Looking for an angel

Even Angels Fall Prologue We're always looking, looking for that one thing out there that can truly show us what it is to be human.

A panel of cherry blossoms lined the winded pathway by the western outskirts of Gyeonju. Petals of enchanting bliss enraptured the quiescent space as it softly cascaded down to where a girl sat on a park bench. Falling, the shapes of heavenly blush whirled around in small spirals as the spring breeze danced with them to an exultant ballad. Zephyrs filled with the scent of distant memories embraced the girl and brought her to a sense of endless wistfulness. With the sun's euphoric rays seeping through the foliage of the trees, the radiating warmth of the serenading sunlight sent a smile to scamper across her lips. Taeyeon was brought here again, always in this very place, always during early evening, and always at a specific day; trying to look for angels. A blithe giggle chimed from her left, and she gently swayed her head to the direction of the spirited laugh. Smiling, Taeyeon watched as a little girl pedaled her way across the cemented path with her pink bicycle. Hair swaying along side the early evening breeze, Taeyeon couldn't help but to reminisce to that particular day when she first met her...

I'm Tiffany, what's your name? a little girl greeted with a warm smile. She had short hair that wrapped around her soft features, so that from afar, could easily be mistaken as the top of a mushroom. Tiffany had seated herself on a flamboyant bicycle, painted in her favorite color pink. Fidgeting with her fingers, Taeyeon looked down at the patch of verdant grass below her. She wasn't accustomed to talking to people, and it made her anxious, really, really anxious. Shifting from playing with her fingers to gripping the hem of her overly sized shirt, she mumbled Tae-Ta...Taeyeon. There was nothing the seven year old girl wanted to do, but to run and hide in a corner. She didn't know what she was experiencing at that moment, but if she had, she would say that she was having an anxiety attack; one of many that occurred when she had acquired anxiety disorder. Taeyeon? Tiffany asked with a perturbed look, I don't like your name. All it took was for her to say that she didn't like her name, to immediately cause a surge of overwhelming panic within the girl. Huffing out short bursts of air, Taeyeon couldn't contain the emotion flooding within her, and so, the repressed anxiety exploded in a set of tempestuous tears. Upon seeing the girl cry, Tiffany uncounted on her bicycle and quickly scurried over to Taeyeon. I'm sorry, I like your name, it's just hard for me to say. Mommy told me I have this lip, no, not lip, what was it again? Liiiisssstttt.....liiiissssss.......liiiisssspp.... that's right, a lisp! she explained with a finger pointed to the blue sky covered in large cumulus clouds. Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Taeyeon wailed as she frantically

wiped off the endless tears that continuously drenched her rosy cheeks. TaeTae, don't cry! Tiffany pleaded while her hands desperately tried to console the girl by patting her on the back. Her frantic appeals were futile to Taeyeon who was immensely enraptured in her anxiety, and because of it, she too cried hysterically. Uwaaaaaahhhh!! Tiffany wailed as tears flooded her vision. The two girls stood there beside an empty bench, during a quiet spring evening; crying.

That was the start of their friendship, the start of their story together, and the start of something truly beautiful. It was then, that Taeyeon began her quest to look for angels.

Why are we doing this again? Tiffany asked as she peeked her head over the wooden fence that separated Mr.Lee's plot of land with the rest of the town. Mr.Lee was quite an eccentric old man, not much was known about him but that he lived alone, was cranky most of the time, and ultimately, was not fond of little children trespassing in his land. I told you Fany, we're on a quest! Taeyeon replied as she dropped her chin up, and brought her hands to her waist it was the posture of any superhero. Looking for angels, right? Tiffany mused with a light giggle before getting on top of her best friend's shoulders. Taeyeon had become quite intrigued by the aspect of looking for angels ever since her mother told her that when you find one, you could ask for

any wish you'd like and it'll come true. From then on, her and Fany had been on an endless quest to look for an angel, in hopes of finally getting their wish fulfilled. A wish that meant the world to the both of them: That Tiffany wasn't sick anymore. Of course, she affirmed nonchalantly before lifting her up towards the top of the fence, using the momentum to prop Tiffany to the other side. The two girls, now being divided by a wooden wall, called out to each other from behind their respective sides. But why in Mr.Lee's plot of land? Tiffany asked followed by an amused chuckle, though it didn't last long as her laughter soon converted into a wave of coughing fits. Because Mr.Lee is a meanie butt, and we all know he needs the most help out of all of us. We also know God sends angels to help people, so maybe God sent an angel to help him change his meanie butt ways she simply answered before climbing over to the other side where her best friend was waiting. And plus, his backyard is humongous! We'll for sure find one here, Tiffany chimed with utter awe as her eyes glazed over the wide horizon that was plotted with numerous deciduous trees. "Like I told you Fany: You, me, we'll find one someday, and when we do, we'll finally get that wish fulfilled." Taeyeon said with a warm smile, "You'll be okay, I promise". Holding her best friend's hand, she dragged her across the field to continue their endless quest. To look for angels

Breathing in the scent of the evening air, Taeyeon smiled. It was a smile unlike any other. A smile of understanding, of acceptance. A smile devoid of her best friend's lingering laughter, their many talks out by the playground, and their well-spent memories together, yet still, it was a smile that spoke volumes. Their quest was finally over.

TaeTae, you know, when I'm in heaven and become an angel, I'll ask God if I can come visit you. Because then you won't have to look no more; that wish, our wish, it's yours"

CHAPTER 1: Angels are Real

...When despair comes in a storm of unyielding frenzy, wrought with sheer force, emotion, and agony, the most people can do is to hold on to something so they wouldn't fly away...

Taeyeon watched the steam from her coffee swirl in solemn motions. Thick in terms of consistency near the surface of the beguiling liquid, yet so immensely thin as it lifted itself up to the recesses of the space before her. The girl couldn't help but to compare herself with the lucid haze. Taeyeon was so thick moments ago, so full of genuine hope, and now, like the steam drifting away from the coffee, she too was wearing thinner and thinner by the second like the withering of youth. The girl wanted

to cry, let everything out in a wave of consuming tears, but no matter how hard she tried, they just wouldn't succumb to her wishes. With grave reflection, her eyes drooped to the marbled floor below her, held by the sheer weight of hopelessness. No more. There were no more angels.

Taeyeon stuck out her tongue to touch one of the many cascading flakes of snow that descended down from the sky. Feeling the cold kiss of the snowflake as it touched her tongue, she let out a blithe giggle. Snow had been continuously falling for a week now in Seoul, and the girl couldn't help but be mesmerized by the entrancing beauty of the heaven-sent pearls that waltzed with the winter zephyrs that breezed past the playground. Catch! a voice chirped from behind her, and instantly a ball of snow collided with her unguarded back. Belting out an Ufh from the impact, Taeyeon hastily swerved herself towards Tiffany who stood there with a fat grin. Oh, is that how it's going to be? she asked with a smirk, already picking up a palmful of snow and rolling it into a ball. Two can play at this game, Taeyeon admonished with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Positioning herself like one would a baseball player, she glanced at the ball before shifting her gaze back to Tiffany. And just like that, the snowball was out of her hand and onto the girl's pink jacket. Yes! Perfect hit! Taeyeon rejoiced, before getting hit with a second snowball on the head. The two instantly waged war on each other, hurdling snowball after snowball to one another before throwing in the white flag once they were too exhausted to throw anymore.

Letting herself fall on the patch of snow below her, Taeyeon stared blissfully at the pearl sky. Streaks of euphoric white stained the bleak canvas above, as tiny dots of snow descended down to her gentle features. Fany, look! Taeyeon chimed as she spread her arms and legs as far apart as possible. Whirling all four of her limbs in a circular motion, she started to make a flawless snow-angel. Tiffany, who had heard the girl call to her, ran up to Taeyeon and giggled upon seeing the angel imprinted on the snow. Ta da! the shorter girl caroled with much pride, I found us an angel. Now we can go make our wish. That's not a real angel TaeTae, you just made it. Tiffany argued with a heavenly smile, and plus, it's too cold so I doubt angels would want to come here in this kind of weather. There are angels everywhere. And no matter what happens, there's always going to be angels even if the weather sucks. Really? Uh huh, now let's go make our wish. It's better to be safe than sorry, cause who knows, this angel could be the real deal. Tiffany stared at her for a while before nodding. Grabbing Taeyeon's hand, the two best friends closed their eyes and started making their wish with hopeful hearts. And just like that, Tiffany and Taeyeon held hands alongside each other, battling out the bitter winds and numbing cold with the firm promise that everything was going to be alright as long as angels still existed.

Taeyeon heaved a solemn sigh, allowing her shoulders to drop down along with her burdened heart. Taking one final sip of her coffee, the girl chucked it inside the open garbage bin and headed back to the hospital room where Tiffany was staying. With heavy eyes planted on the steel doorknob, she slowly grazed it with her fingertips as the girl steeled herself for the inevitable wave of emotions that would come flooding in once she stepped inside the room. Taking in a deep breath, she opened the door with a click. The room was dark, but not totally, as a lamp illuminated the room with its glowing warmth - a light that stretched like fingers over the suffocating blackness. A girl was seated on a bed beside a largely framed window that overlooked the city center. Flickers of ghostly city lights kindled the horizon with quiet reassurance and subtle guidance like a lighthouse in an ever growing night. "TaeTae, you're back." Tiffany croaked with a weak smile as she readjusted the oxygen tube that was draped neatly underneath her nose. "Yeah Fany, just had to go get some coffee." Taeyeon voiced before patting the girl on the head. Tiffany was bald due to her chemotherapy, but not once had she felt insecure about her image. Taeyeon knew she was a fighter since watching Tiffany after chemo slide in and out of bed to go to the washroom and puke in the toilet, but like always, she would come out with a smile on her face. It was no surprise to her though; she had always believed the mushroom to be strong and brave, heroic and valiant. "You should get some sleep, you look awfully tired." Taeyeon inwardly laughed at the comment. How could she sleep when she knew that the girl would die in less than three months. Tiffany had terminal leukemia, and time was running out for her.

Would Taeyeon still be willing to waste time looking for angels? No, she didn't believe in them anymore. The prospect of death makes children out of people, but Taeyeon was always childish back then, believing in fairy tales as much as any five year old, so maybe the logic worked backwards for her. All knowingly, when facing the imminent death of her best friend, she grew up and found out there was no such thing as angels. And now she had given up, wanting nothing more but to tuck that childish quest in a toy box and leave it there to gather dust. All Taeyeon wanted now was to make the most out of the little time she got with Tiffany.

"TaeTae, would you still believe in angels even if you're... I don't know.... forty?" Taeyeon snorted, "What kind of a question is that? Of course I would, because they're real." "I know, but we've looked and looked but still haven't found any. I'm starting to have my doubts." Tiffany said while scratching the back of her hand that had the I.V needle in it. The shorter girl jumped on top of her bed, though she wouldn't really call it a bed, more like a cushioned cardboard box since the hospital refused her petition to buy a better mattress for Tiffany. "Stop with all this nonsense," Taeyeon ordered in a firm but warm tone, "I'll find one for you, and you'll get better." "But what if they don't exist?" "They do. And you want to know why? Because I just know. It's like me knowing you ate the jelly Nurse Choi gave you, and didn't bother sharing some with me. Or how I know that you're in a lot of pain right now even with that smile on your face. It's a gut feeling."

"It's okay Fany, I'm not sleepy. I was just craving for some coffee, that's why I went out. You know coffee has no calories, it's naturally a no calorie drink so it's perfect for me" Taeyeon replied with a Cheshire-like grin. Tiffany scoffed with an amused expression, "Kim Taeyeon, on a diet?" "Of course," she flatly voiced, "look at you, you're so skinny.... you make me look fat" Tiffany just laughed at that. "Hey, your twenty-first birthday is coming soon. We should go celebrate." the sick girl added followed by a throaty chuckle, "How long have we known each other for?" "Too long. Now if you don't mind, I'll be taking a little nap" she replied before plopping herself down on Tiffany's bed. With a yawn, her heavy eyelids couldn't find the strength to keep themselves up, and so, Taeyeon drifted off into a light slumber.

Taeyeon had awaked by the jerking of a leg, and she found out that it was Tiffany who had accidentally kicked her while asleep. Groggily, the girl lifted herself off from the bed and stretched her body out. One of her muscles was aching, but she couldn't pinpoint

where the crick was, so she decided to shake it off. Languidly walking out of the room, Taeyeon let out a yawn before walking aimlessly around the hospital halls. Usually, she would get spooked by the emptiness the hospital brought at night, a sense of the unknown was quite terrifying for the girl and who knew what would be lurking behind every corner. But this time, Taeyeon felt a sense of comfort behind the plastered walls. Growing accustomed to the sights and smells of the building ever since Tiffany was told to stay in the hospital twenty-four seven, the girl now knew ever crook and cranny of the large building. Whistling to herself a soft melody, her aimless walk had led her to an open hospital room. It wasn't just any room though; it was occupied by a rather familiar man. And although Taeyeon would have continued walking, he noticed her and smiled, so it was only natural for her to acknowledge him back. "Mr.Lee! Long time no see," the girl started with a friendly smile as she ambled herself to where the man sat. With a grin, the old man gingerly nodded. "Ah, Taeyeon, right?" "Yeah." "Time sure goes by fast, you've grown so much. How long has it been since you've trespassed in my backyard trying to look for angels?" he mused with a reminiscing chuckle. "Ah, I'm sorry about that. You know, kids do the stupidest stuff. Anyways, what brings you here Mr.Lee?" she asked, trying to make their conversation last longer. For some reason, he felt like a warm blanket amidst a cold night. Like anything, when given a chance to reconnect with your childhood memories, it becomes a

sweet concoction upon the lips like honey - a taste that you've been deprived of for so long. Taeyeon longed to go back to her happy days as a kid; when Tiffany wasn't deathly ill, and when they still had all the time in the world to look for angels. Gazing upon the man now, she felt like she had traveled back in time, and it soothed her broken spirit like a balm on cracked skin.

"You're in my land again? How many times must I tell you that there are no angels here!" Mr.Lee scorned as he dragged the two girls by the ear out on to his front porch. The man wore a frown and a boorish expression, but you could see the twinkle in his eyes every time Taeyeon and Tiffany trespassed in his property. In all honesty, Mr.Lee loved it when the two girls annoyed him to no ends, because when they had, he easily forgot how lonely he was. They were there to brighten up his day, and even though he was frowning on the outside, in the inside, he was smiling. Taeyeon and Tiffany were like the granddaughters he never had. "But Mr.Lee, there are angels in your backyard. I'm sure of it!" Taeyeon defended, wincing every now and then from the pain coming from her right ear. "That's what you always say," he recoiled. "But it's true!!!" Tiffany whined, eyes already brimming with tears. "Mr.Lee, you meanie butt! Let go of us this instant!" the shorter girl ordered with an adult-like authority though she was only nine years old. "It'll be you're fault if we can't find an angel in time, and then Fany will die! Do you WANT to be a labeled as a murderer for your entire meanie butt life?!?"

Releasing the two girls, he pointed his index finger towards the empty road and followed it with a, "Get out! And if I ever see you in my land again, I will personally take your ears off."

"Age," he simply answered with an amused grin, "but I should be asking you that. So Taeyeon, what brings YOU to the hospital?" "Tiffany," Taeyeon replied, copying the same tone as the man. "She's got terminal leukemia, and the doctors say that she's only got about three months to live. Treatment isn't helping, so we're just sitting ducks." "I see.... so you still didn't find an angel yet, I'm guessing?" The girl chuckled, and shook her head, "No. You were right, they don't exist." "Oh, but I was wrong." he replied, his expression seeming to be full of light. Mr.Lee smiled, but it wasn't like any other smile, no, it was a smile that contained knowledge. Something that he held within himself that gave him the assurance to voice out such a statement with clear confidence. "You see, I know where you can find an angel. You're looking in the wrong place. Here in Seoul, there's not much," Mr.Lee continued as he waved away an invisible fly in front of his face, "but in the country side of Gyeongju, there's a lot." Taeyeon couldn't help but burst into laughter, "Mr.Lee, I think you've been living in this hospital for too long. You've gone all wacko in the head. We all know there aren't angels here." "But I've seen one with my own eyes there," he defended, "and really, you've got nothing to lose. Try looking for an angel and

possibly save Tiffany, or wait until she imminently dies. The choice is yours." "Okay, okay, supposing there are angels. Gyeongju though, is on the other side of Korea! How are we going to get there? I don't have money to pay for an airline ticket." Taeyeon replied halfheartedly. Indeed she didn't believe what Mr.Lee was saying, but she was willing to play along. "You drive there, all the way there. Bring Tiffany with you, because I think angels can only heal by laying a hand on the sick person." "This is crazy. I'm sorry Mr.Lee, but I think you're crazy for believing there are angels in the country side of Gyeongju. Besides, it's best for Fany to stay here, where there are medications." "But medications can't save her if she has terminal leukemia, only angels can. And besides, where's the Taeyeon I know? The Taeyeon who would go through fire and hell to try to find an angel. The Taeyeon who would jump out of a bridge in an instant if someone were to tell her that there was an angel underneath it. Isn't looking for one, your life's quest?" he proceeded with a firm expression, "I'm not just someone whose telling you that angels exist, I'm Mr.Lee, the one who had angels in his backyard." Taeyeon kept silent. "I've seen them Taeyeon, with my own eyes. Trust me or not, but you've got nothing to lose, and everything to gain." The girl immediately stood up, and for a second, Mr.Lee thought she was going to dismiss everything he had just said. With a disappointed frown, he drooped his shoulders and sighed.

"The country side of Gyeongju, you say?" Taeyeon asked with a hopeful smile. She didn't know why, but she felt like she should follow the old man. If what he said was true, and there were angels, then Tiffany would get better and that was all she cared about right now. "Yes, why?" he asked with new found anticipation. How would I know if I found one or not? You'd know. "Okay, I'll take your word for it. You're right, Fany's going to die here anyways if I don't do anything. So I'm bringing her with me, and we're going to look for angels in Gyeongju. Driving there isn't the fastest way, but three months is A LOT of time to get from Seoul to Gyeongju. Time's also precious and I can't waste it, so I'm leaving." "When?" "Tonight" "Good on you Taeyeon, I'm sure you'll find an angel there. And when you do, you can finally get that wish fulfilled." "Thanks Mr.Lee" the girl added with an appreciative grin, and an even more thankful heart. Taeyeon in that instant, threw away her adult premonitions and cynicism to bask once again in her childhood quest: to look for angels.

Taeyeon gently shook Tiffany, hoping to wake her up though the sick girl was less than happy to oblige. Languidly, she rolled to the other side of her bed, back facing Taeyeon. "Fany, wake up!" Taeyeon ordered, shaking the girl once more. "What is it?" she groggily asked with one eye open as she turned her head towards her best friend. "We're going to Gyeongju, and we're leaving right now! There's no hospital staff running around this late at night, so it's perfect." the shorter girl informed, already pulling the blanket away from Tiffany. "What?!? Why?!?" "To look for angels, silly" Taeyeon simply answered as she playfully yet gently knocked her on the head with a fist. "Now, can you walk or do you want me to carry you to my car?"

CHAPTER 2: RoadTrip

... Taking that first step is always the hardest and requires the most faith, but you must take it before you can travel great distances ...

We're really going, aren't we? Tiffany asked while watching the streaks of lights pass by on her side window. It was a clear night, and the road was inordinately empty. Bright dots of light lay splattered across the darkened sapphire sky stars that made a trail overhead in humble opulence. Gracing the heavenly vision were dark stratus clouds that clung to the azure troposphere like Velcro. Tiffany opened the window slightly and breathed in the scent of the boundless night. To Gyeonju? Taeyeon rhetorically asked, her eyes firmly fixed on the road before her, Yes, we really are. With a baffled expression, Tiffany glanced at her best friend and said, Why?... I mean, I know we're looking for angels... but why the sudden urgency? Why Gyeonju? And why now after so many years of abandoning that idea? I saw Mr.Lee- Mr.Lee? You saw Mr.Lee? the girl cut in, eyes wide with surprise until it gradually drooped down once their honeyed

memories started to drip into her mind. Gosh, it feels like it was just yesterday we were trespassing in his backyard. Tiffany voiced before following it with a soft and warm chuckle, How is he? Taeyeon smiled at that as she turned left at an intersection. He seemed to be doing quite well when I talked to him. A strong one, that. Heaving a sigh that spoke volumes, the girl turned to look at Tiffany for a brief second before shifting her eyes back on the road. He told me that there are angels in Gyeonju. I thought he was insane at first, but there was something in his eyes that told me otherwise. You might think I'm crazy, but I believe him. Tiffany snorted in response to her words. Shaking her head, she lightly replied I've always thought you were crazy TaeTae. And no, it's not because you believe that there are angels.... I just think you're crazy in general, but that's what I like about you. Taeyeon flashed her a smile that bore all the feelings that were contained in her heart. Feelings of acceptance, gratefulness, hope, and love. So how about it Fany, you, me, doing this one last quest together? Last huh? I guess this really is it.... the sick girl responded with a reminiscing smile, our last shot to look for angels. Think of it as a roadtrip, a journey, an adventure.

Eighteen year old Tiffany stood behind a panel of various people, all dressed in full black, staring down at an engraved concrete plate. The words written upon the stone were the initials of Tiffany's grandmother: Hwang MinSook. Unlike the movies, the sky wasn't crying with her, and dreariness hadn't hovered over the

ceremony. No, it was like any typical spring day. The birds chirped their morning song, flowers bloomed in full radiance, and the wind whispered words of renewal. Fany, are you alright? Taeyeon asked from behind her as she placed a hand kindly on her shoulder. She wore a sentimental look, perfectly displaying her aching heart for the poor girl who now had no one but her. Yeah TaeTae, I'll be alright Tiffany weakly replied before wrapping her arms around her best friend as she sought for some form of comfort and strength by the radiating warmth she gave. ...You know, she's the only family I have, and now that she's gone... Unable to restrain her deep grief over the loss of her grandmother, she let it all out in tears. That's not true, you have me the shorter girl reassured while patting her best friend on the back consolingly. And my family has always loved you, so you have them as well. I know... it's just that, she's gone and- You shouldn't worry about her. She's off to a better place now. She gets to start over, have a new journey, a new adventure. Grandma Hwang is just taking a very long roadtrip somewhere and she... she can't come back because the trip doesn't allow Uturns. I'm sure she'll miss you, but this is a new quest for her. What if she hears you right now, won't you feel bad? Wanting a stop in her new adventure, now you're just being a kill joy Taeyeon said, following it with a chuckle. She had hoped her small joke would lift the girl's broken spirit. Tiffany let out a quiet giggle, I guess you're right. This is just a new adventure for her

"I am right. And we've got our own adventure and quest to complete here too. So let's wish grandma Hwang luck on her new adventure, and in turn, she'll wish us luck on ours."

Well, we got nothing to lose. I'm dying anyways and as long as I'm with my TaeTae, I'm up for anything Tiffany chimed with a bright smile that complimented the starry night. Looking at the rear view mirror, the girl asked But won't the hospital be mad that we left? Of course We also stole one of their portable oxygen tanks, and not to mention a wheelchair, and some pain killers. I'll pay them back later. Once you get better and once I take back that job I quit- You didn't have to quit your job for me Tiffany bluntly cut in. I know, but priorities change when you have a best friend who has terminal leukemia. I didn't want to waste my time working when I could be with you. And plus, you've inherited a lot of money to pay for your hospital bills so I really didn't need to be working. Stop mooching off of my grandmother's money Tiffany playfully teased. If she knew about this, she might want to cut her trip short and haunt you for the rest of your life. Taeyeon stuck out her tongue and instantly replied with a Your grandmother loves me, but that's besides the point. I've saved up enough money to keep me going for three months, thank you very

much. You're the one mooching here, not me. I'm allowed to since I AM her granddaughter, and I think she'd let me considering I can't work due to my condition. Excuses, excuses she buoyantly replied which earned her hard punch to the shoulder by her best friend. But in all seriousness Fany, I didn't ask you before, but I'll ask now: are you sure you'll be up for the trip? I mean, can your body handle it? Of course. I walked to your car, didn't I? the sick girl answered in a confident tone. Just promise me you won't give up before we finish our quest Taeyeon spoke austerely, and Tiffany knew what she meant by not 'giving up'. Her best friend was asking for a promise that she wouldn't die before getting to Gyeonju and finding an angel. She nodded with a heartening smile. Promise.

Are we there yet? Tiffany asked before impatiently crossing her arms and leaning her head against the glass window. The path before them was dark as Taeyeon turned to a gravel road that wasn't guided by any street lights. They were outside of Seoul and already had about three hours of continuous driving under their belts. Tiffany shifted on her seat to find a comfortable position before glancing at Taeyeon for her answer. The shorter girl laughed while shaking her head. Gyeonju is on

the other side of Korea, it'll take us more than just several hours to get there. And besides, don't you like driving at night? I do, but this is just too much, my butt is already getting numb Tiffany whined with a pout.

Wheeeeeeee Tiffany cheered, her head outside Taeyeon's car window as she let the wind brush over her features and guide her raven locks away from her face. Breathing in the euphoric scent of the cold night, the girl stuck her arms out and closed her eyes. She felt like she was flying, flying to a place without any pain, without any sickness, without any weeping. Tiffany loved long drives at night, and when she found out that her best friend had acquired her driver's license and a vehicle, the girl had pleaded incessantly to take her out for a ride. Fany, sit down properly! Taeyeon ordered from behind the steering wheel, you're going to catch a cold and I'm going to lose my license. Oh please TaeTae, you're only nineteen, you still have a lot of time to get it back again if you lose it. Tiffany replied coolly. Your doctor said that you should be more careful now that your starting chemo next week. she voiced as she grabbed the hem of her best friend's shirt and quickly dragged her back inside the car. Yes, but my doctor also said that I've got to start living a little as well. Life, is the greatest remedy after all. What's there to counteract sorrow but joy? Despair but hope? And doubt but faith? So it is with death, what's there to counteract it but life? Give me a glorious bite of life, and I'll die content, believing that I've lived up to my ripe age because I saw and felt all there is to

see and feel. With an irritated tone, Taeyeon lectured Well what about me, huh? Are you going to be content knowing that you left your best friend here all alone? I'll wait for you, duh! I'm not going to be like grandma Hwang and leave on another adventure alone. I'll wait for you, and then we can start a new journey, find another quest to complete, take that very long roadtrip together. Since I'll be an angel when I die, I don't need to go on that adventure like other normal people. So I'm allowed to wait. Hold on, then Grandma Hwang isn't an angel? Grandma Hwang went for that long roadtrip, remember? So of course she's not an angel, cause angel's don't go on that adventure; they stay. Plus, God chooses only a select few to be angels once they die. So what makes you so sure you're going to be an angel? I just know Tiffany nonchalantly replied with a heavenly smile. You are so egotistical, Taeyeon playfully teased with a light chuckle, but alright, what if you are an angel and I die but God didn't turn me into an angel. What happens then? I'd have to go on that adventure, and you'd have to stay. She shrugged, I'll ask God to clip off my wings so I can come with you. ...You have a very odd way of thinking.

