits you better than being a court lady.”He added with amusement and a smile.

Since waking up from her comma and recovering her memories the world she lived in every day was outlined in shades of grey.

Time slowed down for her as light and color streamed in with his every word.

The warmth of his voice was like rain to a desert.

Filling all the empty spaces.

She closed her eyes as her whole being stayed focused on the sound of his voice.

Afraid to move and break its spell on her.

As tears fell she didn’t even try to stop them. 

She feared her legs wouldn’t be able to hold her weight, as her body started visibly shaking.  

She couldn’t move.

She couldn’t turn.

 All she could do was hold her breath in expectation.

His warm embrace enveloped her slowly supporting her as he came up behind her wrapping his arms around her.

His hands reached for the latch to the cage and taking the puppy gently from her hands he returned it to its cage.

Her body remained in shock and frozen as her eyes opened traveling to her now empty hands.

“I missed you.” He whispered close to her ear as his chin came closer to her gently resting on her shoulder.

She looked up towards the Christmas tree and the window pane as modern versions of themselves now looked back at her locked in an embrace. 

She could see the trace of tears streaming down her cheeks. She could see his face, and his eyes looking at her. Both of their reflections on the window pane over imposed on the Christmas tree.

It’s lights now seemed brighter as if the entire world had filled up with hope.

A soft Christmas song continued playing inside the store.

She closed her eyes again feeling her hands in his.

His solid presence letting her heart slowly accept the magic unfolding.

“You will always be my person, Hae Jin. “He said in a soft voice for her ears alone,  "It is now our time for miracles. Merry Christmas.”