Just go to sleep, time goes much faster if you do. I'll try to find a hotel where we can stay for awhile when we reach the next city Taeyeon said as she watched another sign pass by indicating that they were 80 kilometers away from Gunpo. I'm not sleepy, Tiffany replied with a grunt and Taeyeon just responded with the rolling of her eyes. Let's play a game. Playing games can make time go faster too. Oh, let's play 'I spy' She laughed, And what would we say? I spy with my little eyes something black - the night. I spy with my little eyes something gray - the road. That's all we can see this late at night, Fany "I spy with my little eyes someone who is a poor sport" Tiffany added with a giggle, "But I guess you're right, the game isn't fun when we can barely see anything out here. I guess we can always just talk." "About?" Tiffany shrugged before looking out on her side window. She could see the shadows of rolling hillsides hiding behind the black veil of night. Faint wisps of light running across the horizon that exuded quiet enchantment, and Tiffany couldn't help but picture them to be angels flying. Turning back to Taeyeon, she answered with a question "Have you ever been scared? Taeyeon scoffed before nodding, "Of course. Remember, Fany? I have anxiety problems" The sick girl laughed at her best friend's reply. "Oh yeah, but you've never experienced anxiety attacks when with me." "Oh really? How about when I first met you? I honestly believe

you're the one that triggered my anxiety disorder." "What? That's impossible" "You did make me cry," Taeyeon responded with a light chuckle. "Yeah, but that's because you were a wimp back then. But seriously, after our first meeting and us becoming friends, I've never seen you experience any anxiety attacks." The shorter girl shrugged before taking a brief glance at Tiffany, "I guess I feel at ease when I'm with you" "I'm your anti-anxiety medication" Tiffany added with a presumptuous grin and a pleased expression. Taeyeon dismissed the statement with a playful scoff. "Whatever you say, Fany. But what's with the question?" I don't know, it's just... I can't see you frightened. And I'm not talking about those brief flights of panic whenever we watch scary movies or whenever someone startles you. I mean, truly and deeply scared. She shook her head while wearing a solemn smile. It wasn't true. What her best friend said wasn't true at all. More than anything Taeyeon was afraid. And all she needed were those cutting words 'Terminal Leukemia' for her life to turn upside down. It made her cower, to want to curl up in a corner and cry. Sure she looked like a hero to Tiffany; strong, brave, and steadfast, but that was just a costume she wore. Really, when Taeyeon pondered more on it, she was weak and fragile and Tiffany was steady and courageous. The sick girl was the sword that gave her the assurance to slay dragons, to climb mountains, to brave stormy seas, and to look for miracles with no shame. Taeyeon knew this truth, and she needed someone

to lean on as well, but she learned to keep it in because it was what other people expected. She made herself strong because it was necessary. Taeyeon became the person Tiffany needed her to be. Go to sleep, I'll wake you up when we arrive at Gunpo she voiced with a warm smile.

CHAPTER 3: Once Upon A Time

...Once upon a time - it's stories that begin with these four words that we would often hear when we're little children. Fables of untold splendor about knights riding up to save a princess, unlikely people falling in love, or finding great treasure in a lost city. It's a given that it would all end happily. So, since each and every one of our lives is a great narrative, I often wonder: If the first thing my mother said to me upon giving birth was 'Once upon a time' then could I get a fairytale ending too?...

Taeyeon looked across the road tentatively before lifting up the hood of her car. The midnight breeze was chilling so she nuzzled deeper inside the shelters of her thin jacket. Brushing away her bangs that had fallen down to her eyes, the girl absently scanned

the engine of the vehicle. She had no idea why her car had slowly descended to a halt just when they were nearing Gunpo, and now, Taeyeon was outside trying to figure out a way to fix it. Letting out a solemn sigh, she peeked out of the metal wall and stared at the front windows of the car where she spotted a sleeping Tiffany. A small smile scampered across her lips unknowingly as she watched the girl breathe in and out. Like a rhythmic pendulum, Taeyeon was comforted and entranced by the soft and gentle motions of Tiffany breathing. The girl watched for a while before shifting her focus back at the cars engine. Scratching the back of her head, she tried to find the problem but to no avail. Every part of the machine looked the same, and she wasnt skilled enough of a mechanic to pinpoint anything awry. A sense of regret settled within her as she thought over her lack of decision-making when buying a vehicle. Thinking that it could save her money to buy a used car, she had bought the vehicle from her cousin without inspecting its condition. Now, three or so hours on the road and she and Tiffany were stranded with no transportation. Taeyeon gravely closed the hood of the vehicle and began pacing back and forth. She began to think up of various things she could do to get them out of this mess, and sure she could have asked for Tiffanys help, but the girl didnt want to wake her from her sleep. Within several minutes of brainstorming, Taeyeon gave up and slumped down on the cold tarmac of the road, her back leaning against the side door of her car. They were so close to Gunpo, just a few more miles and they would have been there. But life, like always, loved to play games with people; show them the road map to wherever they want to go, but disclose the information that there will always be an obstruction on the road. Had anyone ever wondered why people always talked about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but never have people actually talked about reaching it?

Taeyeon thought about it for a while and another question soon popped up: Why was it that every time she got close to reaching something, she could never quite attain it?

Tiffany and Taeyeon were riding a ferris wheel that overlooked the distant horizon. Splashes of refined gold had covered the land, painting everything in sepia. Above them, the long hand of darkened sapphire slowly crawled from the east, running ever so slowly until the night had finally claimed the day. Taeyeon had promised her best friend that they would go to an amusement park once she was feeling better from her first chemo session. Typically, Tiffany was a fighter and within two and a half weeks, they were able to go. With a blissful cry, Tiffany lifted her hands to the air as they slowly ascended up to the peak of the ferris wheel.

Soundtrack: One [Play for a better reading experience]

Taeyeon looked at the girl whose hair was beginning to thin from the therapy, but to her, Tiffany was still as beautiful as ever. With an amused chuckle, Taeyeon followed after her best friend as she screamed wildly into the evening air. The cold blast of high wind swept over them, embracing the two with its chilling arms. Automatically, Taeyeon took her jacket off and began putting it on Tiffany. "TaeTae, I already have a jacket" the girl chimed with an amused expression. "Better safe than sorry," she simply replied as she zipped the coat

up. They were now descending back down and Tiffany couldn't help but let out a disappointed sigh. The ride was done and the sick girl didn't want to get off just yet. Grabbing the hem of Taeyeon's shirt, she pulled her best friend back to her seat and asked with a light pout to her lips, "Again?" "We should start heading back," she explained with an apologetic expression, "look at you, you're already exhausted." "No, I'm not" Tiffany defended but her yawn that followed afterwards said otherwise. Taeyeon chuckled lightly, "See-" "Just one more, then we can go home." "No" "Please?" Tiffany pleaded with a puppy-like expression. Taeyeon sighed, "Okay, but just one more time and then we're done." Sitting back down, she told the ferris wheel operator that they would like to go again, and the lean man nodded. The ride started once more, slowly ascending back to the peak of the large circle. This time though, Tiffany hadn't lifted her hands out to the evening sky like a wild lunatic, no, this time she reached for Taeyeon's hands and firmly held on to it. My hands are cold, TaeTae she reasoned with a warm smile. Their fingers seemed to fit together in just the right way effortlessly clasped, like a key to a lock or the matching pieces of a puzzle; perfect complements. Taeyeon smiled as Tiffany leaned

against her shoulder, the two not saying anything while they watched the sun slowly sinking down to the horizon of the jutted plain. Marveling at the vastness of it all, they allowed the mellifluous zephyrs to brush against their skin and gently sway their unkempt hair. They were descending again, the ferris wheel preparing for the second and final round once more to the top of the circle. Dipping to the lowest point of the ride, the two girl's began to ascend a final time. Taeyeon looked at the girl who was still leaning against her shoulder before focusing her attention back to the view before her. She didn't know how it all started, or when it gradually built up, but words began to spill out of her lips without volition. The feelings she buried deep inside gradually accumulated and in that moment, it began to seep out and Taeyeon couldn't stop it. Tiffany, she started, sometimes no amount of words are good enough to say what really needs to be said. Sometimes, the best words are the one's that are silent. Still, I can't help but tell you now, even though I know that the words are not enough to tell you how I really feel. Yet, I'll try anyways. Taeyeon took in a deep breath and spilled all that she had kept hidden for the last three years into words. So...uhhhh.... She began to wonder how to start it off, and decided that she'd start with something that was in her nature to say, once upon a time, there was this little girl who met an angel. And the angel made her cry a lot at first, but nevertheless, the two eventually became friends. Close friends, the bestest of friends. And the little girl who used to have anxiety problems didn't have it anymore when she was with the bubbly angel. Her laughter and smile was heavenly, and it was a puzzle the little girl was more than willing to try to solve for the rest of her life. The heaven sent angel was God's gift for the girl. She cherished her wholeheartedly, for the angel could turn dirt into diamonds, water into

polished sapphire, and pebbles into tempted gold with just a smile. In the light of the sun, the angel shone brighter and in the darkest of nights she was a beaming lighthouse. The girl couldn't help but fall in love. But God's gift was temporary, and He would soon make her come back home, because nothing heavenly can live on earth for too long. Knowing that, the girl who grew up alongside the angel didn't tell her of her growing feelings - until now. They were now descending slowly, and Taeyeon looked on ahead as she continued. Tiffany, I don't need to look for that angel anymore cause it has always been you. So please, make my wish come true and keep fighting. You said you'd clip your wings for me, so please do that so God doesn't have to take you back home. Love is selfish, and I admit, I'm selfish for not wanting to let you go, because now I'm going to say it: Tiffany, I love you. The ride ended and Tiffany who was leaning on her shoulder didn't move nor say anything. Taeyeon watched with growing anticipation until her well-built confidence in her confession crumbled down upon hearing the light snoring of her best friend. She couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle in amusement as she eyed the sleeping girl. Maybe this was for the best.

And indeed it was. Putting her feelings into the equation now would be too messy, too complicated and too burdensome for the sick girl. Prior to the conversation with Mr.Lee, Taeyeon was dead set that there were no more angels except for Tiffany. And hearing that she had terminal leukemia confirmed a theory that she had invented a while ago: The sick angel couldn't grant her wish for her because she didn't find Tiffany, Tiffany found her and that wasn't how the wish worked. Taeyeon had to find an angel, not the

other way around. With a defeated sigh, Taeyeon turned her head to the right and watched the darkened horizon with glassy eyes. She couldnt see anything at all, except for the faint wisps of light that the stars above illuminated across the onyx stretch of land before her. Exhaustion slowly crept in, the cold breeze serenading her with the faint lull of the night's sweet song as it rustled through the blades of grass that covered a rounded hill to her forward right. With heavy eyelids, she slowly closed her eyes until a strip of golden light streamed into her vision. Wincing from the brightness of it all, Taeyeon allowed her pupils to adjust to the ever growing light. Once she had, the girl focused on the source of the illumination and found that a car was slowing down, coming to a complete halt directly before her. The front windows rolled open and it revealed a slim figure. Instinctively, Taeyeon lifted herself up and came to stare at a girl with short hair that complimented her feminine features. Seems like youre stuck, she started with a light chuckle before trailing her focus to Taeyeons vehicle, do you need some help? With her mouth gaped wide open, she tried to answer the girls question but came out with nothing. The taller girl waved her question off before opening her car door and heading towards the hood of Taeyeon's vehicle. Lifting up the metal sheet, she inspected the engine while lightly scratching her chin with her fingers. Seems to me like your transmission broke, she started again, Im not a mechanic though, but my brother is so Im decent with car related things The girl followed it with a laugh and Taeyeon began to make her way beside her with a perplexed expression. Im sorry, but who are you? she asked in a cautious manner

Oh, my bad. Sunny always tells me that I should stop assuming everyones a friend the taller girl chimed whimsically. Im Sooyoung, nice to meet you Taeyeon Hello Taeyeon. And yes, like I was saying, I think your transmission broke. I could call my brother up to tow your car to his place to have it fixed, but youll have to wait until tomorrow for your vehicle. You have a place you plan to stay for the night? Sooyoung asked with a friendly smile and Taeyeon was unsure if she should trust everything the girl said. As if reading her mind, Sooyoung chuckled and said, Dont worry, Im not a bad person or something. See, she showed both of her hands to Taeyeon, no hook. Just wanting to help someone who looks like theyre in need of help. At that instant, the front passenger door of the car opened as Tiffany groggily stepped outside. Scratching her eyes, she ambled her way to where the two girls stood. Taeyeon could see the exhaustion in her face, and she wanted nothing more but to cover her in a warm blanket and let her sleep, wrapped in her arms. Letting out a tired yawn, Tiffany asked "What's the matter TaeTae?" Taeyeon walked towards her and gently rubbed the girl's back consolingly, "Our car broke down, and this nice lady over here is helping me try to fix it" "Sooyoung," the tall girl cut in with a gleeful grin. Tiffany smiled angelically, displaying no hindrance of her small gesture. "Nice to meet you, and thank you for your help." She turned to the hood of the car and stared at it before shifting her gaze back at Taeyeon, "What are we going to do now? It's not like

we can walk to Gunpo" "I'm not sure, but Sooyoung said that the transmission broke down and that she has a brother who can fix it for us." Her best friend nodded at that, and asked another question, "Why didn't you wake me?" "I didn't want to ruin your beauty rest Taeyeon half joked before following it with a light chuckle though Tiffany didn't find it funny. Still, you should have woken me she admonished as she crossed her arms. Sooyoung coughed, bringing the two girls to focus their attention back to her. I'll call my brother now so he can tow your car to his place. You said something about Gunpo? I live in Gunpo, I can drop you off to wherever you're planning to stay if you want. We don't want to be a bother to you, Taeyeon said. Half of her wanted to accept the offer right there and then, and the other was still hesitant on getting a ride with a complete stranger. Tiffany, on the other-hand, clapped her hands together and gave Sooyoung a beaming smile. Her best friend was all too trusting. That'd be great, thank you so much. You can drop us off at a near hotel in Gunpo. Tiffany eagerly voiced. Aw, it's no bother. In fact, I should say thank you to you. I went out of the city for a few days; work related, and I'm already running late to get home. My wife, Sunny, she's going to kill me once I get back. But, since I have an excuse on being late, I'll probably get off the hook this time she informed following it with a hearty laugh. Now, excuse me while I call my brother, the tall

girl said before taking out her cellphone from her pocket and dialing a number. Taeyeon turned back to Tiffany who aimlessly wondered her eyes around the area. Whispering, she asked What happens if this is a scam? What do you mean? her best friend asked in the same hushed tone. I mean, what if we never get our car back. What if this is all part of their plan to get a few extra bucks from our car parts. You know, I've seen this in the movies before. Tiffany glanced briefly at Sooyoung who was busily chatting away. Returning her attention back to Taeyeon, she replied She seems nice, I don't think she'll do that to us. And besides, we'll ask for her brother's business card so we can call him up. What if she gives us a fake number? Then we'll just have to live with it. It's not like we have any other option now. But- Taeyeon was cut off by a tap on her shoulder. Jumping slightly from the touch, she jerked her head to Sooyoung who was done with her phone conversation. She sported an incredulous look on her face, her lips quaintly slanted on one side while her eyebrows were furrowed. It's...it's not what- Taeyeon tried to reason but was cut off by a wave of the tall girl's hand.

My wife called after I was done persuading my brother to fix up your car. I told her that I was going to drop you guys off at a hotel, but she wouldn't have any of that. I love her to bits and pieces, but she's a little demanding and I can't say no to her, because honestly, she scares me sometimes. Anyways, Sunny wants you guys to stay over at our house for the night. She's born into a hospitable family, and it'd be like a slap to her face if she let you guys spend money on a hotel room when you can stay at ours for free. We have a guest room, so it's not like we'll be going out of our way for you guys. Now, now, that's too much to ask of you already. Taeyeon replied with a nervous chuckle and Tiffany instantly leaned into her ear to whisper something. If we stay at their house, we can make sure that they don't steal our car from us. I mean, really? You would do that for us? Thank you. the shorter girl averted from her previous answer. Leaning back to Tiffany, she half joked in a hushed whisper so that the other girl wouldn't hear, If they turn out to be serial murderers, at least we die together. Sooyoung and Sunny were one of those rare people that when asked for a glass of water, they'd give them a bottle of the finest wine instead. Overtly friendly in nature, they opened their doors readily to anyone who would ask without thinking of the possibly consequences. A rare sight to see in the modern world, they have a heart of gold and anyone who knew them grew rich with their overflowing kindness. Although Taeyeon and Tiffany didn't know it yet; they were indeed lucky to have been found my Sooyoung instead of another.

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

The warm zephyrs brushed past the two girls, blowing Taeyeon's silken locks away from her face and causing it to swirl in small spirals alongside the September breeze. They were on a rounded hill that oversaw the Han river. The sun was high up in the sky, reflecting across the water's surface so that in the heat of the day it shimmered like stars. The smell of moss and dirt clung in the air, while the sound of the ruffling wind and occasional squawks of birds broke the fragile silence around them. Taeyeon stared blissfully at the kite that hovered above her - a red blob that stained the clear baby-blue sky. Holding the rope that was attached to it with one hand, the girl used her free one to grab the zip-lock bag filled with Jellies. Save some for me, you jelly-monster whined Tiffany who laid beside the shorter girl. Her arms were crossed underneath her head so that it provided for a decent pillow, while her body went limp against the soft patch of grass. Lethargically staring at the red kite above her, Tiffany let out a humble yawn. Well if you want some, get some. I'm not stopping you, and I'm for sure not hogging all of it, Taeyeon simply replied before following it with a light chuckle. Tearing a Jelly in half with her teeth, she chewed and swallowed before continuing, Fany, I forgot my cellphone and I promised I'd call my mom to let her know where I'm at.

Tiffany sat straight up, smiling serenely as she stared at the red object battling against the violent winds before grabbing her mobile device and giving it to Taeyeon. Eyes fixated on the kite, she rubbed her head and as she did so, a wave of self-pity rolled by on the shores of Tiffany's heart. Normal eighteen year old girls would be lavishing their hair, worrying about trivial matters as to how to style it for the prom next week, whereas Tiffany didn't have the fortune to feel what every girl would feel at her age. She wouldn't get to go to a hairstylist to have her hair primped, she wouldn't be able to fuss over a bad hair-day, wouldn't be able to feel her hair blow in the wind. Some would say that she was lucky to not be able to worry about trivial matters like hair, and she believed that she was... for the most part, but some days, like this one, she felt out of place and the monster of self-pity would claw its way into her heart. Tiffany waited until her best friend was done talking before asking, Am I pretty? Taeyeon gave her an incredulous look, her lips lightly curving upward to form an unsure smile. No, she simply answered. If Tiffany wasn't so consumed by self sympathy, she would have known that it was a joke, but instead the girl just nodded solemnly. No, you're not pretty, you're better than just pretty. Beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, and all the other synonyms that follow after that. Inside and out, you're beautiful. Not all pretty people are beautiful, but all beautiful people are pretty. Being pretty is something that's skin deep, but beauty is much more than that. It's not in the face, it's in the heart. And because of this, it radiates out filling every part of the person with brilliance that makes people stare in awe. 'Pretty' is hollow while 'Beauty' consumes and fills.

And Tiffany, you've got beautiful written all over you. The girl smiled. Her best friend always had a way of making her feel better. Why do you ask? Taeyeon inquired, but seeing Tiffany's glossy eyes and the way she was stroking her head already answered her question. With a light chuckle, she patted her best friend's head and said, Now, now, who did the monster of self-pity gobble up this time? - Come on, I'll even show you that mere appearance doesn't define beauty. Taeyeon stood up from her spot and was already pulling the kite back to her. With a confused expression, Tiffany asked with her head tilted to the side, What do you mean? The shorter girl ignored the question and lightly joked, If I tape two Styrofoam cups, each one on the ends of the kite rope, and let the kite fly, do you think I'll be able to converse with angels? She saw it in a movie once during history class; about a time when phones didn't exist and that they had to use two cups taped to the ends of a string to talk to one another. Tiffany laughed at that, Come on TaeTae, stop ignoring my question Taeyeon glanced at her for a brief second, and it was all the time she needed, to know what her best friend had in mind. It was kind of freaky how she could tell, like they had telekinesis which only worked between the two of them. If people's brain each transmitted a different wave of radio frequency, then Taeyeon's and hers would be tuned to the same one.

With a loud gasp, she spat, You wouldn't! Oh, yes I would Tiffany didn't need to know the details, because it didn't matter, all she knew and cared for was that there were going to be two bald people coming to the prom next week.

Taeyeon watched with glazed eyes at the red kite that was hovering in the sky. From across the road, down to where a public park was, a little boy stood staring at the flying object with wideeyed wonder. Feeling a light tap on her shoulder, the girl was instantly brought back to reality and instantly jerked her head to her left. Sooyoung was grinning brightly at her, her hair tousled while her white shirt was humbly inked in several places with oil stains. After sleeping for the night and having breakfast at Sunny and Sooyoung's place, they immediately headed off to her brother's garage for the vehicle. It didn't take a while for Taeyeon to feel quite homey with the couple, safe to say, in such a short time, Taeyeon classified them now as friends. Good news or bad news Sooyoung started. The shorter girl leaned over to the side and spotted Tiffany talking with Sunny they seemed to be enjoying their conversation. Seeing her best friend talk heartily and knowing that she hadn't been able to converse with anyone except her for awhile since being caged in a hospital for so long, a smile crept up her lips. Returning to look at Sooyoung, she answered, Good news I convinced Siwon, my brother, that he shouldn't charge for fixing up your car. Bad news though, is that you'd have to wait until late tomorrow morning since we don't have a spare part here in the

garage for the one that's been damaged. Siwon called up the nearest place that has it, and they said they could send it over early tomorrow morning. I guess you'll be having to stay at our place for another night. Sorry. Sooyoung, that's too much to ask. You've already taken us for the night and fed us breakfast. At least let me make it up to you and pay for the spare part. And I'm sure me and Tiffany can find a hotel to stay for tonight. The taller girl scoffed and waved off her reply like she had just said something preposterous. The mechanic over there owes Siwon a lot, so my brother asked if he could have it for free of course, the man agreed. And like I said, even if I let you stay at a hotel, Sunny would have my neck... if not for yourself, do it for me and my innocent, skinny, perfect, neck With a guilty sigh, Taeyeon conceded, How could I repay you and Sunny back then? Easy, we're having a family gathering later today at a lakeside and we'd love to have you and Tiffany join. Sooyoung, that's not- I'm sorry, but that's the only way you can pay us back the taller girl interjected with a sly smirk before turning around and heading to where Tiffany and Sunny were.

The sky was stained with mesmerizing cumulus that drifted slowly across the blue expanse of space. Rays of golden sunlight penetrated through the white clouds and the heat that it emitted complimented the warm winds that came from the west. Taeyeon sat on one of the benches on the lakeside, the sound of the lapping waves comforted her and she wished that she could stay here forever; to become part of the rocks on her feat, or the mellifluous spring breeze, or the breaking of the waves. Mind if I sit here? a low, drawling voice asked. Taeyeon got out of her trance, and soon noticed that she was staring at Tiffany the whole time she was sitting down. Her best friend was helping Sunny fend off Sooyoung from eating all the barbecue that was cooking on an open grill. Turning her head to the direction of the inquirer, she smiled and nodded. Sure, Grandpa Lee He struggled to take a seat beside her, and Taeyeon had to help him by holding his hand for support. When Sunny's grandpa finally sat down, his cloudy eyes took a quick glance at her before shifting it to Tiffany who was now playing Frisbee with Sooyoung's eight year old niece. Taeyeon didn't realize she was staring at her again. If we loved each other sweetest, Skies would be forever blue. Time would flutter by on fleetest, Wings of glittering golden hue He softly voiced with a light smile before directing his warm eyes again at her.

Taeyeon gave him a questioning look, and he let out a throaty chuckle in response to her confused face. It's a poem I've heard somewhere, Grandpa Lee explained, and I think it suits you and Tiffany's relationship very well. It was now her turn to chuckle at his response. Shaking her head, she corrected, No, it's not like that- It's everything like that, he cut in with an all-knowing grin, Time and experience makes you very perceptible to these kinds of things, you know. Experience, as in Sunny and Sooyoung? she asked while allowing her fingers to graze against the rough part of the wooden bench. Yes, but not just because of them. I've had my shares of love too he answered honestly. I don't know you too well since we've met only a few hours ago, but it seems to me that you really love her. You should go tell her. That's.... that's not possible Taeyeon too answered honestly. Grandpa Lee gave out a hearty laugh, Back in my days, if you loved someone, you told them. Simple as that. Love back then was simple, and it's still simple, and will always be simple it's people that make it complicated. It's the world that makes it complicated, Grandpa Lee It's you who makes the world complicated, he sternly corrected, You learn in school that the world is complicated and will always be complicated, when in fact, it isn't. You learn math in school and are taught to only see the complexity in numbers, and dismiss the

simplicity and elegance of getting the solution. You learn sociology, psychology and only see the complexities of the human affairs but ignore the simplicity of basic human needs that are the root cause of any human behavior. You learn science in school and are taught to observe the complex world around you, but are blind to the simplicity and wonder of the basic building blocks of all matter. Love, as in with every subject, the more you know about it, the more you find it simpler, ironically enough. When Sunny told me she was going to get married to Sooyoung, who, big shocker is a girl, I knew well enough the simplicity of love. It has no strings attached to anything, it's in a whole other world where nothing can dictate it; not me, not the people who had refused their marriage, and certainly not society whose so anally retentive that they have to put everything, including love, into neat and orderly boxes. No matter to who, or to what, love is still love. It's simply.... simple. Taeyeon stared at him with new found respect. Was everyone in Sunny and Sooyoung's family this... heavenly? Surely they weren't from this hell of a place she called 'Earth'. Thanks, Grandpa Lee she sincerely voiced. He patted her on the shoulder and gave out a gingerly laugh. Come on, I think the barbecue is done and if we don't hurry Sooyoung will eat all of it.

They were finished eating, and Taeyeon and Tiffany sat, dumbfounded and jaws dropped at the amount of servings Sooyoung had. It was her third one and she was still whining for the desert Sunny had promised her an hour ago. The family of twelve people sat in three tables placed together side by side, eating, and all the while, enjoying each other's company. Sooyoung's mom had slapped the tall girl on the back, making the corn she was eating slip out of her buttery hands and on to her plate. Stop eating so fast or you'll get a stomachache her mother warned. I'm eating fast so I can get the dessert Sunny promised me, she explained. You'll get it anyways, whether or not you eat slow or fast. Sunny assured her while softly patting her gently on the back. Pig, Siwon yelled from across his side of the table and the whole family burst into hysterical fits of laughter. The P-word was Sooyoung's kryptonite, and though it didn't make her weak in the knees, it sure as hell made her furious. Standing straight up, she lifted her half-eaten corn like a sword and threatened him with it. You want to go, macho man? she sneered, Bring it on!!! Her brother pulled up his nose with his index finger, and snorted, Oink Oink Oink Oh that's it! Sooyoung spat as she dashed over to his side of the table and began beating him with her half-eaten corn and a new one she picked up momentarily ago. Like twin daggers, she took

turns beating him with the used and new one while Siwon was helpless in stopping her because of laughing so hard. Taeyeon and Tiffany watched in amusement at the scene before them. They were already done eating, and had taken the role of a bystander and listener within the group. Tiffany unnie, you promised we'd go play after we eat, Sooyoung's niece cried in the midst of the commotion as she pulled on the hem of the girl's pink t-shirt. A soccer ball was tugged securely between her waist and arm, and she gave Tiffany a wide grin that was void of one of her two front teeth. Tiffany chuckled as she lifted the small girl on her lap. Is she your new best friend? Taeyeon playfully asked with a pout on her lips, You replaced me for her? I'm heartbroken. Yup, she's my new buddy now, Tiffany replied teasingly with a light chuckle, you've been replaced. Fifteen years of friendship down the drain. Tell me, what do you have that I don't? Taeyeon asked Sooyoung's niece. I'm younger? the little girl replied with a shrug. Curse you and your young-ness she voiced with a fake frown to which the girl responded with a wide grin of her own. Jumping out of Tiffany's lap, Sooyoung's niece grabbed her hand and dragged her out of her seat. Come on, let's play Alright, alright, Tiffany obliged as her eyes curved into upside down smiles.

Taeyeon watched the eight year old girl walked a few steps with Tiffany in hand before nudging for her mother's attention. Mrs.Choi turned around and greeted her daughter with a warm smile. Yes, honey? Mommy, can I have a pink shirt like Tiffany unnie? Sure you can, the middle-aged woman replied although she didn't know why her daughter had asked her that out-of-the-blue question. We'll buy you a pink one sometime this week, okay? And can I have pretty hair like hers too? For an eight year old, bald hair meant the same thing as any other hairstyle. Now, honey.... Because I want to be like her when I grow up, Sooyoung's niece cut in with a radiant smile, and Tiffany was speechless at the little girl's sudden confession. Mommy, I want to be just as beautiful as she is

Sunny and Sooyoung's families were now circled around a bonfire that was situated a couple of meters away from the waters. The sun had set and the familiar darkness that night enclosed upon the

world wrapped around them while retreating from the radiating glow of the fire. The stars twinkled like refined diamonds, scattered amongst the blackened canvas of the sky. Birds would dart by occasionally while the lulling of the rolling waves mixed together with the sound of laughter and light chatter. You know what we should do, Sooyoung's father started, hushing everyone to listen to his suggestion. He looked at the empty bottles of beer that people had drunk earlier before picking it up. We should write messages, put them in a bottle, and throw them out to the lake. If the wind is nice and strong tonight, then they'll drift off to who knows where, carried and guided only by the winds of change and chance. It'll be exciting to know someday someone might read what we wrote. Sunny clapped her hands and nodded, Great idea, dad Sooyoung agreed with her father and the rest soon followed after. Awesome, let's get to writing

So, what did you write? Taeyeon asked, her eyes fixated on the message in Tiffany's beer bottle. The usual; everything that's running in my mind right now, the taller girl answered with a smile and a shrug. Care to elaborate?

The message is filled with my hopes, my dreams, my wishes, my past, my feelings everything. And still, it's not full. Tiffany simply replied with an eye smile, cradling the bottle as if it was her own baby. You? The usual too, Taeyeon answered with a half-truth. The girl meant the 'usual' as in, a message asking that if the receiver ever saw angels, that they would go contact her. You could say she was obsessed now with her quest, but who could blame her when her very own angel is dying. Taeyeon hoped that God would send the bottle to someone that could help, just like what He did with baby Moses in the Nile River. Let's throw it together TaeTae, Tiffany suggested and Taeyeon nodded to that. Holding her bottle in one hand, the short girl gazed at the mirrored reflection of the stars in the still water's surface. Look, it's a person's life stretched across the sky. Grandpa Lee projected, his fingers pointing to the lone shooting star that soared between the shadows of two mountain-like hills. Everyone turned in unison, and gazed in enchantment at the spectacle. Grandpa, what do you mean? Sunny asked with a confused expression before hastily throwing the beer bottle in her hand as far as she could towards the middle of the lake. The impact of glass colliding with water broke the still surface of the lake, distorting the captured image of the stars like a heat wave that rose from a desert road would to the distant horizon. We are all like a shooting star. We mark the sky but only for a brief moment and then we're gone. The question that life asks us will always be: Will you look at yourself as burning debris or something people can wish upon? Grandpa Lee answered before throwing his bottle out to the lake.

1 Tiffany started to count off. 2 Taeyeon continued after. 3 They both yelled simultaneously, and the two best friend's threw their very own message in a bottle out to the lake. Both bottles landed close to each other, sending ripples that blurred the mirror image of the shooting star that was displayed on the surface of the lake. The wind was nice and strong that night.

5. Drowning "Im glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone. - Dr.Seuss Taeyeon let out a loud yawn as she groggily made her way downstairs from the guest room. The way down was adorned with various family portraits that hung on the walls. And by looking at them, gave people the impression that Sooyoung and Sunny valued family very highly. Smiling at the portraits that, in turn, smiled back, the short girl headed off to the kitchen. Taeyeon was greeted by a friendly face who sat on a bar stool beside a counter, and it shocked her that someone would be up at such a late hour. "Sunny, you scared me" she said with a light chuckle. "Couldn't sleep?"

"Yeah, so I was just coming to fetch a glass of water. You?" Taeyeon asked as she opened a wooden drawer before grabbing an empty glass cup. Turning on the faucet, she let the cup fill itself with water before lifting it up to her lips to drink. "Same" Sunny answered. Patting the stool beside her, she signalled for the girl to sit down. "Tiffany asleep?" "Yeah," Taeyeon answered as she plopped down beside Sunny. "Well, that's good. Anyways, I'm sorry about this evening. My family can get quite embarrassing sometimes" Taeyeon shook her head profusely, "No need to apologize. In fact, me and Tiffany enjoyed their company. You're quite lucky to have them." "Yup," Sunny nodded with a wide grin, "quite lucky" "I kind of envy you. You seem to have a great life here, no worries, no problems, nothing. You're happy, aren't you?" "Very happy. But it'd be a lie if I said that I didn't have any problems." Sunny brought a finger to her chin, rubbing it while she contemplated her answer. You can be happy even when faced with a lot of trials and obstacles. Happiness isn't the absence of problems, she gave Taeyeon a knowing smile, you should know this. I should? You aren't happy right now? Of course I'm happy

Why? Because Tiffany makes me happy. Nothing in this world makes me happier than her Taeyeon simply answered. She had let the words flow out too easily, and it had come crashing to her teeth all to quickly. You and Tiffany must be close then? Sunny asked. Very close I hope you don't mind me asking, but... how does it feel? the shorter girl enquired as she bowed her head down slightly to look at the tabletop counter. How does what feel? To see the person you love the most hurt? There's no words to describe it, Taeyeon honestly answered because she knew that there weren't enough words to describe everything out there.

Terminal leukaemia. 3 Months. That was what had been ringing inside Taeyeon's mind the whole morning as she sat there on a pink cushioned chair beside a hurting girl. Tiffany was laying on her hospital bed, wrapped in white sheets, her back facing Taeyeon. The shorter girl could see the inner battle Tiffany was fighting at that moment, could see the pain in her eyes without even having to look at them. Her best

friend was trying to fake that she was alright, though the little sobs of pain betrayed her valiant efforts. Tiffany had just gone for another round of chemotherapy yesterday; her last one since chemo wouldn't be able to help her now. Hey Fany, Taeyeon started as she rummaged inside her bag to retrieve a small camera, there was a sale in an electronics store. I bought a camera, so let's go take pictures of us, okay? TaeTae? the sick girl asked in a hushed whisper. Yes? Would it be weird if I told you that I hate taking pictures? Tiffany asked followed by a hoarse chuckle. Her laugh ended all too soon as a wave of pain shot through the right side of her ribcage. She winced before pushing down it with her palms. The older girl saw the act but decided to ignore it. Tiffany was bravely trying hard to look 'okay' for Taeyeon that acknowledging otherwise would further hurt the already pained girl. Actually... come to think of it, you never did like picture taking, the shorter girl answered with a disappointed frown. Placing the camera back inside her bag, she looked at Tiffany and continued The only picture I have of you is your graduation photo, so I thought it'd be nice if we took more recent photos together. Taeyeon paused for a second as she stared quietly at the girl, But it's alright if you don't want to. Taeyeon only heard the rhythmic beats of the monitors as the room was engulfed in a frightening silence between the two.

It's not that I don't want to, Tiffany later explained, It's because pictures scare me Why? Because the thought of only being in photographs after I'm gone is frightening. Because sooner or later, the pictures of me will be stashed away up in an attic to be forgotten in time... until they fade, become more unclear and blurred. Once the pictures that used to be vivid and true, are now more like fragments of what used to be. Like a photograph of a photograph. People's memories, even the ones we hold dearly, fade in quiet swiftness like a vase of roses on a window pane. We'll go on and on with our lives, not realizing that little by little it wilts away until it's too late, and we turn our eyes back to the roses only to find a vase of dried stems surrounded by lifeless petals; the remnants of what once was. And truth be told, we're not surprised by the scene at all. We throw away the dead roses, and buy new ones to put in the vase; new memories. Taeyeon replied before grabbing her best friend's hand that had been gripping the blanket so hard that her knuckles turned white. But I don't see myself forgetting. The memories I cherish, the ones with you, no, I don't ever see them fading. They collected their world in small handfuls. All I want, Tiffany started again, is to not die when no one is beside me. The sick girl filled her lungs in with air and let the room be consumed in a thunderous silence for a while before breaking it with her soft voice, TaeTae, promise to be the last person I see before becoming an angel.

Night had fallen and the room's window that was once enraptured in light, dwindled and blackness overtook the whole pane. It gave off a lonely aura, but without darkness one could not see the stars. I promise And if Taeyeon, who once upon a time had been a girl who promised she'd never leave her angel for as long as she lived kept her promise, it wasn't because she was hardheaded or stubborn. It was because she couldn't help it.

The fear of death haunted Taeyeon for years like a stone tied to her ankle. It was a burden, but a burden she couldn't bear let go. I'm sorry, but there really are no words to describe the feeling. But if one word comes close, it'd be: suffocation. Like you're drowning in an ocean that doesn't have a surface to it. And you pray for the waters to take you, but no matter how long you stay there, there's always that little air inside your lungs that keeps you from going unconscious. I'm sorry Sunny said with a solemn voice. No need, Taeyeon assured with a smile, I've learned to live with it. Not accept it, but live with it. After the heartfelt talk their conversation soon shifted to a more lighter one. It continued on until both their eyelids were too heavy to keep their eyes open for more than a minute. Taeyeon and Sunny said goodnight and went off to their respective beds.

"Thank you, you guys have no idea how grateful we are." Taeyeon said with a warm smile and an even warmer heart. Tiffany nodded, and without saying anything, pulled Sunny in for a goodbye hug. "I'll miss you all so much" They were now in Siwon's garage again, and because it was late in the morning already, the sun's heat had been getting much more intense and the humidity of the spring air increased with every passing second. The short girl wiped away the sweat that started to build on her forehead. Sooyoung nodded and patted Taeyeon on the shoulder. "It's no problem at all. We were more than happy to help." After ending the affectionate hug, Sunny turned to ask the two best friends, "So, where were you guys headed off to again?" "Gyeonju" they simultaneously answered before turning to look at the other with a twinkle in their eyes. "That's pretty far," Siwon interrupted from behind Sooyoung. He wiped his oil stained hands with a handkerchief before wiping his forehead with it. "I don't think your car can handle the distance. When I last inspected it yesterday, I can tell that it had already travelled more than enough road than it should."

"So what do you think we should do?" Taeyeon questioned with her eyebrows furrowed. The clawing of regret in buying the second-hand vehicle was gnawing against her head again. "I'm guessing it'll run for a little over fifty miles before it dies on you. So your best bet if you want to go to Gyeonju is to head to Chungcheong-do province, catch the bullet train there to Yeonsan and then buy a car rental to travel to Busan where they service buses that go to Gyeonju." The short girl looked at Tiffany whose expression was that of acceptance. "There's nothing we can do about it, right?" the taller of the two comforted, "so we'll just have to make do with that." With a disappointed sigh, Taeyeon nodded. "Thanks Siwon," "No problem" Well if you ever come back to Gunpo, make sure to call us. Sunny said from behind her step-brother. You know our number Of course we will Tiffany voiced with a smile. You two promise to come visit us again? Sooyoung asked elatedly. We'll try - was all Taeyeon said. They voiced their farewells to the couple and Siwon before they headed out of the garage with their fixed vehicle. It was a bittersweet goodbye for all of them.

After filling up the car tank with gas, Taeyeon and Tiffany decided to stop by at a fast food joint to eat their lunch. The place was occupied with many people; from kids to seniors, from construction workers with their oil stained shirts and gritty chins to business men with their primped suits and shiny shoes. It was a casual establishment with boisterous chatter and friendly faces to compliment it. Taeyeon was staring at the water droplets that began to build from outside her coke bottle before a french fry hit her across the cheek. Hey, what was that for? the short girl wailed. Tiffany answered by sticking out her tongue, to which Taeyeon immaturely responded by displaying her own. Taetae, remember when we used to collect those little toys that comes with a kids meal? Oh yeah, I think I still have those stashed up somewhere. Taeyeon smiled when thinking about her childhood and the various collectibles she and Tiffany religiously horded. We would only buy a kids meal just for the toys. I got in trouble so many times for playing instead of eating my burger. Do you still have that plastic ring we got one time? Tiffany asked with a grin. Of course, that's my favourite one. You and I got the same design

and everything, except mines was blue and yours was pink. And once we got it, we were so excited that we quickly ate our food- I almost choked because of eating so fast Taeyeon cut in with a hearty chuckle. After that, we rushed to the indoor jungle gym they had, and we had a fake marriage a top a yellow slide. Tiffany said, finishing off the story. The two stared at each other for a while in silence before bursting into laughter. I miss that Tiffany finally said as soon as she caught her breath. I- Taeyeon paused for a second before bolting right up from her seat. Stay right there she ordered Tiffany, to which her best friend responded with a confused expression and an arched eyebrow. Without waiting for her response, Taeyeon walked to the front entrance of the fast food joint and came face to face with a myriad of toy vending machines. She scratched her chin as she eyed each one before stopping at the machine that had toy rings. Depositing a two dollar coin in it, she turned the knob and waited as the ring plopped down on the receiving end. Taeyeon did this a second time again before bouncing back to Tiffany. Kneeling down beside her best friend, she sported a dorky grin. Do you, Hwang Miyoung, take Kim Taeyeon as your lawfully wedded wife. To love and to cherish for as long as... Taeyeon couldn't remember the rest, so she made it up, ... for as long as... you turn into an angel?

Tiffany bit her tongue to prevent her from laughing again. Once her urge to chuckle at Taeyeon's dorky antic was gone, she nodded and held her right hand up as if taking a vow. Even after I turn into an angel, the younger girl corrected with a brilliant smile before poking Taeyeon on the forehead with an index finger, But, yes, I do And do I, Kim Taeyeon, take Hwang Miyoung as my lawfully wedded wife... bla bla bla, etc, etc, etc.? She smiled brightly before answering her own question with an 'I do'. Trying to slip it on Tiffany's left ring finger but failed since it was too small to fit, she resorted for the pinkie instead. There, we're reliving memories, Taeyeon jovially voiced, following it with a giggle, Happy? Of course, the taller girl answered with a beaming smile, newly weds are always happy Taeyeon grinned widely after seeing the giddy girl, and she realized that everything she did was for her. When she woke up in the morning it was because Tiffany existed, when she ordered food it was because Tiffany existed, and when she was proposing with a toy ring it was because Tiffany existed. She was the air in Taeyeon's lungs that kept her from going unconscious under the merciless waters. What then, if she was gone? 6. To laugh in the rain

When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. -Anonymous

The high elms swayed with the passing of the early afternoon zephyrs. The breeze, cool, crisp, and invigorating, wrapped its long arms around the two girls who were now wandering aimlessly along the paths of a local park in Cheongju. Taeyeon and Tiffany held hands as they allowed themselves to be submerged in the blissful atmosphere that hovered in the empty spaces like a seabird. Beams of refined gold seeped through the foliage of the trees that paneled alongside the cemented walkways, painting their faces in orange and rose. As luck might have it, their vehicle had died down near the border of Cheongju, just a few feet away from a bus stop. Tiffany had advised that they abandon the car there; near a ditch beside the road so that maybe someone out there would decide to pick it up and bring it back to life. Taking the bus, and asking the driver for directions, the pair got off at the stop beside the street where the park and the train-station met. Deciding not to waste the perfect weather, Taeyeon offered that they go on a walk before taking the hour and a half train ride. Hey, this is nice Tiffany started with a brilliant smile that matched the twinkle in her eyes. She swung the arm that held Taeyeon's hand; a form of heartfelt communication that didn't need any words. Turning their leisurely walk into a skip, she dragged Taeyeon acquiescently along the path that snaked alongside the trees enrobed in ambrosial pink.

The shorter girl giggled in a jovial manner seeing Tiffany's gleeful state. See, didn't I tell you this was a good idea? Yeah, it reminds of the first time we met Ah, you mean the time when you made me cry? Taeyeon teased. I was trying to befriend you! Tiffany defended with a pout, It's not my fault you were so sensitive. TaeTae just admit it, you were such a crybaby back then The shorter girl rolled her eyes in response before casually scanning the area. Her eyes stopped at a small shack that sold various treats and snacks. Taeyeon unconsciously licked her lips as she fervidly ogled over the ice-cream buckets that lined the whole counter. Instinctively she patted her oversized bag that was strapped across her shoulder and down to her waist before beginning to rummage inside for her wallet. Fany, want some ice-cream? Stop changing the subject her best friend retorted Taeyeon sighed, Fine, fine, I was a crybaby... and you, you were the bully who was victimizing an innocent crybaby. Happy? - Now let's go get some ice-cream she exclaimed while dragging Tiffany towards the small stall. After taking a few steps towards the shack, Taeyeon stopped abruptly after feeling a strong constricting pressure on her hand that was holding on to Tiffany. With a mixed expression of worry and confusion, she turned around to find a pale face. Her best friend's physical state changed so quickly, and it scared her.

Fany, what's wrong? Tiffany let out a nervous chuckle, though it didn't sound like one at all; her breathing was shallow so it sounded more like a weak whimper instead. I'm fine... I just got slightly dizzy for a bit Maybe you should go take a seat Taeyeon advised before gently leading her best friend to a nearby bench. Tiffany plopped down and leaned against the wooden board, allowing all her weight to be supported by the bench. Taeyeon furrowed her eyebrows as she stared at the younger girl. Tiffany sensed her friend's uneasiness and smiled up at her for assurance. TaeTae, I'm fine You don't look fine to me. Maybe taking a walk was a bad idea- No really the sick girl consoled, I'll be alright. Maybe I just need to cool down for a bit, it's kind of getting hot out here. Tiffany looked around the area for a while before gazing back at Taeyeon and showing her a smile, Ice-cream will cool me down for sure! You want me to get some for you? The younger girl nodded, Uh huh, ice-cream always makes people feel better. Alright, stay right there. I'll be back soon With that said, Taeyeon hurriedly ran towards the stall.

Watching Taeyeon's fading figure, Tiffany heaved a sigh of relief. She didn't want the shorter girl to see her like this, and so she told her to get them both some ice-cream it would buy her the time to effectively hide her ill state. Wiping away the sweat from her palms, Tiffany immediately closed her eyes. All her strength and energy just minutes ago quickly evaporated as she sat there deadpan and queasy. The world slowly spun around her; she felt dizzy alright. With sweat arising from her forehead, Tiffany firmly clutched the hem of her shirt as she fought the various tremors. Tiffany, from the moment of being diagnosed with leukemia, already decided that she would fight through the illness alone because... looking at the worried and helpless expression of her best friend was worse than any pain inflicted by her disease. 1...2....3....4... She was counting the seconds that had elapsed; a habit that emerged during her time in chemo. 121...122...123... Already she was feeling slightly better. Tiffany slowly released her grip on her shirt and finally let in a deep breath. Looks like it's going to rain soon, a low drawled out voice conceded before following it with a husky chuckle. Tiffany instinctively turned her head sideways and came face to face with a middle aged man. Stubble grew around the edges of his

lips, running down to his chin and over to where it met with black sideburns. He appeared to be in his mid-forties though the heavy inflexibility of his eyes said otherwise. There was an aura of deep understanding in him that spoke far beyond his forty-or-so years. She was so engrossed in her therapeutic ritual that she failed to notice the man sitting beside her until now. The girl smiled but it came out all crooked. Looking up at the clear sky and then back at him, she said It doesn't look like it Never does when it's heavy rain, he explained with an insightful smile, It creeps in quietly so you'll only notice when it's too late. By that time, you'll already be drenched from the rain. 'Just like terminal leukemia' she thought. With a slight nod she replied, Well..um... thank you for telling me beforehand. Are you okay? The question caught Tiffany off guard. It was such a random question from a completely random stranger. Stuttering, she answered Uhh yeah, why wouldn't I be? The man shrugged, I was just wondering. It looked like you were in pain when I got here I'm fine - it was the same lie she told Taeyeon every day. He looked up at the baby blue sky and sighed, May I tell you a story? Tiffany arched an eyebrow. She wasn't sure where the man was getting to but when their eyes locked in those glances that sometimes happen between strangers, when both wordlessly agree that reality contained setbacks whose pain neither can ever wish

upon on others, she was compelled to hear everything the man had to say. Sure Once upon a time, there lived an angel on the south side of town, down by Lanchester Street. He lived alone on the seventh floor of an old apartment. Every night he would converse with God and would wait to hear some word from Him. To pass the time, he would wander aimlessly in the city. Because he was an angel no one could see him, and so he lived life like a ghost. At first he didn't mind at all because he was so busy by the beauty of the world. He would collect many various things, from trinkets, to coins, to plain pebbles on riverbeds. After many years, the beauty of the world faded before his eyes and he grew lonely and tired. So one night, he marched back up to the abandoned apartment room where he lived and asked God if there was anyone out there who could see him. Because the angel longed for a friend. Little did he know that there was someone too who was praying the same prayer. A woman who lost a child and whose husband had left for another. She wept on the floorboard of her bedroom and asked God to send somebody who would love her for her. Because the woman longed to find what love truly meant. Days and months passed and their prayers remained unanswered. Until one day, they met at a small cafe in town. The angel was surprised someone could actually see him, and the woman was surprised by how pure his view on love was. Their friendship soared and eventually it grew into love. When the time came for the angel to confess to the world what she meant to him, the woman died on a hospital bed from a car crash with a drunk driver. Tiffany brushed a tear away. She didn't know why she was crying, it was just a story after all, but somehow, it spoke directly to her heart. That's so sad

The man shrugged and continued, In the end though, it wasn't what they did or didn't say, but what they showed. You know, so many words remain unspoken. The silent words get lost and they spill out of our mouths and lose their purpose, wandering aimlessly until they are swept away into the drains like dead leaves. On rainy days, you can hear their voices rushing past. He took another glance at Tiffany and chuckled, I don't know why I told you this story, but I guess I was just compelled to; like an itch you have to scratch. Maybe you'll get something out of it, maybe not. Thank you for telling me, but I'm curious...where did you get this story from? the girl asked. He stood up and dusted himself off before turning to face her with a smile. My soon-to-be wife...well was. It's the last thing she said to me before she died. I laughed. Why? Because I never thought of myself as an angel. With that said the man bid goodbye to Tiffany and strolled off with an umbrella in hand. Fany! I'm so sorry. The line was long and the man in front of me took forever ordering Taeyeon called from down the cemented path. She was running towards her, holding two strawberry icecreams in hand; pink her favourite colour. Trying to catch her breath, the shorter girl gave Tiffany the cold treat with trembling hands. She happily took the ice-cream from her best friend. With a smile, she said TaeTae, it's going to rain soon

Told you so Tiffany voiced in a nonchalant manner as she huddled closer to Taeyeon. They were now running towards the train-station with the shorter girl's jacket hovering above them to shelter themselves from the rain. Splash, splash, splash came the sound as their feet hit the shallow puddles that sprawled across the sidewalk. I know, I know, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you Taeyeon said as they stepped on the station's platform. Taking shelter underneath the gigantic canopy-like roof, the shorter girl brought down her jacket before starting to rid it of all the water the cloth had soaked in by twisting it. How are you feeling? Taeyeon asked as she did so. From all the running they had done, Tiffany started to feel drained and nauseous but that didn't stop her from shooting out a onehundred megawatt smile to her best friend. I'm fine TaeTae, don't worry about me Good, as long as you're okay Taeyeon took off the oversized bag that burdened her shoulders and let it drop down to the dry platform. She then responded with a quirky smile before brushing her bangs to the side. Tiffany loved it when she smiled like that, and if given the choice, she would stare at it forever. Too bad though, life didn't give her many choices to choose from. Maybe, if she was good enough, God would let her keep a picture of Taeyeon's smile for safe-keeping once she turns into an angel.

Hello? Earth to Fany? Taeyeon asked jokingly before poking her on the stomach. Tiffany immediately jerked her head to her best friend who sported a worried look. With a nervous chuckle, she scratched the back of her head. Whoa sorry, just kind of blanked out for a second Are you sure you're okay? Other than her ribcage that throbbed in pain every now and then, Never been better. She smiled brightly for Taeyeon just to see her friend's dorky smile return. For a sec, you had me worrying the older girl replied with a shallow chuckle.

Soundtrack: Three [Play for a better reading experience] After a while, silence grew between the two. They were immersed in their own little world, staring out at the train-tracks, watching the drops of translucent liquid collide with the steel metal. Plip Plop Plip Plop The rain created a rhythmic beat against the station's roof like a

drummer would his drums, while the wind whistled tunes as it danced with the emerald leaves that was drenched in the cleansing downpour. It was a melody unlike any other. Tiffany decided to break their silence as she playfully pushed Taeyeon out of the shelter of the roof. Her best friend was dumbfounded by her action and responded by trying to step back in for cover. But before she could seek shelter again Tiffany dragged her more out into the open where the rain met them eagerly. Wha-what are you doing? We're getting wet Taeyeon reasoned in a baffled manner as she tried to drag Tiffany back into the shelter of the station's canopy. We were already wet anyways before getting here. Come on, be rebellious for once The younger girl jovially voiced. You're going to get sick. I already AM sick! Tiffany retorted before sticking out her tongue. She twirled herself whimsically in the pouring rain and gave out a blissful giggle. I'm dancing in the rain, I'm dancing in the rain~ she started singing. Come on TaeTae, sing with me Taeyeon who had her arms crossed now let it dangle to her sides. With a defeated sigh, she looked at Tiffany before shaking her head and smiling. You're crazy. And by the way, it's 'I'm SINGING in the rain, not dancing. You got the lyrics all wrong Whatever, Tiffany responded before grabbing her best friend's hands. They spun in a perfect circle, laughing blissfully and with no regrets. To Tiffany, Taeyeon was her angel... coming to show her what

love truly meant. She stared at her best friend whose hair now clung to her skin. Taeyeon let out her rather unique laugh, the one she often teased about, the one that mimicked Grandma Hwang's. Tiffany loved hearing it. Taeyeon's laugh was like a melody to her ears, and she knew that when she passes away, she'll go to the grave with that song still in her. Indeed Tiffany loved Taeyeon, but she would never dare utter those three words. Because love was all about giving someone your heart, and she couldn't hold on to Taeyeon's heart anymore than she could hold on to her own life. When she died and she still kept Taeyeon's heart, what would happen? Would it be lost forever? Or could she find it again? It wasn't like she could come down from heaven and give it back to her. No, she wouldn't be selfish, she would save Taeyeon's heart for someone who could treasure it for much longer than she could ever treasure it. ...So many unspoken words get lost and they are swept away into the drains like dead leaves... Tiffany started to weep openly, warm tears meeting cold rain. She cried, because of the unfairness of the world; because of those three words she couldn't say; because the love that Taeyeon deserved wasn't the love she could give. Out here, she could cry without Taeyeon noticing. ...On rainy days, you can hear their voices rushing past... I love you she whispered silently to her best friend who was too busy laughing hysterically to notice.

The loud shrills of the oncoming train signalled the two girls to stop. They turned their rain-stained faces down to the tracks where the locomotive was slowing down to a halt. It's a good thing our bag isn't wet, Taeyeon said with a hint of relief, else we'll have no spare clothes. Anyways, we'll go get changed in the train's lavatory. Taeyeon grabbed the bag before opening the train's sliding doors. A dolphin-like shrill echoed from within the compartments of the locomotive followed by a Yuri, get back here!!! Taeyeon and Tiffany both turned to one another with baffled expressions as they stepped foot inside the train.

7. Extraordinary

"Only love lets us see normal things in an extraordinary way" - Alejandro de Solminihac

The darkened clouds were pale and thin, hung as high as it could manage and stretched across the blackening sky like cobwebs on a ceilings corner. The rain against the train's windows blurred the scenery outside into one massive greenish-grey blob while bright flashes of light erupted ever so often with the permanence of

Christmas Eve. The rolling booms of thunder echoed in Tiffany's ears as she leaned against the glass window. Wrapped in a thin cotton blanket that Taeyeon immediately provided for her the second she got out of the lavatory with a new set of clothes, Tiffany nuzzled deeper in its warm embrace while eyeing the rain drops that merged, parted, and trailed off whimsically to the edges of the window pane. She then began to wonder how long the water could fight the pull of gravity before falling down from the pregnant clouds. Indeed, she thought, that the raindrops were fearless to even bother fighting a battle already lost. Wanna play a game with me? Wanna? Wanna? an ecstatic voice radiated from the seat in front of her. Tiffany heard Taeyeon chuckle and she herself started to giggle. She stared at the child with raven hair that cascaded down her face and ended abruptly beneath her shoulders. Yuri, that was her name. She and her parents alongside another girl who was her age were heading off to Yeonsan for the weekend to partake in a festival that apparently happens only once a year. Tiffany made a quick mental note to herself to ask her best friend if they could join in on the festivities; even for just a short while. Stop bothering them! Jessica responded to Yuri's beleaguering pleas. If it wasn't for the cold tone to her voice, Tiffany could have sworn it was an angel talking. No, no, it's fine, Taeyeon assured with a grin, I'd love to play ANOTHER game with you. It'd make time go much faster anyways Games. Endless amounts of games. It had been like this for half an hour now, as she and Taeyeon never had any moments of peace without Yuri proposing activities left and right.

Tiffany and Taeyeon stepped inside the warm shelter of the train's inner halls, arms firmly clutching their own bodies and rubbing it frantically to provide some form of heat. Fany, you can change fi- Her best friend was cut off by a vibrant girl with a wide grin that seemed to be permanent. She swerved around and clutched Taeyeon like one would a shield before peaking her head out towards the opposite end of the hall. Tiffany looked at the raven haired girl before looking back at Taeyeon. The two both wore a look of amusement mixed with slight confusion. Yuri, I said get back here!!! a voice shrieked, coupled with thunderous footsteps that kept getting louder every second. Tiffany turned her head to where a figure was storming towards them. It was a girl with auburn hair, and from the looks of it, was the same age as this Yuri who was still clutching onto Taeyeon like it was her life float. Sica-baby~ she purred in an innocent voice, it was just the cheek! Stop being so sensitive! Whoa, whoa Taeyeon soon responded when the auburn haired came face to face with her, which technically wasn't face to face, more like... stomach to face, since the girl only stood up to be half her best friend's size. Even with the lack of height, she stood tall and proud, almost like a sergeant. Out of my way, she ordered before circling around Taeyeon who stood there with jaw's slacked, completely reduced by the little girl's enormous presence. Tiffany didn't blame her best friend

though, the child was indeed frightening. Sica-baby, just let me explain- Yuri, how many times have I told you to not call me that! But- I WILL KILL YOU NOW! N.O.W! KILL! K.I.L.L! YOU! Y.O.U! Enough was enough, Tiffany rushed over to where the auburn girl had the so-called Yuri on a tight lock hold and pried the two away before saying in a booming voice Stop! Both of you! What is going on?!? Just a love-quarrel the raven haired nonchalantly voiced, It's typical between married couples, you know Eek!, the other protested, I'll say this for the millionth time today: WE ARE NOT MARRIED!!!! Tiffany arched an eyebrow before asking, How old are you guys anyways? Eleven the two casually replied. Well, she's- Tiffany paused and looked at the auburn haired girl, what's your name? Jessica Well, Jessica is right. Yuri... you're Yuri, right? Uh huh the raven haired affirmed.

Yuri, you are too young to be married. Tiffany finished saying with a smug look. She turned to look at Taeyeon who stood there giving her a thumbs up. Just by glancing at her best friend, she concluded that the shorter girl was too afraid of Jessica to help her out, and thus, causing her to cheer from the sidelines. See~ Jessica squealed in delight before sticking out her tongue at a disappointed and flabbergasted Yuri. But, Tiffany continued with a disciplining hand, Jessica, you have no right to kill another human being. But she kissed me! Just on the cheek, the raven haired girl defended. Ugh, Jessica groaned as she stomped her feet on the floor, I shouldn't have come with you and your parents. I should've just told my mom and dad flat out that I would rather die than spend a weekend with you But Sica-baby, this is our honeymoon No! It isn't! The only reason I agreed was so I could stop making my parent's worry about me not having any friend's at school! Because your Kwon-Seobang is with you, right? You've got a friend in me Oh, Toy Story... I love that movie! Ahhh! Jessica screamed, Lord, kill me now! Tiffany had enough of their endless bickering. Geez, they really were like an old married couple. Alright, break it up you two! she ordered and they both immediately shut their traps.

With a grunt, the auburn haired girl crossed her arms before marching back down the hall. Phew, Yuri voiced with a tone that soaked relief, Thanks...ermm...? Tiffany, she replied with a bright smile before pointing to her best friend, and she's Taeyeon Nice to meet you Tiffany-unnie, Taeyeon-unnie. Don't mind Jessica, she's just grumpy because she didn't get enough beauty sleep. Tiffany was about to respond until a sneeze made its way out of her lips. Taeyeon closed in before she even had the time to inhale air back into her lungs. Wrapping her arms around the shorter girl's waist, Tiffany then realized that they were still soaking wet. Come on, go get changed in the lavatory her best friend voiced as she motioned for Tiffany to head off into the train's restroom. Wrapped in Taeyeon's arms, the two started to make their way to the lavatory. Little did they know that Yuri was following them as well, and it took the two a few seconds to notice the extra footsteps that didn't belong to them. Turning around, Tiffany and Taeyeon found the girl sporting a wide grin that ran from ear to ear. So umm, do you mind if I hang out with you guys for a while? You know, until Sica cools down to her normal absolute-zero temperature. We can play some games, I've got tons in mind!

Awesome! Yuri cheered as she clasped her hands together, let's go play hide-and-seek!

Tiffany nodded, Sounds good Sica-baby the raven haired added, turning her head to the girl sitting beside her, wanna play? Whatever, was all she said in an indifferent manner. Great! Yuri cheered yet again, Oh, but I guess you'll have to be it since you were the last person to join. Again, Jessica replied with the same detached answer, Whatever

Tiffany and Taeyeon split up in their quest to find the perfect hiding spot. And though there weren't many choices to choose from, Tiffany and Yuri found themselves huddled together in between three large suitcases of luggage. Knees tucked in and their head lowered, the two giggled when they saw Taeyeon rush by. Hey, let me in her best friend pleaded, I can't find another hiding spot Tiffany immediately shook her head to that. Nu uh TaeTae, there's no more room for you here. Go find your own hiding spot she said before sticking her tongue out playfully. Taeyeon groaned before frantically running away to find another spot before time ran out. Tiffany smiled at the shorter girl's retreating figure and she couldn't help but be reminded of the time

that they too played hide-and-seek just a month ago.

Hey, why don't we do something? Taeyeon asked with a smug smirk to Tiffany who sat there on her hospital's bedside. The girl turned to face her friend with a curious expression. She shifted her weight on the mattress, making it squeak from her movement. Arching her eyebrow, Tiffany asked Like? She shrugged and answered casually, I don't know, maybe go out somewhere? You haven't stepped foot outside of this room for weeks now and it'd be nice to see something else Can't, Tiffany voiced in a dreary tone, Nurse Lee is coming in a few minutes for my dinner, and she'd flip if she sees that I'm not here After hearing the word 'Dinner', Taeyeon instantly shivered in a dramatic manner. Wearing an expression filled with disgust, she said Dinner? More like cardboard on a plate. That stuff they feed you is gross, how could you possibly eat that? Is it even edible? TaeTae, of course it's edible or people will sue. Besides, it's not like I have a choice Oh, but you do Taeyeon said as she bounced to Tiffany in delight. Grabbing hold of her arms, she pulled the confused girl out of the bed before dragging her to the door. Come on, let's go But Nurse Lee- Let's just say we're playing hide-and-seek and Nurse Lee is it. Now come on, you don't want to get caught now do you?

Hide-and-seek? Tiffany asked teasingly, sometimes, I think your a little kid trapped in a twenty-one year old body

I hope we don't get caught first, Yuri said, breaking Tiffany's little trip to the past. Jerking her head to the eleven year old, she replied, Sorry, what did you say? I said: I hope we don't get caught first the raven haired repeated before knocking Tiffany lightly on the head with her fist, Geez, do you do that often? Do what? Spacing out, Yuri answered, it's kind of creepy if you ask me. Speaking of creepy, Tiffany voiced, wanting a change in topic, You are one creepy kid. Do you know that? Flabbergasted, the younger girl scoffed, Me? Creepy? Why do you say that? The way you look at Jessica... Creepy~~ Tiffany replied before poking Yuri on the cheek. Yuri instantly turned bright red at her statement and it made her giggle silently at the sight of the flushed girl. I'm not the only one, okay?!? the raven haired defended, You look at Taeyeon-unnie like that too. And don't say I haven't noticed, because though I agree; I am one hyperactive kid... I'm not dumb. I'm actually smart for my age, thank you very much

Yuri's reply left her speechless. Did she really look at Taeyeon like that? Was it that obvious? Immediately wanting a change in topic again, Tiffany asked So, about you and Jessica, what's the story? Story? No story, Yuri replied, She was in all my classes. I wanted her to be my friend, so I did anything and everything to make her notice me. Kindergarten, I stole her crayons. Grade one, I stole her snack. Grade two, I stole her favourite eraser. Grade three, I stole her sticker collection. Grade four, I stole her lunchbox. Grade five, I stole her homework. And now, Grade six... I'mma steal her heart. Smooth, Tiffany said in a sarcastic manner, Very smooth. But the last bit was kind of cute.. you know... for an eleven year old. I'm going to marry her one day! Yuri beamed with a wide grin. She doesn't seem to like you very much though The younger girl sighed and nodded. I know, but hey, at least she agreed to go to the festival with me and my parents. I've been bugging her all month about it, and I was kind of surprised she agreed. Maybe because she just wanted me to stop annoying her... that... and to prove a point to her parents. Either way, I'm making progress and that's all that matters. Don't you get tired? Tiffany asked, clearly impressed by Yuri's determination. I mean, if she didn't like you before what makes you think she'll like you now? Tired? Yuri fought back a scoff, Love never gets tired.

You speak of love like you know it My mom once told me that if you didn't know what ordinary meant, how could you then possible know the meaning of extraordinary? - Love, it's extraordinary because just plain ordinary couldn't possibly have the power to move mountains and split seas. I know what ordinary is, because I'm just an ordinary eleven year old. I know what extraordinary is because it's not ordinary. And love, I know what love is because it's extraordinary.

Soundtrack: Four [Play for a better reading experience] Ta da~ Taeyeon sung as she let go of her hands that had been covering Tiffany's eyes. The sick girl felt the wind brush over her face, and she knew that they were outside. When her best friend let her hands drop to her side, Tiffany slowly opened her eyes and stood speechless as she witnessed the view before her. They were on the hospital's roof. A blanket laid stretched on the center of the cemented floor with a picnic basket directly on top of it. What caught her attention next was the orange sun that was slowly sinking down the horizon, the far off mountains eating the golden disk like a child would a cookie. The shadows of nightfall rose high into the heavens, while the sun painted everything it touched in sepia. The diminishing rays caressed over the faces of the stars, gently singing them a lullaby; the whispering melodies of the nearing night. To the east, a blanket of refined sapphire stretched across the sky, washed clean of the blinding day as stars danced to an exquisite waltz. Taeyeon broke the silence with a nervous chuckle. The meals they feed you guys are awful, so I thought you'd be happy eating actually food for a change.

Playing hide-and-seek, huh? Of course we're still playing it, the shorter girl said as she dragged Tiffany to where the blanket was splayed out. We're just going to eat while we hide. Great idea, Tiffany chimed before reaching out for a sandwich inside the basket. Greedily eating it in three big bites, she gave her best friend a thumbs up to tell her how good it was as her mouth was too preoccupied with chewing. Taeyeon giggled, I'm glad you like it. But slow down, I've got tons more in the basket. After swallowing the remaining bits, Tiffany said Thanks, TaeTae - it was genuine, as genuine and as real as the setting sun that colored their skin orange and brought warmth to their cheeks. Anything for my Fany Taeyeon replied with a smile. At the moment, the world stopped when she spoke and this was a pause worth savoring and cherishing, because the reality of their world would soon be complicated again. You know what? Tiffany added with a mischievous smirk, I think you owe me a dance What?!? Taeyeon spat with wide eyes Remember TaeTae? You promised me one since I couldn't dance during prom? Tiffany reminded herself of the time when she got hospitalized a few days before the big day and had to go to prom in a wheelchair. Taeyeon reassured her with a promise that they'll dance some other time to make up for it. Tiffany thought it was

better now than never. That was two and a half years ago! Taeyeon retorted, obviously not liking the idea of them dancing. And-and... n-no... music! We have no music. Too bad. But you promised, Tiffany said in a dejected manner, and Taeyeon responded afterwards with a sigh and a defeated expression. A-alright, but this is the first and last one, got it? the older girl informed as she stood up. She reached for Tiffany's arm to help her up before saying, I-I don't do dancing. I'd rather- Sing? Tiffany interjected as the idea popped inside her head, You can sing while we dance, so that could be like our music W-what?!? That wasn't part of the promise I know. It's just that I haven't heard you sing in a long time, and I just thought that- Alright, alright Taeyeon cut in - Tiffany had no clue how much power she had over the shorter girl. Just then, Taeyeon began to rap and bob her head up and down. Dancing in a hip-hope like manner, she waved her hands to an imaginary turntable. Tiffany let out a loud giggle before slapping her best friend on the shoulder, You promised me a slow dance, dork! Aw, and I thought I was off the hook Taeyeon replied with a frown, but I guess a promise is a promise. Before Tiffany could say anything, Taeyeon reached for her waist

and started to sing. Her voice was warm, rich, and intoxicating. So surreal, so inviting, and so sweet that it felt almost criminal-like for the voice to belong here on earth. They swayed left and right to the beat of the melodious tune that escaped from Taeyeon's lips. Tiffany was left speechless as they danced quietly below the vast expanse of the starlit sky. There was too much to say, and yet, so little. Too much of everything, and yet, not enough. Too much stuff, too much information, with too little words. Too many things to be too much, and too much to know. Tiffany didn't know where to begin, so she let the silence say it all. And just as the setting sun sneaks quietly away on the last day of summer or the first snowflake on the first day of snow, there were only these: A lullaby, sparkling eyes, footsteps that moved in unison, silent laughter, and a slow dance that continued eternally. It was extraordinary.

Hello? Earth to Tiffany-unnie? Yuri said, waving a hand over the older girl's face. Again, her trip to the past was broken by her voice. Huh? Sorry, what'd you say again? I said: Love is extraordinary. So I know what love is, and it's safe to say that I love Jessica. But you said that you weren't technically friends. So, you don't really know her enough to say that you love her Tiffany replied as she hugged her knees closer to her body. Yeah? And? Even if I lived for a million years, I still wouldn't

probably be able to know all of her enough. If I find out something brand new about her everyday for a million years, I still would never be able to say 'I know her enough'. Because that's what love is, right? To see the person you love in a new way, everyday. Even still, if I know all there is about her, it still won't be enough because she alone is already too much. Anyways, my mom once told me that what draws two people to be in love isn't that they know each others hearts, it's that they have one heart and share it." "How could you talk of love so easily?" Tiffany asked in a hushed whisper, more to herself than to Yuri. "It's simple: Because it's good to say it aloud. There are words that are permanently attached to a feeling, love is one of them, and it's best to place it into the air. No other reason, it's simply simple like that. Tiffany could see that what Yuri said before was no joke she truly was smart. This was the second time the younger girl made her speechless. "What's your I.Q?" Tiffany asked, curious as to how an eleven year old could know so much and to say it so eloquently at that. Before the raven haired girl could answer, she was immediately interrupted by another voice. FOUND YOU GUYS!!! Jessica cheered from over the luggage bags.

8. Nine point eight

If you listen very closely, you can hear the whispering winds sing to you a lullaby of unspoken tales; of love, hope, reassurance, and faith. When you stand still on an empty field, or when you sit atop a rooftop counting the stars, or idly leaning against a trunk of a tree - the wind, it sings. It is clearest when you're alone, soaking in yourself as you traverse through your own labyrinth called 'I'. The song reaches out to a place inside you, whispers to you words and everyone from every tongue can comprehend it, because the wind sings in the language of the heart - the mother tongue of all.

Tiffany waited for Taeyeon on a wooden bench a top a rounded hill that gave a birds eye-view of Yeonsan's annual festival. The grass was dry below her feet, the rain clouds not daring to ruin the cheery festivities of the Yeonsan people with its wet tears. The girl breathed in the scent of the early evening wind, zipped up her light jacket and eyed the sun that was now preparing itself to set between the two emerald hills to the east. She was instantly reminded by the glowing smile of the little genius she had met two days ago in the train and the lasting words she said to her before leaving the train with both her parents and Jessica.

Tiffany-unnie, I can't find Taeyeon-unnie anywhere Jessica said with a pout while she crossed her arms in frustration. After being found by the little girl, Tiffany and Yuri were forced to help her find Taeyeon. They've been looking for almost half an hour now and still they had no luck in finding the girl. It can't be helped, Tiffany said to Jessica, you know hobbits are very good in hiding

Well, she better come out because we're nearing Yeonsan soon Yuri said in an irritated manner. The little genius was frustrated as well since they had wasted so much time trying to find Taeyeon when they could have done something else with that time. We'll just have to look harder, The eldest of the three simply replied, It's not like she's hiding somewhere far, we're in a train after all With that said the three split up, Jessica going through one end of the train while Tiffany and Yuri going through the opposite end. Their faces turning left and right as they walked by the aisle of seats, trying to find any traces of the short haired girl. 9.8 meters per second Yuri randomly chimed from behind Tiffany. What? she asked as she turned her head back to the raven haired girl. Rain, Yuri simply answered, it falls at that speed. If you're thinking that the wind would have a severe affect as to the speed of a falling rain drop, you'd be surprised that it doesn't. Wind from a perpendicular direction wouldn't affect the rain drop's speed rather the distance it travels. How do you know this? Tiffany asked incredulously. The girl shrugged, Pure speculation And why are you telling me this, you lovestruck, sage-like, freaky little genius? I'm just trying to analogize you're situation with Taeyeon-unnie

to the rain Tiffany arched her eyebrows and spun around to completely face the little girl, Eh? The wind being the struggles you and her are going through. No matter how strong the wind is, moving in a perpendicular direction, it wouldn't affect the speed of which your heart falls for her, rather, the distance, or should I say time, for you to willingly and openly give your heart to her completely. Why not fight it Tiffany-unnie? Why not be the first rain drop to fight the stormy wind? Don't let it push you around as you move a great distance, no matter where you drift off to, you'll still be falling at 9.8 meters per second. Aren't you curious about what it feels like to hit the ground? Where are you going with this? Yuri stared at her long and hard, knowing full well that Tiffany completely understood her. Tell her the raven haired girl uttered the words that had been playing on repeat ever since she first found out she was in love with her best friend. Tiffany stood there speechless for quite a while. Ever since she was little, she had always sucked with words. They got lost on the roof of her mouth. And when she needed to speak, words often failed her. This time wasn't any different. With a nervous chuckle, Tiffany finally said Have I mentioned that you are also very highly opinionated for an eleven year old? She patted Yuri on the head before continuing in a teasing manner, Go bark up someone else's tree... preferably Jessica's Though she waved the topic off, she couldn't help but wonder if

what Yuri said was really the right thing to do. With a pout the raven haired nodded in defeat as she stomped away to find Taeyeon, but not without saying You know, you should listen to me. There's a reason people call geniuses: geniuses. After a couple more minutes of searching for the short girl, Tiffany and Yuri turned their heads to the direction of two pairs of feet heading towards them. A victorious smile was plastered on Jessica's face as she held Taeyeon's hand. Found her! the little girl simply announced. -----The train stopped at the station in Yeonsan, it was finally time for them to head off. Taeyeon grabbed their bag before motioning for Tiffany to head to the doors. Slipping out of the train and onto the smooth cement, she turned back to see her best friend struggling with the strap of their bag, the sliding door closing behind her. Here let me help Tiffany offered. Taeyeon shook her head and replied, No, it's okay. I got this. The short girl walked over to one of the station's benches and plopped the bag down before fixing the strap with two hands. A light tap on the shoulder redirected Tiffany's attention to the two eleven year girls who stood there side by side holding hands. Ooh, Tiffany cooed as she eyed the two, seems like you guys are finally hitting it off Instantly Jessica pried her hand from Yuri's grip. Unnie! she

wailed in her high-pitched voice it's not what you think. I'm just holding her hand so I won't lose Yuri and her parents. There are a lot of people here, and I'm afraid I'll get lost if I don't hold on to her I believe you Tiffany said with a wink, earning another shriek from the little girl. Taeyeon was finally done adjusting the strap. Sauntering over to Tiffany she gently laid a hand on her shoulder and said, Fany, I guess it's time to go Yuri, Jessica, and Tiffany instantly drooped their shoulders and sighed. Well alright, I guess it's time for goodbyes Tiffany glumly replied. Turning her head to the two disappointed girls, she eyed Jessica and said It was nice meeting you Ice Princess she then shifted her gaze to Yuri and freaky kid genius. We'll meet again, right? Yuri asked in anticipation, maybe in the festival? Tiffany was instantly reminded of the Yeonsan festival. Springing her head to Taeyeon, she grabbed her best friend's arm before jumping up and down. TaeTae, can we go? Can we? Fany- Please, she interjected it only comes once a year and- Fine Taeyeon easily gave in. With a squeal of delight, Tiffany hugged her best friend before nodding to Yuri. Yeah, we'll see you guys there

Promise? Jessica asked in a cold voice. Though it didn't look like it, the little ice princess had grown attached to the two during the hour and a half train ride. Taeyeon chuckled and saluted the girl. Yes! Sarge! Tiffany-unnie Yuri said with a grin that ran from ear to ear. Yes? Nine.Point.Eight

They never did meet the two girls again in the festival, the area was too big, and the people too numerous. Attempting to search for them would be worse than trying to find a needle in a haystack. Although the revelation of not keeping their promise to Yuri and Jessica saddened Tiffany, she was secretly delighted to have Taeyeon all to herself for the day. A smile scampered across her lips as she remembered the sweet moments between her and her best friend.

TaeTae, get me that! Tiffany voiced as she excitedly pointed to a white teddy bear that sat atop a shelf. Taeyeon chuckled before conceding to her best friend's request. Alright Fany, I'll try but I can't promise anything

Yay! Teddy bear! She squealed in delight while completely ignoring Taeyeon's words as she dragged the shorter girl by the hand to the man in charge of the stall. What do we need to do to get that bear? Simple, he answered as he pointed to the bottles that were stacked together to form a pyramid, hit all the bottles down with this ball and you can get that bear Perfect! Tiffany voiced as she clamped her hands together, One round please! With a nod, he grabbed the plastic ball and handed it to Taeyeon. The shorter girl eyed the bottles before looking back down at the ball. She took a deep breath before hurdling the ball in her hand towards the stacked bottles. It missed by an arms length. TaeTae, why do you suck so much? Taeyeon looked at Tiffany incredulously before saying, Excuse me? I- One more round Mister! Tiffany told the man before her best friend could finishing saying her sentence. The man nodded and gave the ball again to Taeyeon. Fany... Come on TaeTae, I want the bear. Please? Tiffany didn't know why she wanted the plushed toy so much. Maybe it was the thought of having something of Taeyeon's that she could solely keep to herself without feeling the immense weight of guilt. If she couldn't have her best friend's heart, a teddy bear from Taeyeon came as a

close second. I'll try was all the shorter said before taking another deep breath and throwing the ball towards the bottles. Again, she missed completely. Again Mister! Tiffany happily ordered to the man. EH?!? Taeyeon responded with a baffled expression. Fany, I can't do it... I have sucky aim and it's a waste of money if I try again. Come on, I'll just buy you one in a gift store. I'm sure there's one around here Nooo TaeTae, I want this one the younger girl adamantly said as she placed the ball on Taeyeon's hand. Fany, no. You're becoming obsessed. Let's go Taeyeon voiced as she tried to hand the ball back to the man. Without warning, Tiffany lunged for her arm and the two were caught in a struggle to fight for the ball. TaeTae, one more round! Just one more! No Fany! No! Why are you so hard-headed? Why are YOU so hard-headed?!? Taeyeon shot back as she struggled to get the ball. Tiffany was fighting back with equal determination as she tried to keep Taeyeon from handing the plastic ball back to the man. Give it to me, TaeTae!

Fany...let...go!! At that instant, the two girls who were scrambling a second ago to get the ball now found that neither one of them had it. With a puzzled look, they quickly darted their heads to the sound of plastic hitting glass. It took them a second to realize that the ball slipped out of their hands, their arms acting as a catapult which propelled the plastic toy out into the air and onto the stacked bottles. Congratulations! the man said as he handed a confounded Tiffany the teddy bear. Taeyeon was simply staring at the fallen bottles with her mouth wide open.

Tiffany gave the bear that was wrapped in her arms a slight squeeze before reminiscing about another memory she had with Taeyeon.

They had just gotten out of a haunted house and Tiffany had her arms wrapped around Taeyeon's legs like a koala to a tree. The older girl looked down at her best friend in amusement as she tried to drag herself and Tiffany to a nearby bench. Fany, we're done. It's over... you can let go of my leg now It took a minute for Tiffany to finally realize that they were now in a wide open space and not inside the dingy house. Straightening herself out, she gingerly unwrapped her arms from Taeyeon's leg before slapping the girl on the thigh.

Ah, Taeyeon wailed in pain, what was that for? Standing up, Tiffany simply replied Revenge. I swear if cancer doesn't kill me then you will How so? Heart-attack the taller girl simply replied before sticking out her tongue. Anyways, you owe me ice-cream What?!? My throat is dry from all the screaming and you have to make it feel better since it was your idea to go the haunted house in the first place Tiffany nonchalantly said as she dragged her best friend to the ice-cream stall. --Mmmm, want some? Tiffany asked as she licked on her strawberry ice-cream before offering it to Taeyeon. It's good Really? Alright The shorter girl opened her mouth. With a playful chuckle Tiffany rammed her ice-cream to Taeyeon's nose purposely. Hey, can you not differentiate between my nose and my mouth? Feigning innocence, the younger girl looked at Taeyeon with a penitent expression and said, Woops sorry, I have sucky aim too Sticking her tongue out, she ran away from a infuriated best friend with pink streaked across her nose.

Soundtrack: Five [Play for a better reading experience]

Before Tiffany could reminisce more about their moments together in the festival, she spotted Taeyeon at the bottom of the hill, heading towards her with two balloons in hand. For some reason, the sight felt nostalgic; if that was even the right word to describe it. Could you feel nostalgic for something that never happened? Tiffany waited for Taeyeon to sit down beside her before asking, So, what's with the balloons? Oh these? I saw a man selling them in the festival and had an idea she replied before handing the pink balloon to Tiffany. Thanks for waiting for me No problem, so what's this idea of yours? As soon as Tiffany asked the question, Taeyeon smiled brilliantly at her before grabbing two blank pieces of paper from her jacket pocket and two blue pens. It took me a while trying to find someone who had these Uh huh, she muttered while eyeing the blank paper and pen her best friend handed her. Well?

We write a wish on the paper and tie it to our balloons. Hopefully, it'll reach high enough so that the angels in heaven can read it and then make our wish come true That's your idea? Yeah, you don't like it? I love it TaeTae, Tiffany cheerily replied before standing up and placing the paper on the bench for support. Let's start writing, she said in an excited manner and Taeyeon giggled as she too wrote on her blank paper. The sun was now setting, casting an orange haze above the horizon, lighting up the sky and making it seem that the whole world was consumed in a majestic flame, lit by an eternal fire. Caressing the two girls with its warm touch, the sun's rays seemed to whisper an assurance to them: 'I'll see you again'. Tiffany looked at the paper she had written, and read it again to herself. An unknowing smile lifted from the corner of her lips as an image of a certain little genius flashed across her mind. 'Yes' she thought to herself 'there is a reason people call geniuses: geniuses.' After thinking about what Yuri said for quite awhile, Tiffany finally made her decision. She didn't know what would happen next, but she was through with the wind pushing her to wherever it willed she finally wanted to hit the ground. TaeTae, I'm done she said as she made a slight slit on the paper with a thin twig, slipped the balloon's string through it and tied it up securely. Taeyeon did the same, tying up the paper to her blue balloon.

Same here she said with a wide grin. What'd you wish for? Tiffany asked curiously. For you to stay with me forever Taeyeon answered, I was going to write until I grow old... but that doesn't seem long enough for me. How about you? That I keep falling at 9.8 meters per second even after I hit the ground Eh? Taeyeon asked with a confused expression. Playfully hitting the shorter girl on the shoulder, Tiffany simply said You'll know what I mean soon enough With that, the two best friends stared up at the dual colored sky refined gold colliding with polished sapphire. The wind sang the melody to them, a wordless song that became clearer with the encroaching night. With their hearts tied to the string of their respective balloons, they let it go, watching the pink and blue rise up towards the stars as they prayed that angels could see what they had written. While Taeyeon was busy watching the two balloons, Tiffany sneaked in and gave her best friend an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Immediately, the older girl shifted her attention back to Tiffany while wearing a surprised expression. Filling her lungs in with air, Tiffany hoped that the angels really would grant her wish this time. TaeTae, I love you and I don't want to leave this world without saying it. I don't want to live another day continually falling at 9.8

meters per second and never finding out what it feels like to hit the ground. The girl wasn't good with words, Taeyeon was. Her confession wasn't grand, eloquent, or profound, it was simply simple and it was okay because the truth of the matter is; no matter what you say, how well you say it, or how long it is, everything prior to 'I love you' is completely, and most indefinitely, washed away by those three words. People say that a picture is worth a thousand words, Tiffany begged to differ, because she believed that the words 'I love you' was, is, and always will be, worth more than a thousand pictures. There are words that are permanently attached to a feeling, love is one of them Tiffany gave Taeyeon a warm smile before leaning in to kiss her lips - to hit the ground, and to capture eternity within a moment.

9. Free Falling

People say that a star is a reflection of a past lover's life. Their laughter, their smiles, their hopes, dreams, goals, collapsed in a radiant ball of light, made seen in the night sky to tell everyone who looks upon it that they're here. The glow tells a story, a novel of a few words: I'm here and also, that I love you.

Soundtrack: Six [Play for a better reading experience] Tiffany slowly pulled away from the kiss. Her eyes fluttered open in sync with her quavering heart as she gingerly inhaled the evening air. The girl watched her best friend for what seemed like an eternity, and as she looked at her, her life, no matter how short it would be, was made full. Tiffany waited to know if Taeyeon loved her too, and maybe, that was all she ever wanted to know from her; the knowledge that throughout the years of fighting a losing battle filled with pain, hopelessness, fragility, disappointment, and fear, that love was there, despite it all, love was there in the air they breathed, on the roads they stepped, and around the places they touched, love was there. She waited. When she didn't get an answer, Tiffany looked into her best friend's eyes, gathered the world in one breath, broke it into a million parts and pieced it back together as a question: Do you love me too? Never in her whole life had she felt more vulnerable than this. Now she knew, that you couldn't love someone without being both vulnerable and invulnerable at the same time. Clothed yet exposed. Sheltered but laid open. Taeyeon flashed her a simple smile before intertwining her left

hand with hers. Only wonderful things come by without notice, and that was what had happened; an unexpected kiss. Taeyeon kissed her. The captured pictures of her infinite past and finite future washed over her as the feeling of her best friend's lips repeated itself in the forefronts of her mind. She was on a standstill in the present. After her best friend pulled away, the older girl followed it with a warm laugh. That was how she said 'yes'. Come on Fany, I've got a surprise for you Taeyeon said before dragging her down the hill and back to the festival.

Their hands never parted, and perhaps that was their way of telling the world that here, in their hands, was a small piece of proof that it could be this way despite everything showing that it couldn't be. Tiffany looked at the monstrous thing with a perplexed expression. She turned her head back to Taeyeon who stood there grinning widely at her. It looks like you've never seen one before the shorter girl started with a chuckle. No, it's just- I'm confused... Well, best not make you confused any longer. You're face is all

scrunched up, so it might become permanent if we continue to wait Taeyeon voiced playfully before they both made their way to a large man behind a wooden stall. Mr.Park? Oh kid, you're har. Me was beginnin' t' think you wouldn't show up he said in a surprised manner. What wasn't surprising at all, considering the way he dressed, was his thick pirate accent that made Tiffany want to burst out in laughter. With a hoarse chuckle he motioned for Taeyeon and Tiffany to follow him out to the open field where Tiffany first saw the thing. Now, me don't usually do this for regular customers considerin' tis' late in the evenin , but since you kept pesterin' t' me about it with those damn puppy eyes o' yours Mr.Park carefully explained, I can't say no t' that Tiffany looked at him questioningly, What'd you mean by that? Aye, kid kept 'er bugging me earlier to let you guys on. Kept going on about how ye was sharing beautiful memories with a certain someone. I'm a sucker when it comes t' young love With that said, he gave a pat to the basket while displaying a toothy smile. This beauty har lights up so we wouldn't be breakin' regulations by ridin' it at eve. Anyways, we be tied down for safety while my mates looks out for us. Now hop aboard. Aye? Mr.Park made his way inside the basket of the hot air balloon, put his gloves and started the burner. Come on Fany, I worked hard to get us this ride. Let's not waste any more time. Taeyeon goaded while she bounced up and down excitedly. Taeyeon had no knowledge of Tiffany's confession when reserving the night ride on the hot air balloon, but somehow, the two complimented each other, like fate, in all its mysterious glory, designed the confession and the hot air balloon ride to work

hand in hand to deliver the most perfect night. No wonder it took you so long to get the ice-cream, Tiffany responded as she teasingly punched her on the shoulder. You're such a liar TaeTae, you know that? Chuckling silently at Taeyeon's childlike behaviour, Tiffany simply complied as she got on the basket with her best friend's help. After the both stood comfortably inside the woven wicker, Mr.Park gave a thumbs up to his ground crew that everything was a-go while Taeyeon and Tiffany waited for the hot air balloon to rise above ground.

The stars they shined brightly, little holes in the charcoal blanket so that light from heaven could shine through it and illuminate the darkened world. Higher and higher they rose, trying to reach for the unreachable; to collect the twinkling diamonds in the palm of their hands. The stars, which greeted everyone with a smile, dazzled the eyes of the young lovers that were wrapped in each others arms. Tiffany smiled as she leaned her head on Taeyeon's shoulder, looking out at the universe's own grains of sand that had been washed over by heaven's tide. Taeyeon broke the silence, I told myself that I couldn't believe in

a God who so heartlessly challenges faith like this. The younger girl was confused by her statement. She turned around and gave her a perplexed expression. Everyone kept on telling me to have 'faith' because God works in mysterious ways to give people a fruitful life as long as their faith is strong. If this, you being sick, is His mysterious way of testing my faith, than I had rather let my life be barren. Tiffany's eyes softened. Lifting up her left hand, she playfully knocked on the girl's head with a fist. Silly, without God there wouldn't be any angels. I never said He didn't exist, just that I couldn't bring myself to believe in Him, because to believe is to have faith and trust. We wouldn't even be looking for angels anyways if God didnt give you this illness. How could I have placed my hopes on someone like that? - You don't deserve this. Nobody deserves cancer. I may not be deserving of it, but I still have it, and God gave it to me for a reason. I, a cancer-ridden girl, have an even bigger purpose than I can ever fathom. Yes, He has given me this disease, but He has also given me in return something so much greater. The memories I've collected far exceeds this short life of mine. Time is a cup meant to be filled up with memories, and because of you, mine is overflowing. TaeTae, I'll die, but then again, everyone dies; not everyone lives though, and that's what God has given me - life. She turned to completely face Taeyeon. "Some people die without knowing love, and I'm glad I'm not one of them. When I am long and gone, and people come and visit my remains, they wouldn't see ashes, they'd see love. And when the wind sweeps by and blows me away on a late autumn day, my heart it'll pick up... still

whispering your name alongside the fallen leaves. That's what God has given me, what more can I ask for?" Taeyeon stared at her long and hard before saying If you didn't get it earlier, I'll stress it further... I love you, and I'm glad you told me. I wanted to confess for the longest time, but I was afraid. I didn't want to be selfish. The older girl planted a soft kiss on Tiffany's forehead earning a brilliant smile from the latter. I know. And you aren't. I used to think the same thing, I didn't want to be selfish either, but someone told me otherwise Tiffany carefully explained. Taeyeon was the only one who understood even a breath of her, and she herself, was the only one who understood even a breath of Taeyeon. They were each others unspoken words. Fany, I said that I could not believe in a God, but I've never said that I cannot believe in a God. What do you mean? If God is love, Taeyeon softly voiced, then starting today I believe in God They shared a smile, recognizing themselves in each others lifted lips. Aye, t'is beautiful Mr.Park commented from behind them as he brushed a tear that had collected on the edge of his eyes. Mr.Park, Taeyeon wailed, I thought you promised us that you wouldn't eavesdrop!

Aye mate, you t'us go ahead. I be on t'opposite side. Just forget I was even 'er The two stared incredulously at Mr.Park before glancing back at each other. They laughed. And laughed. They shared that moment together and individually, in yells and in whispers, teetering between the boundary line of reality and fantasy, to build a new world of their own. It was one of the very many times of their life in which they squeezed all the happiness of the moment dry to truly live life and yet not think about life at all. TaeTae, look another shooting star Tiffany squealed as she propped her head out of the basket to get a clearer view of the trailing light. We've been seeing a lot of them lately, so we're most likely headed in the right direction. We'll definitely find an angel in Gyeonju TaeTae, I just know it Hope and the desperation to live for her beloved had now consumed her heart, and she had wanted nothing more but to stay by Taeyeon's side a little longer.

Tiffany and Taeyeon were now in a car rental shop. It was early in the morning that her best friend woke her up from the hotel bed they had slept in last night. Tiffany was groggy and just wanted to sleep the day away but Taeyeon incessantly pestered her on getting ready so that they could have an early start to Busan. So here she was, watching her best friend and lover talk to the lady behind the

counter with a polite smile plastered on her face. Tiffany listened in on the conversation for a few seconds before getting bored. Swerving around, she decided to wander aimlessly around the place. Starting from the left end of the shop, she briefly scanned the pictures frames hanging on the grey coloured wall. One photo was a little boy holding a bicycle. Another photo was of the Han River. And another photo was an upward view of a cherry tree. Interesting, she thought, before heading to the other side of the shop. Tiffany was slow to walk there, she was feeling a little bit too lethargic this morning and she had only assumed it was because of the lack of sleep. She thought wrong. A fit of coughs racked her fragile body as exhaustion flooded over her like water gushing from an open water dam. She used the walls for support. It was happening way more often as the days progressed and she grew afraid, very afraid. Wiping away the sweat that was now building on her forehead, she struggled to walk over to Taeyeon. Tapping her shoulder, Tiffany put on a fake smile and said TaeTae, I just need to go to the bathroom for a bit. Okay? The girl could see that her best friend was worried, but she had to keep up the facade. I'm fine, I'll be back soon With that said, she slowly sauntered over to the washroom. It was a good thing it was a single one since she could close it without having Taeyeon walk in on her. Stepping foot in the lavatory she closed the door behind her and

locked it. Tiffany headed over to the sink and washed her face with cold water. Leaning against the cold ceramic sink she looked at herself in the mirror.

Fany Fany Tiffany! eight year old Taeyeon called with a blithe giggle that resonated not from her lungs but from the heart, showing her pure innocence. Happy, she was happy, like all children were who too young to understand the reality of the world. Taeyeon had collected a bouquet of dandelions in her left hand and showed it fashionably in front of Tiffany's face. Even at such an early age, Taeyeon was still quite small, standing to about Tiffany's eyebrows. The younger girl flicked the dandelions away from her face and asked What, TaeTae? Marry me? Taeyeon simply asked in all her childlike glory. The sky was a clear baby blue, the sun hung high, and to Taeyeon and Tiffany, the Kim's backyard was at the edge of the world. TaeTae, only people with kids get married. Just then Taeyeon planted a quick kiss on her lips before withdrawing with a wide grin that ran from ear to ear. Tiffany was about to slap her silly until the older girl said Now you have to marry me. Huh? Tiffany stood there with a dumbfounded expression, her

mouth hung wide open in bewilderment. It's only the right thing to do, Taeyeon explained cheekily, if you kiss someone, you have to marry them and have kids. TaeTae, you're going to jail!!! Tiffany yelled, flinging her arms to the side in frustration. Kissing is illegal when you're not over eighteen, it's the law! And besides, why do you want to marry me anyways? My mom said that you aren't given a choice on who to marry, that God already chose someone for you and you'll find out later who you're stuck with. I don't want to be stuck with a stranger, my parents said I'm not allowed to talk to them so how boring would that be? Besides, if I have to be stuck with someone, I want it be my best friend Tiffany didn't know how to respond to that. So can you pretty please with cherries on top, marry me? I promise I'll tell you that you look pretty everyday even if you look like a zombie I do not look like a zombie! Tiffany defended with her booming voice. I don't know... sometimes you do, like after you wake up whenever we have a sleepover. That comment earned Taeyeon a punch on the shoulder, but nevertheless, Tiffany agreed to this supposed marriage.

Tiffany smiled at the memory. After the ceremony, they rejoiced

by telling Taeyeon's mother about it. Mrs.Kim smiled and told them that considering they were adults now they could have adult drinks. She gave each one a small sip of the afternoon coffee she was drinking. Sufficed to say, Taeyeon's favorite drink was coffee after that. No wonder she never grew, she thought. If she wasn't sick, Tiffany wondered, would she and Taeyeon get truly married in the future? As she pondered on it another fit of hard coughs shook her body. She clutched her chest as cough after cough left her lungs burning. There was knocking on the door and she could only assume it to be Taeyeon. Fany? the knocking grew louder and more urgent, Fany are you alright? Open up I'm fine....it's....nothing...really she said in between her coughs. Grabbing a tissue that hung from the wall, she covered her mouth with it in hopes that it would dampen the sound. Cough. Knock. Another cough. Knock Knock And another cough. Knock Knock Knock Hwang Miyoung, I'm not kidding. Open up! Taeyeon ordered

from the other side of the door. Her best friend only resorts to calling her by her full korean name whenever she was angry with her, and that was rare... very, very rare. Tiffany felt something warm and wet on the hand that was clutching the tissue. She looked. It was blood.

10. Travelling in circles

Nowhere as much as there do we feel possibilities shaken by the nearness of realization. The atmosphere becomes possibilities and we shall wander and make a thousand mistakes. We shall wander along yet not be able to understand. -Jonathan Safran Foer

Taeyeon stared blankly ahead, her hands gripping tightly on the steering wheel of their rented vehicle. She was deep in thought, wondering if this trip to look for angels really was a good idea. Clearly Fany was getting worse and she knew it. Tapping her index finger against the wheel, she unconsciously bit her lower lip as she continued to think. After all this time, after everything they've been through, after trying, hoping, and looking, she knew her time with Tiffany was beginning to run out. Did it break her heart? Of course it did, every

moment, of every second, of everyday, into tiny little pieces that were more than her heart was made of. It was funny how people never think of things at all on a daily basis, until everything changes, and then they wonder how it all began and why they've never seen it coming, when clearly, the wedge was there from the start, slowly coming in between dreams and reality. Taeyeon took a quick glance at Tiffany who sat there, silently watching the outside speed by in a blur. She was pale and her lips were chapped. Taeyeon bet her whole life savings that she had only kept quiet to prevent the quavering of her voice which was the proof that there was pain behind those empty words.

Taeyeon knocked and knocked, her knuckles turning bright pink. The girl was a few seconds close to calling the ambulance and breaking down the door but fortunately for the owner of this building, Taeyeon heard the toilet flush before an out of breath Tiffany came slowly out the washroom door. Fany, she soon started, a frown scampering across her lips. The taller girl held up her palm in front of Taeyeon to stop her from saying anything further. I'm fine. she replied. Tiffany smiled and what a pathetic excuse of a smile it was. She wanted to scream at her, to tell her that she shouldn't try to act like a martyr all the time. She wanted to tell her that she knew all along that she was not okay. Yet despite the want, the need was even greater; the need to protect the girl, and so, Taeyeon kept silent. Alright. But please, if you aren't feeling well tell me. she responded grimly. Taking a hold of Tiffany's hand, Taeyeon helped her best friend walk back to the counter where they signed the rental forms for the vehicle.

Her best friend had cancer but she too was suffering a disease comparable to leukaemia; the cancer of never wanting to let go. It was Taeyeon, her determination to keep her world alive, that was the sole cause of them being here. Was ignorance bliss? Would Tiffany be better off if she hadn't known about the angels in Gyeonju? Clearly she would have been healthier if she had stayed put in the hospital. Regret started to sink in as she thought more on their current situation. It was too painful for her to think that she made the wrong choice all along. Questioning herself, that was all she had ever learned to do, and where did it get her? She questioned herself out of happiness a thousand times, and it was about time that she should have stopped, but she couldn't, not when one wrong move could paralyze her forever. What Taeyeon hadn't realized though, was that if she never moved at all, constantly questioning her every step, it would be no different than paralysis. Fany, she slowly started, if you don't feel well you should tell me. TaeTae, I'm fine. Tiffany weakly replied. Her voice was hoarse and dry. Taeyeon gripped the steering wheel tighter. I'm just saying, Taeyeon tried again, that you can tell me if you don't. We can get you medicine or something, maybe a check up to the hosp- TaeTae, no worries Tiffany cut in as she flashed her another empty smile, we don't need to do that. Taeyeon wanted to disagree but decided against it. She didn't want

to start a fight with her; not when she was in that fragile state. And truth be told, even if she did want to start a fight with her, she didn't know how to. Fighting was something alien to the both of them. She remembered a saying, that the closer you to get to someone, the more you would fight with them; it was a sign of affection and intimacy. Taeyeon begged to differ, because she and Tiffany had only shared one real fight in all their fourteen years of knowing each other.

Grandma! Taeyeon called from the living room. She wore an elegant spring dress; it was white and simple, just the way she liked it. Grandma Hwang, she called again as she grabbed the handles of Tiffany's wheelchair, we're going now. The short elderly woman came darting out of the kitchen as fast as her legs could carry her. She was holding a camera, a wide grin cemented on her features. Alright, alright, grandma Hwang said giddily, but let me take a picture of you girls first before you go. The prom comes only once in your life, you know. Grandma, Tiffany whined, you know how I hate picture taking She drooped her head down shyly while playing with the laces in her dress. Taeyeon patted her best friend on the head. Today was especially easy for the short girl to reach the crown of Tiffany's head as she was imprisoned to that wheelchair for a week. Why? Scared that the camera will steal your soul right out of you? she teased. Arrgghh, fine. But just this once. Tiffany conceded. Thank you grandma Hwang mouthed to Taeyeon. The eighteen year old replied with a wink.

The camera light flashed. --The music's bass was pounding in her ears. Taeyeon checked to see if her ears weren't bleeding before turning to look at her best friend. She smiled at Tiffany who was situated beside her. The two were currently sitting down, one on a wheelchair, the other on a stool. Running her hand across her scalp, Taeyeon was surprised to find it hairless. How could I have forgot, she thought, before smiling to herself. Safe to say, Taeyeon quite liked the feeling of not having hair; she felt free. Having fun? Taeyeon asked. Her best friend was surprisingly quiet when they got to the prom. She saw Tiffany's expression darken every minute they sat watching the other people dance. Taeyeon didn't mind that all they could do in the prom was to sit down on one spot and just talk, in fact, she preferred it more to dancing the night away with their other friends; at least she had Tiffany all to herself. We'd have more fun if I could dance, Tiffany replied grimly before crossing her arms. Stupid wheelchair and stupid cancer. Hey, hey, Taeyeon countered with a frown, don't say that. If it makes you feel any better, I promise to have a dance with you after you get out of that wheelchair. It won't be the same. she coldly replied. The older girl was about to respond until a third voice cut her off. Taeyeon! Sunye called, come on, let's go dance. Stupid leukaemia Tiffany again muttered to herself.

Taeyeon sighed heavily. She didn't like it when her best friend degraded herself. Tiffany heard it and thought the worst. You don't have to stay here with me. It looks like you're bored, so go ahead; I don't want to be a burden to you. But- You'd much prefer to have your date be someone who isn't bald, right? Tiffany cut in. Hold up, Taeyeon said, how does you being bald relate to any of this? I'm bald too if you haven't noticed Temporarily Sunye watched the two and decided not to get involved. Spinning around, she went back to the dance floor leaving the best friends to their argument. TaeTae, just say it! Tiffany spat, that you're only my date because you feel sorry for me. Because you have to. Because you had no choice. Because I'm you're best friend. Because no one else asked me out to the prom, so you were stuck with me. None of the above, okay? Taeyeon explained calmly though patience was quickly running low. You're my date because I want you to be my date. Liar! You and every one else knows that no one wants to go out with someone who isn't pretty, much less bald. There are people here who are much more prettier than I am, so why didn't you go and ask them out? Admit it, you asked me because you felt sorry

for me. Here you go again with the 'not pretty' thing, the older girl yelled in frustration, did you not hear what I said about that? You only said that because you're my best friend! Tiffany retorted. Lots of people are told that they're pretty, so why do you want to be something that thousands of people are? You don't understand! Tiffany yelled before rolling herself away. And in truth, Taeyeon didn't understand what her best friend had meant that night.

There was silence in the car, and it wasn't because Taeyeon didn't want to talk to Tiffany, she was just afraid that if she had started another conversation with her best friend, that it would deplete her already exhausted energy. Talking is tiring and she knew that. Lucky for the two of them, they had grown so close that they didn't even need to talk to converse with each other. The trip to Busan was filled with their silent conversations.

It was fortunate for them that the same car rental company was also stationed in Busan near the bus stop that would take them to Gyeonju. Taeyeon mentally thanked Siwon for his genius plan. After returning the vehicle, they headed out towards the bus stop just a block away. Taeyeon held Tiffany's hands as they strolled along the sidewalk. You look pretty tired. the older girl simply mentioned. Do I? Yes, she said, if you want I can give you a piggy back ride to the bus stop Tiffany giggled softly before playfully punching Taeyeon on the shoulder, albeit weakly. Look at the shrimp wanting to be a sea horse. I'm sorry love, but you can't become something you weren't from the start. she teased. Hey, I am not a shrimp! Taeyeon defended, I'll prove it to you She stepped in front of Tiffany and hunched her back. The older girl was pleased with herself for concocting up such a great plan. She could help the exhausted girl without explicitly forcing her to concede AND she could show off to her girlfriend. Girlfriend; the word forced the butterflies out of their chrysalis in her stomach. TaeTae, what are you doing? Tiffany asked with a smile. I'm proving to you that a shrimp can sooo become a sea horse. Now hop on. You're kidding right? Does it look like I am? Taeyeon responded, I'm so serious right

now that if you look up 'Serious' in the dictionary you'd find a picture of me. Really? Another one? What do you mean? Taeyeon asked with a perplexed expression. I mean, wow TaeTae, you're so famous! Because I googled up 'Dork' and a picture of you popped up as well! What's even more surprising is that it's used for the 'Dork' article in wiki..... Which reminds me, I still have to contact the person who wrote that article and complain, because saying that you're a dork is in and of itself an understatement, but then again, you can't rely on wikipedia for the truth anyways. Tiffany retorted with a grin before languidly hopping on to Taeyeon's back. Now off to the bus terminal my shrimp/sea-horse hybrid! she merrily said with as much energy as her ill-state could afford.

The two didn't have to wait for the bus to arrive because just as they had bought their tickets, the vehicle was slowing down to station itself on the terminal. Stepping inside the large grey and blue vehicle, Taeyeon and Tiffany decided to take the seats close to the back of the bus. We're almost there Fany! After this bus ride, we'll be in Gyeonju! Taeyeon cheered with a wide grin.

Tiffany nodded, I wonder what the angels there look like Forget about what they look like, the older girl interjected, we'll finally get our wish! Ah right, she voiced softly, ...our wish What's with the look? Taeyeon asked, worry washing away her excitement. Fany, I'm going to ask again, are you okay? Tiffany shook her head before scratching the back of her head. She laughed. Never been better TaeTae. After we find an angel and I get better, you'll have to make it up to me for making me so tired from this trip; I want to get married. Tiffany joked. Just as she said this, the bus started to drive away. Taeyeon released a sigh of relief. Good, because for a second you had me worrying. But now I'm beginning to worry for another different reason she teased. Worrywart Tiffany said as she playfully poked Taeyeon on the rib. The older girl flinched, pulled back, and yelped, Hey, that was uncalled for! Tiffany simply stuck her tongue at her before laughing. Her laugh instigated coughs. It wasn't the normal kinds she was used to hearing from her best friend, it was the kind she heard from behind the washroom door. Taeyeon's heart skipped a beat. Rubbing the girl's back gently, she looked at her helplessly. The people who were in the bus all turned to watch them.

Stop coughing. Stop coughing. Stop coughing Stop coughing, please. Taeyeon couldn't do anything but to plead those two words silently. Fany, you're okay, you're okay... she kept repeating the words, more to herself than to Tiffany. Anyone who thought seconds were quicker than decades obviously didn't know any better. What Taeyeon saw next completely shattered her. She knew it now, knew the truth, and it made her want to cower. Every moment, of every minute, of every second that you had ever lived depended on the moment you were living now. The history of anything and everything can be proven wrong in one moment. Blood. On Tiffany's palms. We're getting you to the hospital Taeyeon told her before running up to the driver to inform him of the situation.

So? Taeyeon asked gravely, gaze locked on the eyes behind the

thickly framed glasses. I'm fine TaeTae, don't worry Tiffany croaked as she squirmed on her seat. The thin paper-like material crackled under her weight. The older girl looked at her best friend incredulously. She did not just wait a couple of hours in the hospital watching the doctors do various tests on her just to hear an 'I'm fine'. No, she wanted a full report on her health. Silently telling her best friend to keep quiet, she focused her attention back at the man, So Dr.Kim? I've checked the scans of her respiratory tract and there wasn't anything wrong with her lungs. So I went to the computer and collected her medical information. It says that you have terminal leukaemia and were admitted at one of the hospitals in Seoul. Ms.Hwang, I contacted the doctor that was currently seeing you and he said that you left without notice a couple of weeks ago. Do you mind telling me why? Taeyeon swallowed the lump in her throat. She always wondered why doctors could sound so heartless when talking to patients. You said so yourself Dr.Kim; I've got terminal leukaemia, and I don't want to waste my remaining days locked up in a hospital room. There are procedures for this, you have to- Dr.Kim explained. I'm sorry, but we're here for her diagnosis not for some lecture Taeyeon interjected, hoping that they could change the topic to something more important than the one they were currently in. The older girl could see that Dr.Kim thought differently, so she

repeated herself. The two were fortunate enough that the man was exhausted that day so he had easily given up without much of a fight. Alright, alright, I guess we can sort this thing out later he said with a sigh. Thank you, Taeyeon replied, So?

Soundtrack: Seven [Play for a better reading experience]

Dr.Kim picked up the yellow folder from the counter, skimmed through it before returning his attention back at the two girls. Complications. Complications? Tiffany and Taeyeon asked concurrently. Yes. I've ran a few tests and have come up with a diagnosis and... Dr.Kim paused before continuing, Ms.Hwang, you have Thrombocytopenia. We had tests on your platelet level, and it's extremely low right now. This is a serious matter, and honestly, we can't really pinpoint the main cause of this since there are so many factors that can contribute to this disorder. Our best assumption though is that you've got it from chemotherapy. At this stage of leukaemia, the origins of the complication does not matter, what does though, is what we should do to treat it. What do we have to do? Taeyeon asked desperately, her heart dangling off the edge of her chest. Thrombocytopenia is a disorder when you have abnormally low amount of platelets and so, we would want her to have blood

transfusions. Of course, we would admit her here in this hospital. How long does she have to stay here for? Taeyeon asked. She was literally on the edge of her seat. I'm sorry, Dr.Kim replied, but considering that she has terminal leukaemia with Thrombocytopenia, we would want her to take up permanent residence in this hospital so we could monitor her platelet levels closely. I've already asked for the hospital in Seoul to send Ms.Hwang's medical documents here. As for the finances... well, we can discuss it later. The man turned to look at Tiffany, Ms.Hwang, if you do decide to stay here, I would personally put it in my hands to be your doctor. No was all Tiffany said. I'm not staying here, she continued after a brief pause. Turning to look at Taeyeon, she spoke softly, TaeTae, we have to head to Gyeonju. Let's go, we shouldn't waste time here. Fany, be rational. Taeyeon replied, her voice just above a whisper. Ms.Hwang Dr.Kim said, if you don't seek treatment, the weeks that you have left would turn into days. I- I'm sorry Dr.Kim, Tiffany cut in, but I have no intention of staying here in this hospital, let alone Busan. So please, is there another form of SHORT treatment we could do? Yes, but like I said, it won't be the same as being here in the hospital where we could provide you with continuous treatment. Don't you want to live longer? I do, but-

Fany, It was now time for Taeyeon to cut in. She had been helplessly listening in on their conversation, too stunned, too terrified, and too broken to speak. The weight of his words ingrained heavily in her mind, but now, she had collected herself and was prepared to make the decision that she thought, no, that she knew, would be the best. How many times do they have to fail for them to surrender? For a second, Taeyeon regretted on how much she believed in the future. Fany, she said again, I think it would be best if you stay here Taeyeon was like a shooting star; she could choose to stay above the world until she burns out or she could choose to reach ground and collide with reality head on. She chose the latter. But TaeTae, what about Gyeonju, what about our quest? Dr.Kim could tell that the two girls needed some time alone to talk it out, so he told the two that he would give them a few minutes to come to an agreement. As soon as the door clicked shut, Tiffany got out of the large examining seat and reached for her jacket. Where do you think you're going? Taeyeon asked incredulously. Gyeonju. There's angels there, I just know it TaeTae. I'm going to Gyeonju. I'll find an angel. I'll get my wish. there was confidence in the way she spoke. Taeyeon held her arm, Didn't you hear what Dr.Kim said? If you

don't get blood transfusions, if you don't stay here, if you don't get their treatment... Taeyeon inhaled deeply, preparing herself for what she would say next, the span of your life will... shorten. My life is already cut short. The gap between when you're supposed to die and when you will die is large Tiffany. I don't want to lose you prematurely. Taeyeon pleaded. TaeTae, I don't want to pass away without a fight. I don't want to know after I become an angel that there really was that miracle in Gyeonju. There are too many times when people give up too early, when they stop trying to look for that light at the end of the tunnel, and so, never realize that they were just a couple of steps away from seeing it. If I had a choice to look for that light or end my search and be given a match instead, I would choose the match any day. At least it's tangible, it's there, it'll provide me with light no matter how temporary it is. It was a funny thing how the one who started this whole journey was the one who now wanted to end it. And it wasn't because she changed or even her beliefs changed, it was because the circumstances changed. The plan was that they had a little less than three months to look for an angel with little to no sacrifices. But now, everything changed. Looking for angels wasn't a simple roadtrip anymore, it was a gamble with Tiffany's remaining days on the line. Is this what you want? her best friend asked. If you meant wanting to have you for a bit longer then yes, this is

what I want Taeyeon simply replied. Ten years of trying to look for angels and we give up now? Why? Because there was no risk to it!!! Now there is, and I will NOT put your life on the line for a possibility. There was a deafening silence that filled the room after Taeyeon's outburst. Tiffany looked at Taeyeon for what seemed like a decade before nodding slowly. A tear slid down her cheeks. She wiped it away before saying All right, we'll stay here. Their journey to Gyeonju was over. They had travelled in a circle, eventually bringing them back to the place where they had first started.

The single rooms are all taken, the nurse informed them as they walked through the hospital's halls, so you'd have to share one with another patient. Taeyeon and Tiffany nodded. They held hands, using the faint pulse of the other to prevent them from running over the edge of the world that they had both created. Stopping in front of the door labelled '3A', the nurse turned back to

look at Tiffany and Taeyeon and said, Well this is where you're going to be placed. Ms.Hwang, you can go inside and settle in. I'll be back to prepare for your first blood transfusion. Alright. Thank you. Tiffany replied. The nurse gave each a polite smile before walking back down the hall. Taeyeon took a moment to gather whatever energy she had left and turned it into a feeble smile. It's going to be okay. No matter what happens, we'll get through this. Together. The older girl reached for the knob, turned it clockwise and opened the door. A light laugh radiated from inside, followed by a Seohyun, I got you soup from the cafeteria. You better eat it now while it's hot.

11. A smile that stirs

So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter. - Gordon W. Allport

The meaning of her thoughts drifted away from Taeyeon like dried leaves swept away by the august wind. She stared blankly outside their hospital's room window, watching silently the cars that sped by on the highways. It was early in the afternoon, the birds danced, the leaves swayed, the sun touched. On the glassed window, Taeyeon could see the reflection of Tiffany's sleeping figure.

Five days have passed since her first blood transfusion. Five days have passed since they stopped looking for angels. Five days have passed since she felt truly alive. Taeyeon spun around and walked towards her, watched the white sheets breathe when she breathed. The sight comforted her. Ah, Taeyeon-unnie someone called in a low whisper. She turned and spotted Yoona stepping inside the room. The younger girl closed the door behind her as she gave Taeyeon a polite smile. Tiffany-unnie sleeping? Yoona asked while she took her jacket off and propped it on the wooden coat hanger. Yeah, I told her to get some rest since she looks pretty exhausted Taeyeon replied. She pulled a chair beside the wall next to Tiffany's bed and sat down. Anyways, how's Seohyun? Yoona and her were on the same boat; a small wooden plank that kept them afloat while they endured the storm. In the younger girl's case though, she wasn't fighting for more time, she was fighting for more memories; to not be forgotten. On the first night they were here, Yoona had told her story to Taeyeon; about their engagement, about Seohyun and the head on collision with a vehicle, about how almost every bone in her body broke upon impact, and about permanent anterograde amnesia. The doctors said it was a miracle that she was alive. Seohyun had been admitted to this hospital several months ago to get numerous surgeries done. Physiotherapy was the last on their list. Seohyun? Yoona asked, She's fine. I just took her to see her

therapist on the seventh floor half an hour ago. She'll be done soon. The doctors say that she's recuperating well and that we can leave in nine days, though we'll have to come back regularly for checkups. You guys can get to leave next week? That's great! Taeyeon said with a forced smile, she couldn't help but feel envious. I know right? I can finally eat real food! Yoona cheered with a wide grin. People say that those who experienced tremendous pain and sorrow were the ones who cherished the little things in life the most; Yoona was the perfect example of it. Ugh, the older girl replied with a scoff, I know what you mean No TaeTae, I don't know what you mean a third voice broke through. It sounded much more lively than before which reassured Taeyeon that she had made the right decision. She turned her head and found Tiffany staring at her with a smile. I'm sorry unnie, did we wake you? Yoona asked guiltily with her eyebrows furrowed. Yes, Tiffany answered playfully before propping herself up to a seating position, but it's okay. And seriously, I don't get what you girls mean; the food here isn't THAT bad. You're just used to it, Taeyeon said you ate so much that it completely destroyed all your taste buds Ha ha ha, very funny Tiffany mocked. The older girl shrugged, It's true

Very true Yoona blurted as she took a chair and dragged it beside Tiffany's bed, facing Taeyeon. So unnies... I've scouted the perimeters of this hospital and there won't be any security 5-O's near the back entrance of the building. At thirteen-hundred hours, we - Yoona, why are you talking like that? Tiffany asked with a confused look, We're not on mission impossible, okay? - Talk human. Yoona was just like Taeyeon, though much, much, much more childish. She was the kind of girl who would stand up with a smile on her face after having the world beat the hell out of her. Optimism was Yoona's forte complimented by a 'you-live-onlyonce-so-you-might-as-well-be-happy' philosophy.

Yoona, may I ask you a question? Taeyeon asked as the two girls strolled through the hospital's halls with coffee in hand. Sure unnie, what is it? Seohyun's state. I'm confused, but isn't amnesia when you can't remember your memories? She seems to remember you quite well though Yoona smiled, Her long-term memory is unaffected. She could recollect the memories before the accident. It's her short term that is affected. Short, as in? Short meaning, she can't keep the memories she has made after the accident. Yoona answered. Her eyes softened and just for a

second Taeyeon could see the pain in her eyes. I'm confused now. She seems to remember me and- For now, the younger girl interjected, we don't know when the amnesia will kick back again. She can remember newly made memories for days and then without notice, poof, she's back to where she first began. The new memories she had collected is simply gone when she lapses back. Do you know when her amnesia will kick back again? Yoona shook her head, Nope. The doctors tried checking to see if there's a pattern, but there isn't. Maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day, maybe the day after that, I don't know. The longest time she'd been able to keep her memories was a week and a half, after that, the amnesia kicked in again. I'm sorry. No need. She's alive and that's all that matters, everything else isn't important. She might forget the new memories she has made with me but I haven't, so in a way, I can be her new memory bank. There's always a silver lining to everything, right? How can you be so optimistic? We're not long-term beings unnie. Not heroes with bullet proof skin. We each live by taking one step, and then another, and then another. We all make a great effort for one word, one gesture, one thought. We aren't excused from heartache and whatever we make is only temporary, so it should be safe to say that life is cruel, but it's not, there's something beautiful buried beneath the rubble; ashes that become fertilizer for life. I know so, and you know why? Because if there isn't then we should have already been lining up

to jump from a bridge a long time ago." Yoona smiled. "I wish I could smile as easily as you" Taeyeon complimented. The younger girl shrugged, "Tell me, what's so hard about smiling? It's easy unnie. Just smile. No matter what happens, continue to smile because I find that life's too short not to. You'll have forever to cry once you pass away, but you only have a short time to smile and laugh; don't waste it drowning in your own ocean." Inside the childlike shell dwelt a mature and wise pearl.

Agh, fine Yoona conceded but not before pouting. You guys are kill joys you know that? Tiffany laughed before asking, So, what did you want to tell us again? Seohyun's therapist said that she should exercise her legs more so she could build the muscles she lost. So, I, the great Im Yoona, have come up with an awesome idea. I don't like where this is going Taeyeon muttered. Biking! the younger girl cheered. Taeyeon placed her palm on her forehead before groaning. I knew it Yoona, what is up with you and these crazy ideas? Tiffany asked

incredulously. First it was you blackmailing the cafeteria lady to make Seohyun her favourite bowl of soup, next you persuaded one of the elderly patients to have a wheelchair race with you around the sixth floor of the building, after that, you sneaked into customer service and used their microphone to play that kerero song all over the hospital. In my defense, Yoona countered, I didn't go to customer service alone. Who was the one who wanted to yell 'DJ, put it back on' after the kerero song ended? Yeah Fany, that was kind of...embarrassing Taeyeon added. The doctors put me out of I.V and told me I could walk around the hospital if I wanted to. It's not MY fault that I decided to take an innocent stroll and HAPPENED to stop over at the help desk when Yoona was there Tiffany explained, her voice sounding at 150 decibels. I'm sure Yoona said as she rolled her eyes. But enough of this, are you guys in or what? - It's going to be fun, I promise! Taeyeon snickered and shook her head, We are so- IN! Tiffany cut in with a bright smile. Fany! Taeyeon reprimanded, Just because the doctor took you out of I.V doesn't mean you should be going around the hospital doing god knows what. The security personnel gave you a warning already; don't push your luck. TaeTae, Tiffany whined with a pout, I'm so bored here. The blood transfusion they did to me is working, and I feel as strong as an ox right now. Seriously, I'm not lying this time. So can we do something? I hate being stuck here all day, it sucks.

Yeah TaeTae, Yoona chimed in, pretty, pretty please? It took a while for Taeyeon to agree, but she did eventually. Alright! Yoona cheered, So the plan is to- The door to their hospital room clicked open revealing a smiling Seohyun. Seo, the doe-eyed angel called with a mischievous grin that ran form ear to ear, you're just in time!

Soundtrack: Eight [Play for a better reading experience] The four girls were standing on the hospital's courtyard. Lines of liquid gold rolled off crystalline clouds, making Tiffany squint her eyes from the overwhelming gleam. Bustling bees zipped along the mellifluous spring breeze before landing on the garden lilies that danced with the vernal zephyrs. The scene around her brought Tiffany to a state of euphoria and she couldn't help but give a dazzling smile to her best friend. Ever since she had her blood transfusion, Tiffany was nothing but smiles. There was minimal to no burning pain in her chest and her energy level sky-rocketed.

Today's weather is perfect for bike riding she started before holding on to Taeyeon's hand. It's kind of humid out here, are you sure that you'll be okay? her best friend asked, ignoring Tiffany's previous remark. She laughed. TaeTae, of course I'll be alright. This is the most fun I've had in three days! And your little escapade to customer service wasn't? That's why I said three days Tiffany replied in rebuttal. Tada~ Yoona chimed in from behind. The girl, along with Seohyun, were each pushing a tandem bicycle towards Tiffany and Taeyeon. Pink! Tiffany squealed in delight as she plunged herself towards the bicycle Seohyun was holding. Yoona, Taeyeon voiced incredulously, where did you get these? The younger girl let out an alligator-like laugh. I have three siblings. We couldn't afford four separate ones so my parents bought us two twin bicycles instead. We're all grown up now so we don't use these anymore. Anyways, my parents live near here and I thought it'd be a nice day to bike outside so I brought these over for us. Cool, right? Definitely! Tiffany blissfully replied as she started getting on the second seat of the pink tandem bicycle. TaeTae, she called, you'll steer, kay? Seems like someone's excited Seohyun added with a giggle as

she stared at the giddy girl. She's always like this whenever she see's something pink Taeyeon explained. Yoona laughed before pulling Seohyun to the other bicycle. The two got on with Yoona being the one on the front and Seohyun on the back. Your therapist says that you need to exercise your legs but don't tire yourself out, okay? If it hurts, stop pedaling Yoona informed her fiancee as the latter replied with an eager nod. TAETAE, WE HAVEN'T GOT ALL DAY! GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE! Tiffany ordered in her playful, yet loud, voice. This was what she had always wanted; to spend her remaining days creating grand memories with her best friend. That was why she denied Dr.Kim's offer at first, that was why she continues to hope that Taeyeon would change her mind, and that was why to this day, her heart was still set on looking for angels; to continue the journey that gave her the world. Tiffany cursed her illness for cutting their trip short. Alright, alright, Taeyeon replied as she hurriedly rushed to get on the front seat of the bicycle. Yoona turned to face the two best friends before saying, There's a bike path just a few blocks from here; towards the back of the hospital's left wing. Follow me, okay? Taeyeon gave her a thumbs up before the four set off towards their mini adventure, and to what Tiffany thought of as another priceless memory to store in her glassed jar called life. This simple bike ride was precious to her. And not the kind of

precious one would refer to when presenting an object of great value or worth, but like the kind of precious the last breath would be to a drowning victim.

Wheeeeee Tiffany blissfully caroled alongside the exhilarating breeze. The scent of moss and spring blossoms followed them as they sped past the dirt pathway on their bicycles. The panel of persimmon and cherry blossom trees that lined the outer edges of the path seemed to turn into a blur of emerald and pink blotches to Tiffany as she fluttered her eyelids closed. It was mesmerizing. Just once more she wished that she had hair. To take delight in feeling the wind coerce her locks into silken swirls. As Tiffany slowly opened her eyes, she witnessed a balloon caught in between two branches of one of the cherry trees. Tiffany sympathized with it, because just like the imprisoned balloon, she too was longing to fly again. I wonder TaeTae, she spoke, drawing her lips close to her best friend's ear, how long it would be for us to reach Gyeonju if we biked there? It was a simple question, but she knew that Taeyeon would get what she was trying to secretly imply. I know what you're thinking, and no. Taeyeon simply replied.

With a dejected expression she leaned herself as far away from her best friend as possible. It had been like that ever since she was admitted in the hospital she would bring up the topic of angels and Gyeonju with her best friend and Taeyeon would simply and coldly dismiss it. Tiffany would never pry further after that, she respected her best friend's wishes too much. If Taeyeon didn't wanted to go to Gyeonju then so be it. It wasn't like she could just go and leave her best friend here while she continued on with the journey. They always did everything together, always. Like being partners for science projects

So TaeTae, what should we do for our 'Water Systems' project? a thirteen year old Tiffany asked as she took out her pink notebook, followed by a pink pen. Taeyeon thought for a while before snapping her fingers. I got it! she said with a confident grin, A spaghetti waterfall! With meatballs as boulders on the river! Tiffany added with the same excited tone as her best friend. We'll so ace this project the shorter girl concluded with a smug smirk. Unfortunately, the two had to learn the hard way that tomato sauce and a science teacher's perm did NOT go well together.

Becoming late night study buddies for the next day's test.

Stop spitting spit balls at me, I'm trying to study Tiffany reprimanded from across the study table. She shot Taeyeon an icy glare before flipping her math textbook to the next page. It's too quiet, Fany Taeyeon whined, it gives me the creeps. That's because it's a LIBARY TaeTae Taeyeon rolled her eyes before shooting another spit ball to Tiffany's forehead. I said stop! the younger girl yelled, clearly infuriated by her best friend's childish behaviour. Tiffany eyed Taeyeon closely before looking down at all the paper ammo she had created. Where did you get all the paper from? You didn't even bring any..... the realization hit her, OH MY GOD! MY NOTES, WHERE ARE MY NOTES?!? Those were notes? Taeyeon asked, ignorant of the fact that she had just signed her death wish with that question.

And even joining the junior high cheer leading squad together.

Congratulations Hwang Miyoung, you've made it into the squad the cheer-leading captain informed with a perky smile that made Taeyeon cringe.

Omgosh, omgosh, really? Tiffany squealed before jumping up and down with jubilation. How about Taeyeon? She made it too, right? Unfortunately, she doesn't have the same bubbly spirit we're looking for the captain replied, feigning disappointment. What? That's impossible! Tiffany cried as she furrowed her eyebrows, she's so bubbly that if you shake her you can literally hear her fizz. The girl turned around to her best friend who stood there with a blank expression, TaeTae, show her how bubbly you are Eh?!? Go ahead, show her Taeyeon presented the best fake smile she could muster. To say that it was creepy was definitely an understatement. On second thought, Tiffany blurted, maybe we can make her the mascot instead?

Tiffany smiled as she reminisced on her treasured memories. Fany, are you helping me pedal? Taeyeon asked, bringing her out of her heavenly trance. Because I am DYING right now. Yeah TaeTae, I am Tiffany lied. The girl spent the rest of the ride comfortably sitting behind Taeyeon, enjoying the view while periodically making fun of her best friend who was literally drenched in sweat from head to toe.

Sufficed to say that throughout the ride she hadn't stepped foot on the bicycle's pedals even once. Tiffany thought that it was a tragedy that people get to live only one life. Because if she had another one, she would have loved to spend it again with Taeyeon.

12. Its a long road baby, run away

Adventures must start with running away from home - William Bolitho

Two weeks have passed since they were first admitted to the hospital. This morning, Yoona with her never ending smile, appeared to be like a kid who had way too much sugar. Jumping up and down on Seohyun's hospital bed, she imitated the Tarzan-like pose before filling her lungs in with air and expelling it all out in a deafening roar of exaltation. Freedom! she hollered from the top of her lungs. Taeyeon shot up from her chair, casually walked towards the younger girl and gave her a slap on the shoulder. Yoona, she reprimanded, I know you're excited that you and Seohyun get to leave, but Fany is sleeping. So could you please keep it down?

Taeyeon looked at the girl who laid motionless on her bed, snuggled in a newly washed sheet. Tiffany furrowed her eyes as a frown drooped from her lips. She thought that her best friend was either in a lot of pain or having a terrible nightmare, she hoped that it was the latter. Yoona stopped jumping before crawling out of the bed. Sorry unnie, I forgot. That's alright, Taeyeon responded with a light smile, just... celebrate quietly. The younger girl nodded before giving her an 'okay' sign with her fingers. Oh, unnie, Yoona began again, taking a hold of Taeyeon's shoulder, it's been two weeks, two weeks! Puzzled by what she said, Taeyeon arched an eyebrow. What are you talking about? Two weeks have passed and Seohyun still remembers! Yoona quietly rejoiced. This is it, I just know it. She's going to remember, she's going to remember everything! Taeyeon wanted to remind her that Seohyun had permanent anterograde amnesia, so she doubted that the girl would spontaneously be cured from it. She didn't want to wipe that smile from her though so she kept quiet. That's great Yoona Taeyeon softly replied. Isn't it? I knew that all my months of praying paid off Yoona said before skipping towards their room's washroom. The door was closed and so she knocked three times before calling her fiancee who was cleaning herself up inside.

Seo! Yoona whispered, are you almost done? What? the voiced asked from behind the door. I said: Are you almost done? Sorry, I can't hear you. What did you say? I said: Yoona wailed, ARE YOU ALMOST DONE?!? SSSHHHHHHH Taeyeon scolded with her index finger to her lips. There was some ruffling coming from beside Taeyeon, and both she and Yoona froze as they jerked their heads to the direction of the sound. Tiffany shifted on her bed before slowly opening her eyes. Yoona wouldn't simply be walking out of the hospital today, Taeyeon thought as her expression darkened, she'd be riding out of the hospital; inside a coffin. The younger girl swallowed the lump in her throat before asking for the thousandth time this week, I'm sorry unnie, did we wake you? Usually Tiffany would flash a smile at her before replying with some sort of sarcastic remark, but not today. She rubbed her eyes, let out a yawn, and glanced at the two girls with empty eyes. It was scary how things could change so fast and without warning; just yesterday Tiffany and Yoona were childishly rapping away as they wore surgical masks on their foreheads apparently, her best friend said that it made them look 'gansta'. TaeTae, what time is it? she asked in a deadpan tone.

It's ten after one she replied as she headed towards the edge of Tiffany's bed. She shot a piercing glare at Yoona who stood there motionless, before gently tucking the white sheet closer to Tiffany and adjusting her head pillow. How do you feel? Taeyeon asked. A bit tired, that's all. I couldn't sleep well last night since Yoona kept telling me scary stories. The flashlight to her face didn't help at all. The older girl gingerly laughed, Why'd you let her anyways? Because she said that it was funny stories. I can't believe I fell for it. Tiffany voiced before letting out a quiet groan. It is funny, Yoona finally said with a cackle, you should have seen her face! Taeyeon gave her another cold glare. The girl's smile immediately inverted. Spinning at a one-eighty degree angle, she pleaded for Seohyun to let her in to avoid another murderous glare from Taeyeon. The door opened and in a blink of an eye Yoona was nowhere to be seen, the door was once again closed shut. Well, try to sleep again. Taeyeon added as she stroked Tiffany's cheek. Once you regain your energy we can do something fun; I hear that the elderly patients are playing bingo this evening. Or, Tiffany proposed, we can head to Gyeonju. Did you know that Gyeonju is spelled 'F.U.N' in English? We'd have to first pass by the small town called 'Not a chance' before we can reach Gyeonju Taeyeon wittingly replied with a

smirk. Tiffany let out a sigh before burying her head deeper into her pillow. TaeTae, I'm going to sleep now. Wake me up though when Yoona and Seohyun are leaving, I want to say goodbye to them. Alright, Fany. Good...afternoon and sleep tight

Yoona and Seohyun were now done gathering up all their possessions that lay scattered around the room. Taeyeon had just finished helping them place the last of their belongings inside a kerero backpack when the door opened. Im Yoona? Nurse Lim asked. She was dressed in white, tall, and had brunette hair that was placed in a tidy bun. Taeyeon felt quite sorry for her as she was given the burden to not only tend after Seohyun, but Yoona as well. Yes? Yoona asked with a smile. We need you to sign some papers for us before you girls can leave. It would only take fifteen or so minutes of your time. Alright, the doe-eyed girl replied as she made her way to Nurse Lim, where do I start? You can start by heading to the central desk on the main floor.

The forms are with one of our staff members there. Yoona nodded before asking Nurse Lim if she could give her a few minutes. The middle-aged woman said yes to her request making Yoona turn around and prance to Taeyeon and Seohyun. Well Seohyun, we're finally leaving Yoona stated with a wide grin as she wrapped her fiancee in a hug. Should I wait for you outside then while you fill out the forms? Seohyun asked when she was finally released from her hold. I don't want you to go outside alone though Yoona replied. Taeyeon slapped the girl's shoulder, I'll come with her while you sign the forms Are you sure? Is it okay if you leave Tiffany-unnie here alone? It's just fifteen minutes, Taeyeon said, making Yoona respond with a sigh of relief. Thanks unnie Seohyun voiced. That reminds me, Taeyeon added as she pulled the two girls towards Tiffany's bed side. Fany wants to say good-bye to you before you leave. She gently shook her best friend's shoulders as she softly told Tiffany to wake up. The pale girl fluttered her eyes open. In a groggy manner she asked What is it, TaeTae? Yoona and Seohyun are leaving now UNNIE~ Yoona wailed as she plopped down on Tiffany's bed.

I'm going to miss you. Who will be my DJ partner? Who can I play pranks on? Who can I tell scary stories to? Who can I- When you say it like that, Tiffany weakly interjected in a playful voice, I'm kind of glad you're leaving. That hurts, Yoona said as she pointed to her heart, right here unnie. Nah, I'm just playing Tiffany replied with a slight smile. I'll miss you too, Yoong. Keep on smiling, kay? Okay the younger girl said as she tried her best to keep her emotions at bay. Good, because if you don't, I'll be very upset. Tiffany voiced before shifting her eyes to Seohyun who stood there with an endearing expression. Seohyun, I'm sorry... They all gave her a confused look. Tiffany ignored them and continued, that you're stuck with a child for a fiancee. Unnie! Yoona whined with a pout. I'm joking, she said, letting out a somber giggle. But Seo, just know that I'll always remember you even if you might not- The girl shook her head, Unnie, like people, all memories age with time. But some memories can never fade, and I'd like to believe that I'll always remember you too. Tiffany smiled at that. I'd give you girls a hug but unfortunately I'm too tired to even sit up

That's alright unnie, Yoona said, don't force yourself. Fany, Taeyeon added, I'm accompanying Seohyun outside while Yoona signs some forms. I'll be back soon, okay? Her best friend nodded. Yoona and Seohyun said their final goodbyes to Tiffany before they, along with Taeyeon, headed out of the hospital room.

The glassed doors slid open with a buzz. Taeyeon and Seohyun sauntered out to the front entrance of the hospital, the spring breeze welcoming them openly with a hug. Excited to go home? Taeyeon asked. Definitely Seohyun answered with a wide grin. There was a comfortable silence between the two girls as they stared at the passing vehicles that sped by on the road.

Soundtrack: Nine [Play for a better reading experience]

Seohyun decided to break the quiet air that hung around them with

a question, Unnie, can I ask you a question? Taeyeon looked at her before nodding. What is Gyeonju to you and Tiffany-unnie? The older girl was taken aback by the question. She took a few seconds to think of an answer, Roadtrip A roadtrip? Why? Should she tell Seohyun the truth or not? Taeyeon decided that it was best to say the truth; she was terrible at lying anyways. To look for angels. Angels? Yeah. My mom once told me that if we find one, we could have one wish granted. Taeyeon paused to inhale before continuing, It may sound silly, but there was a man who told me that there are angels in Gyeonju. Seohyun was a smart one, she easily caught on. Ah, I see. And you went on this roadtrip in hopes that you can find one to heal Tiffany-unnie. It's silly, right? Definitely not. Taeyeon shot her a perplexed look. Huh? What's silly is that you and her choose to stay here when you could be trying instead to get there. I hear Tiffany-unnie all the

time muttering something about Gyeonju and Angels. It seems that she really wants to go there. We both want to go there, but we can't Taeyeon replied with an air of disappointment. Why not? Yoona told me about how you and Tiffany left the hospital in Seoul without notice, you can do it again. Taeyeon released a heavy sigh. Seohyun, you know about Fany's condition. You know how she needs the doctors here to keep her alive longer. What if going to Gyeonju would be a mistake? she asked in a grave manner. All along she thought she was making the right decision, and here someone was, trying to tell her otherwise. Yes, but that's all that it is; a mistake. Mistakes people make become dead in time, but you can't bury things that you never did. Taeyeon-unnie, I don't know if there really will be angels in Gyeonju, but if I was Tiffany-unnie, I'd prefer a day spent journeying with my loved one than a week sitting in a hospital bed waiting to die. You don't understand I might not fully understand, but I know what it feels like to be her. I have amnesia Taeyeon-unnie; I'm alive and yet not really living, because to live is to collect memories. The days after the accident, I don't remember. I see that the days on the calendar are moving while I'm standing still. I don't remember what Yoona did for me last month, or the childish pranks that she most definitely would play, or the little moments that got me here. Having the inability to collect new memories is the same as being dead. And so, if I had a choice to die tomorrow but keep all the new memories I've collected up to this day, I would choose it without a second thought. Unnie, to a dying person, cherished memories are

more precious than air. Taeyeon shook her head slowly, I don't know... The accident taught me one thing unnie; to cling to whatever chance you have of happiness when you find it. Even if the happiness is short lasting, grab it, because I think that people are only given two or three chances to catch it before it vanishes. Seohyun turned to look at Taeyeon, And from seeing you and Tiffany-unnie, I think Gyeonju is that happiness." It was a strange feeling for Taeyeon, like she wasn't herself anymore. It was hard to describe it, but it sort of felt like the feeling a person would get during that second when they were between the state of being awake and being asleep. Seohyun continued. Tiffany-unnie said that you've known each other since you were seven, so I know how hard it must be for you. For fourteen years you've reshaped your world, and I know that the thought of living alone in that world built for two is frightening, but there is nothing more terrifying than the devastation of having nothing to hope for. Seohyun smiled, turning around to completely face the older girl. There's nothing to hope for when it comes to my memories, but there is everything to hope for when my memories are shared with another. Likewise for you, there's nothing to hope for here, but there is everything to hope for there. Was it possible to breathe life to someone? I can't believe it.... Taeyeon said, I can't believe that we wasted two weeks here when we could have already been to Gyeonju instead.

She wrapped her arms around Seohyun and embraced her in a grateful hug. Thank you Seohyun, I think I know now why Fany was so set on continuing our trip Seohyun? the younger girl asked, trying to pry herself away from her. When she succeeded, she stared in bewilderment at Taeyeon who stared back with the same expression. I'm sorry miss, but how do you know my name? I'm not sure if we ever met Seohyun voiced, clearly uncomfortable with what had just happened earlier. Seo! Taeyeon-unnie! Yoona called from behind. The doe-eyed girl flashed Taeyeon a smile before saying, Thanks for keeping her company while I finished the forms. Anyways, I left my cell number on top of the desk next to Tiffany-unnie's bed. Call me anytime if you or her are ever bored here, which is inevitable since I'm not around anymore. Yoona belted out an alligator-like laugh before continuing, I'll stop over to visit you guys when I have the chance. I'll call you sometime, but there's no need for you to stop over because we won't be here when you do What? Let's just say me and Fany are going on a little roadtrip. I'm confused. What- Seohyun cut Yoona off, Yoong, do you know her? Yoona laughed at her odd question, Yeah, of course, why would I- her voice trailed off as she soon realized why her fiancee had asked her that trivial question.

And Yoong, why are we outside of a hospital? Seohyun again asked, this time with panic and confusion embedded in each word. Taeyeon could see that Yoona was hurting. She gave the girl a comforting pat on the back and said, Yoona, I'll call you sometime this week to explain because right now I think it's best for you and Seohyun to go Alright, I'll wait for your call. Yoona said before reaching down to hold the younger girl's hand. Filling her lungs in with air, she emotionally prepared herself before saying Seohyun, this might sound crazy, but you've got to listen alright? The two headed off to Yoona's vehicle, Taeyeon watching their retreating figures with a smile on her face.

Taeyeon literally ran to the hospital room. She couldn't wait to see how Tiffany would react when she tells her the good news. All along this is what her best friend wanted, and she was stupid for not giving it to her. She knew it would be a risk, but wasn't life all about risks? And just like what Seohyun had told her: there was nothing more devastating than having nothing to hope for. Angels were their hope, and Taeyeon realized that Tiffany would have rather died hoping than to live in hopelessness. Time indeed was a liar, because sometimes, days were far more longer than weeks.

Smiling, she hastily opened the door to their room. Sleepyhead, you have better regained that energy already because we're- Nurses running about with equipment in hand. Dr.Kim breathless from giving out too many orders. Footsteps; slow ones, rushed ones, heavy ones, all heading towards her best friend who was connected to a bag filled with blood. The last thing Taeyeon saw before a nurse gently closed the door on her was Tiffany with eyes closed, breathing irregularly from her oxygen mask.

13. Angels lead you in

In the infinite sky of heaven's shore spills the falling rain, and I am in them, and that is eternity.

There had been a time, for Taeyeon, when the future seemed linear, something that was only made possible by the moments preceding it. Now that she was older and much more wise, she knew that it was never the case for her. The life that she had lived was never smooth, the paths she walked was never straight, and the line that consisted of all the choices she did and didn't make was never even. So like everything else, time for her was not linear, because her future will and always will be contained in her past.

You wouldn't know what extraordinary means if you didn't know what ordinary was, likewise, you wouldn't know sadness if you hadn't already experienced happiness, because sadness, in and of itself, was the longing for past happiness.

A week after Yoona and Seohyun left. She and Tiffany were finally in Gyeonju.

Splash Splash Splash. Taeyeon's toes were stretched out as she lifted her feet from the crystalline water. The upward motion sent little tears to fly away from the lake's surface and up towards the baby blue sky. In the blazing glow of the sun the droplets of water twinkled like evening stars, enraptured in a spellbinding waltz with the light. The girl's feet drooped back down in concurrence with the little tears, her flesh being met by an icy kiss from the lake. TaeTae? Tiffany asked with a wide grin. She was laying beside her best friend on a shaded patch of grass, the tips of her feet dangling from the edge of the riverbank as her toes grazed the water's surface. Yes Fany? Taeyeon replied, watching the little swallows dart across God's ever changing canvas above. It seemed that the infinite sky was never moving, held motionless while everything below moved from one place to another. What if we don't ever find an angel? her best friend asked as she rolled to her side to face the girl, who in Tiffany's eyes, always had

an answer for everything. Taeyeon laughed, That's silly No I'm serious. What happens if we don't get that wish? Fany, that's even more silly. Taeyeon responded lightly before resting her arms underneath her head for a pillow. She closed her eyes and asked Why are you asking anyways? Tiiffany shifted uncomfortably, playing nervously with her fingers. Taeyeon didn't need to have her eyes open for her to know that her best friend was hesitant in answering her question. Spill it Fany Well.... the younger girl started in an uneasy tone, I was thinking and.... And? And... if we're too late in finding that angel, that I could be the alternative. I don't follow Taeyeon replied, opening her eyes to look at her best friend closely. Well TaeTae, I've decided that I want to become and angel when I get to heaven. You DECIDED to become an angel? Since when? Just now Tiffany replied nonchalantly. And why? Because I still want you to have a wish even if I can't be there

with you when you make it. her best friend said, flashing Taeyeon a brilliant eye smile. And what does you becoming an angel have to do with me getting a wish? Well TaeTae, you know, when I'm in heaven and become and angel, I'll ask God if I can come visit you. Because then you won't have to look no more; that wish, our wish, it's yours. What?!? Taeyeon hollered, clearly not pleased with what Tiffany had just said. It's the best back up plan ever! Tiffany celebrated, flinging her arms in the air to show her excitement. No, that's the WORST back up plan ever! Taeyeon admonished. The only reason why I wanted a wish in the first place is so that you can get better. If you leave me and become an angel, then I have nothing to wish on. Dummy, did you think this through? I just wanted you to get a wish! You should be thankful that you have such a caring best friend that thinks of other people before herself. Well if this is what you've come up with when thinking, then you should stop thinking altogether Taeyeon harshly replied as she sat up and crossed her arms. It's not my fault, okay? Tiffany said, I'm just worried about leaving you here all alone when I go. You're not going anywhere though Taeyeon replied in a terse manner. We're going to find an angel, and we're not giving up until we do.

Really? Mom said that those who never give up never truly lose. What happens if- No matter what. Taeyeon interjected, There's no 'what if's' in quests Fany. Have you ever heard of king Arthur and his knights of the round table asking 'what if' questions whenever they're on a quest? No, else they wouldn't be able to slay all those dragons! Taeyeon flashed her a wide smile that showed all her teeth. I promise we'll find an angel before it's too late. I don't know... Tiffany said, still wary of her best friend's claim. Fany, promises are meant to be kept, if it isn't, then what's the point of calling it a promise? Alright TaeTae, her best friend voiced with another eye smile, I trust you. Pinky swear Taeyeon added before holding out her pinky. Tiffany responded by clinging on to it with her own. Pinky swear she softly repeated to herself.

Soundtrack: Ten [Play for a better reading experience] ...TaeTae, it's going to rain soon... She could still hear the words that she said a few weeks ago. The

time when they laughed in the rain.

Wha-what are you doing? We're getting wet Taeyeon reasoned in a baffled manner as she tried to drag Tiffany back into the shelter of the station's canopy. We were already wet anyways before getting here. Come on, be rebellious for once The younger girl jovially voiced.

Plip. Plop. Plip. Plop. The sky grew dark around her. The bitter wind singing in melancholy as it gently swayed the branches of the nearby trees. Rolling thunder snapped from far away so that from where Taeyeon stood, the deafening cry had already dwindled down to a soft hush. It started raining, as if her best friend was crying along with her up in heaven. Fat, heavy and cold rain drops plummeted down from sky. It appeared that today God chose grey to paint the canvas above. It sort of surprised Taeyeon, and not because she wasn't used to a grey sky but that she thought that it should have been pink. The girl gave an empty laugh as she imagined her very own best friend pestering the Almighty to let her paint the sky pink for this day.

Instinctively, Taeyeon brought her hands above her head to prevent herself from getting wet, and then it occurred to the girl how funny she looked trying to stop the rain. She waited for Tiffany to laugh and point at her, teasing her and calling her a dork, but it didn't happen. Four days, four long days of not hearing her voice. This was the longest she had ever been separated from her best friend.

Does it look like I am? Taeyeon responded, I'm so serious right now that if you look up 'Serious' in the dictionary you'd find a picture of me. Really? Another one? What do you mean? Taeyeon asked with a perplexed expression. I mean, wow TaeTae, you're so famous! Because I googled up 'Dork' and a picture of you popped up as well! What's even more surprising is that it's used for the 'Dork' article in wiki..... Which reminds me, I still have to contact the person who wrote that article and complain, because saying that you're a dork is in and of itself an understatement, but then again, you can't rely on wikipedia for the truth anyways. Tiffany retorted with a grin before languidly hopping on to Taeyeon's back.

It was scary how many times people take the little things for granted. Taeyeon would give anything, trade anything, do anything, for her best friend to tease her with those gentle eyes again.

Was this what sadness was all about? Was it what comes as the aftermath of all beautiful memories after a terrifying storm? Surely she had nothing left after braving the hurricane; the cherished photographs that was clutched tightly to her chest had been blown away by the violent winds. What she felt though was not just sadness, but something greater and much more heavy. It wasn't just the want for her remembered happiness that fed the growing sorrow, but on a promise the couldn't be kept. Her broken promise that they would find an angel before it was too late. The rain stopped hitting her and she turned around expectantly, hoping that it would be her best friend who had held that umbrella, giving her a brilliant smile before lecturing her on how irresponsible she could be for not bringing an umbrella. Taeyeon, I don't know how painful it is for you right now, but just know we'll help you get through this. And Tiffany, well... she's in a better place now Sooyoung said softly. She was holding the umbrella with her left hand as she rubbed the shorter girl's back with her right. "There's no leukaemia in heaven right?" Taeyeon asked. Sooyoung was religious, so she would know everything there was to know about heaven. "No Taeyeon, there isn't" the tall girl replied in a comforting whisper. Taeyeon coiled her fingers around the straps of the travelling bag that dangled on her shoulder. Her's and Tiffany's travelling bag, the

one they carried with them along the road. She couldn't dare let go of it. Tiffany's possessions were in there, and in some way, the bag symbolized their beautiful journey. Seconds passed before she finally said, I want to say thank you for coming. You and Sunny both. Fany would have wanted you guys to come. Sooyoung's niece along with Sunny walked towards them. The little girl held on to her aunt's hand as she watched with tear stained cheeks at the burial service that was about to start.

Mommy, can I have a pink shirt like Tiffany unnie? Sure you can, the middle-aged woman replied although she didn't know why her daughter had asked her that out-of-the-blue question. We'll buy you a pink one sometime this week, okay? And can I have pretty hair like hers too? For an eight year old, bald hair meant the same thing as any other hairstyle. Now, honey.... Because I want to be like her when I grow up, Sooyoung's niece cut in with a radiant smile, and Tiffany was speechless at the little girl's sudden confession. Mommy, I want to be just as beautiful as she is

From the get go, she was beautiful. We would have come no matter what Sooyoung voiced in a solemn tone.

Taeyeon gave an empty smile before looking at each of the faces that have began to crowd before the burial sight. It was mostly composed of Sooyoung's and Sunny's family, along with her own family, a few that she had personally asked to attend, and some she couldn't recognize. Someone placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Taeyeon turned to find Yoona without a smile. The people that led them along their journey, the people that showed them hope, love, laughter, faith, and friendship, they were all here. Despite the sorrow that weighed heavily in the air, love was there. Love had always been there. Wherever she and Tiffany walked, love was there. She could hear Tiffany's lingering laughter and feel her warm smile, because love, in a way, was how to stay alive even after you pass away. Goodbye it's the saddest word in any language.

TaeTae, I'm done she said as she made a slight slit on the paper with a thin twig, slipped the balloon's string through it and tied it up securely. Taeyeon did the same, tying up the paper to her blue balloon. Same here she said with a wide grin. What'd you wish for? Tiffany asked curiously.

For you to stay with me forever Taeyeon answered, I was going to write until I grow old... but that doesn't seem long enough for me. How about you? That I keep falling at 9.8 meters per second even after I hit the ground

And indeed, as long as she remained in the hearts of the people she loved, she would continually fall at that speed; pulled closer by love's gravitation. The burial service started. For Taeyeon, it was an out of body experience in the most literal sense, because she was now just a walking corpse. If people really had souls, it was long gone from her body now. It had left with Tiffany when she became an angel. The lowering of the coffin symbolized the waving of the white flag. Their journey ended, their noble quest unfinished and incomplete. She looked at the gravestone. Hwang Miyoung. 1989 Present Date An angel whose next journey, next roadtrip, and next quest is to sail back to God in an ocean of pure joy, helped by the wind of past companionship and return home. Taeyeon didn't like the thought of having stamped the specific date of her death on the stone. To her and to everybody else, she was

still alive, living in the memories and on the roads she had shared along the journey.

Taeyeon flashed her a smile that bore all the feelings that were contained in her heart. Feelings of acceptance, gratefulness, hope, and love. So how about it, Fany? You, me, doing this one last quest together? Last huh? I guess this really is it.... the sick girl responded with a reminiscing smile, our last shot to look for angels. Think of it as a roadtrip, a journey, an adventure.

Indeed, it was an adventure of a lifetime, one that she would remember forever. Taeyeon wished she could be a girl again, to relive her memories again with her best friend. Anything, she would give anything to have Tiffany back at her side. She doubted she could be able to adapt herself to live without a heart. Taeyeon would try, but she'd forever be trying. Great loss can never be mended with time. With its razor edges, it shapes us, carves us, and moulds us into something totally different. Time can't let us change back to who we were before the loss, but rather, allows us to accept the new creature we have become. The minister started speaking. There were no tears, there was only emptiness and she felt it

everywhere; in the roof of her mouth, in the spaces between her fingers, and in the recesses of her hollow chest. Taeyeon was not strong enough for this. Her best friend was the one that was strong while Taeyeon used her as a pillar of strength. Now that the pillar was no more, she felt weak, vulnerable, and deserted. Taeyeon wanted some great disaster to sweep her off her feet now, to break her, shatter her into tiny fragments and blow her up towards the sky towards the one she loved. Please, she begged, let me be with the one I love.

Kneeling down beside her best friend, she sported a dorky grin. Do you, Hwang Miyoung, take Kim Taeyeon as your lawfully wedded wife. To love and to cherish for as long as... Taeyeon couldn't remember the rest, so she made it up, ... for as long as... you turn into an angel? Tiffany bit her tongue to prevent her from laughing again. Once her urge to chuckle at Taeyeon's dorky antic was gone, she nodded and held her right hand up as if taking a vow. Even after I turn into an angel, the younger girl corrected with a brilliant smile before poking Taeyeon on the forehead with an index finger, But, yes, I do

They started lowering her down. Taeyeon couldn't take it anymore. She ran.

The girl found herself on a bench not too far away from the burial site. She shivered as the bitter winds brushed past her, the smell of moss and dew hung heavily in the breeze. It had stopped raining, but she didn't care, in fact, she didn't care about anything at all. Taeyeon just wanted her best friend back. She was on the brink of having another anxiety attack the first one since the first day she met Tiffany. The girl really was her anti-anxiety medication. A surge of overwhelming panic came over her and she didn't know what to do. This time, her empty chest had allowed her to cry, and with it, came the realization that she was now truly alone. No more late nights driving aimlessly around town, no more spilled coffees from laughing too much, no more singing along to the tunes of the car radio, no more fake marriage rings, no more secrets shared only among best friends no more Tiffany. Taeyeon was desperate, desperate to see and hear her. She rummaged inside their travelling bag before grabbing the video camera that was there. She had replaced the camera she had bought a long time ago with a video camera, and the girl had not realized that she had packed it inside the bag before they left from the hospital in Seoul. It was just a week previous that she found out it was in there all along. Taeyeon flipped the screen open and turned it on. She selected the first of many short videos that was saved inside.

The clip was of the morning Tiffany awoke from having numerous treatments done on her to stop the internal bleeding in her lungs. The morning after Yoona and Seohyun's departure. Dr.Kim told Taeyeon of the news once Tiffany was out of critical condition. Her best friend's bone marrow was close to completely failing, and was the reason her platelet levels dropped down so quickly in a matter of hours. He said that typically normal patients would undergo a bone marrow transplant, but since Tiffany was not only weak but was already in the late stages of leukaemia, there was little to no chance of survival in the surgery. He proposed that she should use Tiffany's remaining days to make lasting memories with her. Taeyeon asked if she had the strength to get out of bed, Dr.Kim said no, and with that, her hopes of continuing their journey simply vanished. An 'I'm sorry that we couldn't continue our quest' to her best friend wasn't enough. She could apologize a thousand times to her and it still wouldn't be enough for Taeyeon to feel the least bit guilty. The girl had a lot of regrets in life, but this one was the biggest; that they didn't continue their search for angels when there was still a chance for them to do so. It was a gift she found the video camera when searching for some Tylenol. Apparently, crying for the whole night was akin to having a hangover. The moment Tiffany woke up, Taeyeon wiped away her last tear for the day, put on a smile, and told her best friend of her intention to record every second of every day she spent breathing. She also told herself that while Tiffany was still alive, she wouldn't cry, she would smile and in turn, try making her best friend smile. Like what Yoona said: she had forever to cry but just a short while to laugh and smile. She wouldn't let Tiffany pass away while having the image of a

broken and tearful Taeyeon etched in her mind. No, if anything, she would like Tiffany to think that they would both separate with smiles on their faces. Taeyeon pressed play.

Okay Fany, do your introduction Taeyeon said from behind the camera. She zoomed in to her best friend's face who was seated upright, leaning on the headboard of the bed. Tiffany looked frighteningly pale but yet, she still fought it off with a genuine smile on her face. TaeTae, I don't want to she whined. Every epic biography starts with a great introduction. Now come on! Tiffany sighed, shook her head before muttering 'Dork' under her breath. I HEARD THAT! Taeyeon wailed as she zoomed in closer. Fany, Fany, Tiffany, do your introduction. Please? For me? Didn't I tell you that I don't like cameras? Yes, but this is a video camera not a picture camera. Ugh, Tiffany groaned. Fine TaeTae, but you owe me later. I want some milk and cookies from the cafeteria lady who has that

freaky black caterpillar in between her eyebrows. It's called a unibrow Fany. Taeyeon explained, Anyways, action! Tiffany stared into the camera and flashed the biggest smile she was capable of. Hello, my name is Hwang Miyoung, but most people call me Tiffany. I have a dork as a best friend... Excuse me? Taeyeon interjected. The sick girl laughed. I mean, I have a dork for a girlfriend. That's not what I meant Fany! Love you too, TaeTae! Tiffany replied with a blithe giggle.

Taeyeon kept on watching and the video kept on playing. 14. To whom it may concern "There are times in life when people must know when not to let go. Balloons are designed to teach small children this." Terry Pratchett

Video clip: 002 Tiffany's face filled up the camera's whole screen.

TaeTae, Tiffany whined with a pout. She was getting frustrated over how many times they had to do her introduction. We've been doing this since....the ice age.... can we go do something else? Alright, alright, Taeyeon replied. The camera zoomed out, showing the sick girl still sitting on her bed with arms crossed. This is the last question, I promise. What are you good at? Everything her best friend buoyantly said as she gave a heavenly giggle akin to moving wind chimes on a summer breeze. Except, she continued, cooking or cleaning. I'm fairly clumsy and can't multitask that well. I love music but I can't sing in normal human decibels. Yeah, you sing pretty loud, like Banshee from Marvel Taeyeon interjected with a laugh. Tiffany ignored her and continued, I continuously lose things, and I can't tell the difference from left and right most of the times. Oh, and when I get angry, I tend to break things You're like the love child of the Hulk and Banshee. TaeTae, they're both guys Well you never know. Technology these days Taeyeon countered. She laughed and the camera bobbed up and down in concurrent motion to her breaths. Her best friend shook her head in retaliation to the girl's dorky remark. As I was saying, TaeTae Tiffany voiced, I'm pretty bad at all those things, but you're really good at them. I guess we make a great pair."

Like Bonnie and Clyde. Han Solo and Chewbacca. Frodo and Sam. C-3P0 and R2D2. Shrek and Donkey. Yes, the sick girl replied with a smile that could be compared to a starlit sky, just like them

Not one of us is immune to loss. Everyone loses at least one thing precious to them. Lost promises and lost possibilities. Lost journeys and lost opportunities. Lost love and lost hope. Feelings we can never ever get back again. Video clip: 003 The camera wobbled around, first staring at the ceiling, then the floor, and then the window that afforded an expansive view of the city of Busan. The video camera stayed like that, watching the city move, before swerving to left where Tiffany still sat on the bed. Taeyeon's forehead crept into the camera's vision from the bottom right corner. It looked like she was checking for something. After a minute of shooting Taeyeon's forehead, the camera zoomed in closer. The short girl stood up, gave a thumbs up to the camera, and headed to where Tiffany sat. The two girls were both in the view of the camera. Why is the camera on top of the flower pot? Tiffany asked, staring in puzzlement to the video camera before shifting her attention back to her best friend. I was tired of holding it all the time, and besides, I want to get in

the shot too Taeyeon briefly explained as she turned around to grab two white cups. The girl handed one to Tiffany and said, I know I don't allow you to drink coffee because I said that you still have a lot of years to grow and coffee will just stunt it, but JUST for today I'll make an exception. Taeyeon smiled before continuing, Caramel Coffee, your favourite. Tiffany gave a nervous laugh as she scratched the back of her head. Wha-whaaat? I swear I never had this in my life. TaeTae, I've been a good girl. If you said no coffee, then no- You're such a liar Fany, Taeyeon cut in with a playful laugh, I've seen you sneak out and buy a medium cup of it when I'm not looking. The Seoul hospital's cafe says you're quite a regular. Oh my, Tiffany said nervously, look at the time! TaeTae, let's drink it before it gets cold Taeyeon laughed before quickly getting up from her seat and giving Tiffany a quick kiss on the cheeks. Her best friend turned around to look at the girl with a bewildered yet elated expression. What was that for? Tiffany asked, her eyes curving to upside down smiles. Payment. You know coffee doesn't grow from trees Actually, they do her best friend replied with a smirk, from Coffea trees You and your random curiosities. Taeyeon countered. You really need to stop going on wikipedia.

Yeah, that's what I'm scared about her best friend voiced with a soft pout. I mean, does heaven have wifi? Because how am I supposed to satisfy my curiosity without wikipedia when I'm there? Oh my god, how am I supposed to update my twitter then? Sometimes I don't know if you understand the whole gravity of your situation. Tiffany grabbed Taeyeon's arm, shaking it with all the energy her body afforded her and said, TaeTae, if heaven has no internet, you better log in to my account and update with a new tweet: Rollin with J.C. You mean 'Trollin with J.C', Taeyeon remarked teasingly, because that's what you'd most likely do there; troll.

And that's the thing about best friends. In the end of the day, they'd light up the sky by making you laugh and smile even when in the darkest of nights. Video clip: 004 The camera was still in the same position as before. But this time the room was dark with only a lamplight to illuminate their faces. TaeTae? Tiffany said. Her arms carefully wrapped around a white pillow while her chin rested on the edges of it. Yes, Fany? Taeyeon replied. She was on her best friend's bed, laying down blithely beside her. The girl's arm was draped over

Tiffany and the white pillow she was hugging. Can people get married in heaven? she asked softly, staring up at the white ceiling. I'm sure they can, Taeyeon said unevenly, her voice almost cracking from answering the question. Her best friend didn't notice the waver in her voice, or if she had then she chose to remain silent about it. Why do you ask? Because since I can't experience the joys of getting wed here, then I hope I can when I get to heaven. With you if possible, I mean, I can wait. Really? You'd wait for me? That would be nice Fany, I'm sure marriages in heaven is better than marriages here. It's already white there, so we wouldn't need that much decorations Taeyeon croaked dryly, trying to suppress the building tears in her eyes. But TaeTae, Tiffany added, I also wouldn't mind if you get married here as well. You know, with another person that isn't me. Taeyeon scoffed. That's silly Our original plan was for just the two of us to go on that roadtrip together, you know, the one that Grandma Hwang went on her best friend softly spoke. But I'm okay with changing it to three people. Just promise me that I won't be the third wheel, okay? You won't be, because I promise there won't be a third. Well in case you find someone just as important as me here. There won't be. Now go to sleep."

"Just in case TaeTae, just in case" Tiffany whispered.

Sometimes, there is no way of letting go; Taeyeon's tears told her that one. And no matter how strong the current of time ebbs, no matter how many days flood past, there are some things that can never be washed away, memories that can't be rubbed off like the stain from the spaghetti river on her grade eight school uniform. Video clip: 005 The next morning. The video camera was shooting one of the white walls of their hospital room. On the left corner of the screen was the large circular clock that hung on the wall, mercilessly ticking away the seconds that passed by. There, Taeyeon started from behind the camera, I think it's all charged now. Is it on? Tiffany asked. Yep, I just turned it on. the shorter girl replied. The camera appeared to be picked up from someone as the screen blurred for a bit before stopping and swerving to shoot the pale girl on the bed. TaeTae, really? Do you REALLY have to get me on camera 24/7?

Like I said, Taeyeon defended, I'm recording you every second of everyday Tiffany groaned. Whatever TaeTae, do as you please. Anyways, what took you so long to get me breakfast? I have a surprise for you after you eat the shorter girl simply replied. Really? Tiffany asked in a high-pitched shrill. That was her voice's way of telling Taeyeon that she was definitely excited about the surprise. What is it? Well, you've been complaining all day to me that you're too bored in here, so I've come up with an amajing plan Taeyeon said in a voice filled with delight. The camera zoomed in to get a closer shot of Tiffany's impatient expression. What is it, TaeTae? Taeyeon laughed at how excited her best friend looked. You'll see after you finish your meal the girl casually said. Tiffany smiled before quickly digging into her breakfast for today.

You'll only know when it is you start living for another person when they smile and you respond by breathing in.

Soundtrack: Eleven

[Play for a better reading experience]

Video clip: 006 The camera was shooting a cemented floor. The audio only capturing occasional howls as if someone was breathing from behind the video camera. There were footsteps coming from the right, getting much louder each passing second. The camera shook wildly before being held still, aimed at the girl who wore a wide grin that ran from ear to ear. Tiffany stared at the camera with a smile that out-shined even the brightest day in summer. She wore a jubilant expression, mixed with exhilaration and bliss. It looked like she was on top of the world. The camera moved away from her, the shot blurred before clearing again. There, Taeyeon said as she reached the camera's line of sight, I've put the camera on the pillar-thing over there so I don't have to carry it all the time. TaeTae, thank you. This is amazing! Tiffany cheered. She was on a wheelchair; the one Taeyeon carried her on to after stealing it from the main floor. Late morning sunlight rolled out from behind Busan's skyscrapers. The birds frolicked about on the edges of the cemented fence as honks from vehicles could be heard afar. From the looks of it, they were on the hospital's roof. It was a good thing Dr.Kim didn't bother connecting Tiffany to an I.V anymore, else they would have not been able to get here. Look what I got for us Fany, Taeyeon said. She left the camera's

vision for a couple of seconds before returning with a bouquet of balloons. Thirteen blue and fourteen pink, all stretching like fingers towards the crystalline sky. Taeyeon pulled in towards her best friend to kiss her lightly on the forehead. Let me guess, Tiffany perkily said, we're going to write something on them? You know me too well Taeyeon replied with a laugh. I've known you since forever, so of course I do her best friend simply said. So TaeTae, what do we get to write on them this time? Well I was thinking, Taeyeon explained as she reached down on the ground to retrieve the pile of papers and a pen, Seohyun told me that to live is to remember memories. So if we write our most cherished memories or thoughts on the balloons, somehow, someday, someone will come and pick up the deflated balloon and read it. They'd know a little about us, and so, they'd bring with them everywhere a little taste of you and I. What we've experienced together along this journey, it won't fade; it'll be on these messages and to whomever has the chance to read them. Who knows, maybe even an angel will find one of these balloons. What would happen if they do? They'd smile, or laugh, or maybe even cry. I don't know. Taeyeon simply answered with a smile. You're not going to cheat and write wishes instead, right? Tiffany asked playfully.

The short girl shook her head, No... I'm not. Besides, I think it's better if we do this together Taeyeon handed her a pen and a blank sheet of paper. You write, I'll tie. Tiffany smiled and nodded, Okay, starting with message #1 1. Kim Taeyeon loves Hwang Miyoung. 2. Hwang Miyoung loves Kim Taeyeon. 3. Tiffany Hwang does not like Kim Taeyeon's name. 4. Mr.Lee is a meanie-butt for not letting Taeyeon and Tiffany search for angels in his backyard. 5. Hwang Miyoung is Kim Taeyeon's anti-anxiety medications. 6. Snow angels are NOT real angels Kim Taeyeon. - Tiffany Hwang 7. Gyeonju will always be the most magical place for Miyoung and Taeyeon. 8. Sooyoung's niece is the most beautiful person ever. 9. Hwang Miyoung chooses the worst time to sleep. I mean, who sleeps during a Ferris wheel ride? - Kim Taeyeon 10. Driving at night is the most amazing feeling ever. From, Hwang Miyoung and Kim Taeyeon. 11. Don't think that all strangers who invite you to their house are serial killers. Thank you Choi Sooyoung and Lee Sunny for showing us that. - Taeyeon and Tiffany 12. Throwing messages in a bottle out to a lake is fun, try it sometime. -Kim Taeyeon and Hwang Miyoung 13. Sometimes, toy rings are worth more than diamond rings. Taeyeon is a cheapskate Tiffany 14. To the angel on the park bench: I hope you find true love again. From, the person who found those unspoken words in the drain. PS: I think you should be a weatherman

15. Laughing in the rain is good for the heart Kim Taeyeon 16. Sergeant + Genius = L.O.V.E 17. Kwon Yuri is a lovestruck, sage-like, freaky little genius. Still, thank you for everything. -Hwang Miyoung 18. 9.8 is not just another number 19. Once upon a time a hobbit met a pirate. They had an evil plan to teach a mushroom how to fly by using black magic to heat up the air. The End. 20. Kim Taeyeon sucks for making Hwang Miyoung angry in the Prom. 21. Cutting a trip short is never fun 22. Sometimes life gives you complications, but there's always a silver lining to everything. Thank you Im Yoona for your smile. Kim Taeyeon 23. Seohyun, your memories will never truly fade. Im Yoona, Kim Taeyeon and Hwang Miyoung will hold it for safe keeping. 24. Chances come and go, but that's all part of life. From, a girl who waited for that chance to come and a girl who stubbornly let that chance go. 25. One day, Kim Taeyeon and Hwang Miyoung will be together once more. And once they do, they'll go on another crazy quest, another long journey, and another great adventure; side by side. 26. Hwang Miyoung is an angel 27. Kim Taeyeon is an angel Video clip: 007 The camera zoomed in to where all twenty-seven balloons were now flying in the sky. The pink and blue balloons all dispersed slowly away from each other, rising up to the cumulus clouds that adorned the baby blue sky like snow that had clung on to Taeyeon's blue jacket after the snowball fight she had with Tiffany years earlier.

The camera swerved away from the balloons and back to a close up of Taeyeon and Tiffany. The older girl was holding the camera, smiling at it while a mesmerized Tiffany still looked up at the balloons with a glowing smile. Taeyeon gently poked her on the shoulder to get her attention. Tiffany jerked her head to her direction and was surprisingly greeted by a kiss from her best friend.

Surprises - life gives tons of them. Video clip: 008 The camera was back on the pillar, watching in humble opulence the silent tide of night that rolled in closer towards the setting sun. Stars; grains of white diamond that had floated on the dark water's surface, scattered across the darkened sky like falling rain on a dry pavement. In the center of the screen situated Taeyeon and Tiffany. The older girl was sitting down, leaning against the cement fence that bordered the boundaries of the roof while the younger was comfortably leaning against her. They had been here for the whole day, talking about anything and everything imaginable. From the looks of it, Taeyeon had gone off sometime in the afternoon to fetch one of the hospital's bed sheets as it was now laid spread on the floor below them. Taeyeon started Let's go back. It's getting late, and look at you,

you're shivering. Besides, your nurse is probably waiting for us to get back; pissed that we left the room. We best not keep her hanging TaeTae, can we not? I want to stay here for the night Fany, I'm not sure we can Taeyeon replied warily. Pretty please? It's just so nice here Tiffany begged with pleading eyes. She was paler than an hour ago, much, much paler. Fany, the older girl replied, trying to think of some sort of excuse to say no, we can't sleep like this, it's uncomfortable. Look, there's no pillow nor a blanket. Who says we're sleeping? Tiffany asked with a sly smile. We're going to stay like this the whole night? Taeyeon asked incredulously. Yup her best friend affirmed. Remember that one sleepover where we didn't actually sleep but just talked the whole night through? Yes.... It's going to be like that Tiffany chimed with a radiant giggle despite her ill complexion. I don't know.... TaeTae, please? This is what I want. Tiffany said softly. The way she spoke it was heartbreaking. At least cover yourself up then Taeyeon replied with a sigh,

relenting her original position on the matter. The girl leaned over to where she had carelessly thrown her jacket on the floor, grabbed it and placed it over her best friend. Now, what should we talk about? the shorter girl then asked. Angels Tiffany simply replied. It was a topic that could last them for months. Taeyeon breathed deeply, tears fogging up her vision. She skipped numbers nine and ten, not wanting to watch several hours of them talking about angels. Taeyeon selected the last video clip and read the time it had started the recording: 5:30 am. Apparently, for the specific video camera she bought, each clip could only store 4gb of video before transferring it to the next one. Deep down, the girl regretted in buying the highest memory card in terms of gigabytes, because then, she wouldn't have to witness the last clip. Video clip: 011 The sun was beginning to rise, coming up from the distant horizon with the promise of renewal. Taeyeon and Tiffany were in the same positions they were on last night. She was still leaning on the same cemented fence while Tiffany was still leaning on her with eyes closed. This time though, Taeyeon's head was drooped down while faint snoring sounds could be heard. She was sleeping. The sun slowly started moving up to the sky, spilling light in every direction. Taeyeon stirred.

 Unwilling to watch any further, she paused the video. It was safe to say that the topic of angels Tiffany broached last night was the final topic they would ever talk about again. Taeyeon cried freely now, clutching the video camera so tightly her knuckles turned white. They knew each other inside and out. And in a sense, they were each other's soulmates. But even that couldn't have stopped the inevitable end. As if the life they had lived together was a film, the tape cut in half by some third party. They both knew the start and when it would end, but none of them had ever imagined that one day, the film would simply fall off the reel unexpectedly; stopping the already halved film prematurely. She placed the video camera down on her lap as she used both hands to wipe away the ceaseless tears. The girl didn't know yet, but she had accidentally pressed the 'next' button when strangling the camera. It had stopped on another clip numbered '027'. Unknown to Taeyeon, the video camera allowed a rename of a clip number to another number, so that for the sake of organization and user convenience, clips could be arranged in any desired order. Taeyeon stayed there for a while, crying. She was like a drowning victim, with no more air in her lungs. When she couldn't cry anymore, the girl grabbed the video camera and started putting it back in the travelling bag. Just when she was about to release it and let it drop down in her bag, she saw it; the

unfamiliar clip, with the unfamiliar label number, with the all too familiar face. Taeyeon, with shaking hands, drew the camera back. She stared at the screen for a while, unable to press the play button. This clip, she knew, wouldn't break or make her - it would do both. Taeyeon pressed play.

15. Lifes quest

"A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles - Tim Cahill

Video clip: 027 The camera shook, being tilted up towards the fair blue sky. There was a bright glare due to the camera's lens reflecting the piercing rays of the bright morning sun. After a few seconds of pure white, the camera swerved to face a smiling Tiffany. It looked like she moved the camera to the pillar on the roof as her hands now laid freely on her side.

She filled her lungs in with air as the camera continued to roll. After a few seconds, she made sure that the video recorder had a close-up of her face before starting.

Soundtrack: Twelve (Youtube is being dumb with this song) [Play for a better reading experience]

TaeTae! Tifany started with an eye smile. She waved to the camera and continued, Hi, this is your best friend in the whole entire universe! Anyways, I better make this quick since you're coming back soon. You know, I'm such a smart person, I actually asked you to get that hospital bed-sheet for us just so I can film this. You'd be proud of me if you knew. Well.... umm, if you're watching this, you're probably on clip twenty-seven. I wanted to rename this message that number because I want you to fill all the preceding clips with all new memories before watching this. Tiffany giggled. It looked like she was thinking of what to say next as she was looking up at the sky with a pout. After a few seconds, she continued. Well... I don't know how to start this, so I'll just say whatever comes to my mind. First and foremost, thank you TaeTae, for everything. For staying by my side and keeping your promise. A lot of people die with no one beside them, but I'm glad I won't be one of them. TaeTae, you were with me through the ups and downs, the tears and joys, and the pain and the laughter, and I've come to find out through my twenty-one years of living that my life's quest had been already complete from the start. TaeTae, I found my angel in the park, and your mom was right, my wish did come true. I've found a way for my short life to be a little longer.

Tiffany chuckled lightly, trying hard to keep her tears at bay. She took another few seconds to collect herself before saying, You know, when I saw you in the park playing by yourself, I thought you were the most amazing person ever. I came over with my pink bicycle to try to befriend you, but I ended up crying instead. I cried because I didn't want the most incredible person I've ever met in my life to hate me. In the end though, you've not only become the most incredible person I've met but the most important. I don't like seeing my most important person cry, so I wanted, I wanted to live longer for you, but I realized something along the way. This journey, it made me understand that a long life is not defined by how many days you live, how many breaths you take, or how many steps you make, but by the precious moments in between. TaeTae, you might not agree with me now, but I hope you will with time; that we really had our wish come true. Throughout this journey to look for angels, we found so many of them, and each and every one of them fulfilled our wish. TaeTae, we wished for me to live longer, and indeed I have. You, along with the other people we've met during this journey, gave me more than I've ever dreamed of getting. And though I'm going to die early, I'll never think that it wasn't enough. This life I lived will always be more than enough, because I found unconditional love, and isn't that more than enough? TaeTae, thanks to you, and thanks to this amazing journey, I'm going to die feeling more than complete." Tiffany paused as she tried to control her light sobs. "We've never reached Gyeonju, but it's okay, because Gyeonju had always been with us. Gyeonju was any place that had us in it. Gunpo, with Sunny and Sooyoung; it was Gyeonju. The train-ride with Jessica and Yuri; it was Gyeonju. And even here, in this hospital, where we played with Yoona and Seohyun; it's Gyeonju. As long as we were together, we were in Gyeonju. Funny, right? That we were looking for something that was with us all along. But still, this roadtrip was the best thing that has ever happened to me. So

TaeTae, when you get the chance to see Mr.Lee again, I'd like you to say 'thank you' for me Tiffany brushed away the tears that fell and continued, Now don't feel sad anymore. I know you can overcome this. I don't want you to forever drown in an ocean of despair. Far above your brightest wishes or the sky filled with angels, stands another world for you to hold. Another world where you'll find joy again. TaeTae, you have to find that world without me. It's your next quest like how I have my own. And though we have to complete difference quests, start on separate journeys, just know that I'll be your own personal guardian angel, cheering you on in the sidelines. And maybe, someday we can find each other again. And when we do, let's go on another roadtrip, one that won't be cut short. Tiffany paused, letting the howling of the spring breeze become the only sound the audio captured. Her lips lifted into a somber smile as she continued her speech to her best friend. TaeTae, I'm not asking you to forget me. But just like the balloons we let fly earlier, I'm asking you to let go. Because, when you hold on to something, your hands become too busy to do anything else. TaeTae, I don't want you to sacrifice your life to hold on to me. So go, live your life. We'll always be best friends, and that's my promise to you. It's funny, sometimes I wonder why God didn't just make us into one person instead of two. But I guess you can't really find love with just yourself. TaeTae, even after I become an angel, you'll always be the most important person to me. I won't forget you, and I know you won't forget me. Tiffany dried her cheeks with her arms. Faint sobs could be heard as she did so. TaeTae, she said, I'd like to think that when I die and become an angel, that all the moments I've collected in that glassed jar will

spill out and fall off to the world like rain. All the laughs I laughed, the smiles I smiled, will run off from the sky and be the little gift I'll give to the world; a small 'thank you' to the place that's given me the life I lived, the love I loved, and the wish I wished. Tiffany moved her hands near her lips and yelled to the distant horizon, the wind capturing her words and sending it up to the eternal sky. THANK YOU WORLD FOR LETTING ME LOOK FOR ANGELS AND FINDING THEM! The girl then laughed, and what a blissful laugh it was. TaeTae, never stop looking for angels. Never. Because look at what it's given you, and what it's given us. Looking for angels isn't just a quest waiting to be completed, it's mine and yours' life's purpose. No matter how many angels you find, continue to look for more, continue to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary, continue to look for more wonder in this already wondrous world. Because then you'll find that life really is worth living. Without me beside you, continue to find life precious. Because TaeTae, life's not just pretty, it's beautiful, and I don't want you to waste it just because I'm not around anymore. TaeTae, I want you to continue falling at 9.8 after you've already hit the ground. Tiffany smiled before turning around to look at something. She quickly jerked her head back to the camera and said, Oh no, I think I hear you coming. I better wrap this up now. She waved at the camera with one of her eye-smiles and ended with this, Again, thank you for everything. Our moments together, small or big, I'll remember each and every one of them. I love you very, very, very much, and I'll be patiently waiting for our next trip and I expect me to be waiting for a LONG time, if not and we start our trip earlier than expected, I'll be very angry... and you know how I get when I'm angry. Tiffany gave a peace sign

with her hand before continuing, TaeTae, soon I'll get to see angels everyday, jealous? Hehehe, well don't be, because you'll always be my most favourite angel. Goodbye, dork! Love you! The clip ended.

A soft hand touched her shoulder, Taeyeon slowly turned her head to find Sunny smiling down on her. Taeyeon... she softly said. Not too far away was the voice of Sooyoung and a few others. Sunny, did you find her? the tall girl asked in a breathless voice. Sooyoung stopped when she saw her wife standing beside a weeping Taeyeon. Sunny gently rubbed the girl's shoulder consolingly before sitting down on the bench beside her. Taeyeon, she whispered, it's okay to cry. Just let it all out Taeyeon did what was told and let the tears continuously drench her flushed cheeks. Tiffany said that she could have that wish that was originally made for the both of them, so if she could have it granted, she would wish nothing more but to see her best friend for one more day, for one more hour, for one more minute. Surely if she did, then it wouldn't have hurt as much as now. But no, she doubted even the most powerful angel could bring someone back

from the dead. Tiffany was gone, and she could never bring her back again. Taeyeon clasped her hand tightly over her mouth to prevent her from screaming. She felt the tremble that started from deep inside her chest and making her whole body shake. The girl had a great impulse to rise from the bench and curse at God, the one who took away her very own angel, but she didn't, instead, she told herself repetitively that her best friend was in a far better place, to a world where there was no pain, no suffering, no leukaemia. That thought alone was what kept her from going insane. Unnie? another voice asked from behind them. Yoona, along with Seohyun, ambled their way around the wooden bench and came face to face with the devastated girl. You know Taeyeonunnie, Yoona voiced as she too sat down beside Taeyeon, it might not seem like it now, but things are going to get brighter. When Yoona? When will it? Taeyeon bitterly replied. When I die? You know it's better if I die right now, cause then I can be with Fany and go on that roadtrip with her. Taeyeon, Sunny reprimanded softly, you know what she said about that. She'll be very angry if she finds out that you two will start that new journey earlier than expected. Let her experience the joys of being an angel first before starting again on that roadtrip. Sooyoung gently rubbed Taeyeon's back. Taeyeon, everything is planned perfectly, whether you know it or not. There's a purpose on why Tiffany became an angel earlier than expected, and unfortunately, life doesn't provide us the answer sometimes. All we have to do is to try and understand while we patiently wait for that purpose to unfold itself Unnie, Yoona added, there's something beautiful amidst all the destruction. And you know what it is? It's the chance for new life.

Come on, Sunny said as she pulled herself up from the bench. She turned around and lent a hand to Taeyeon, let's get you back to the burial service. You've been with her through ever stepping stone of her life: graduation, prom, birthdays. Why miss the last one now? After thinking it over, Taeyeon reluctantly agreed.

They had finished burying her when the five of them got back. The minister was nearing the end of his final speech. Taeyeon held Yoona's hand with her left while holding Sunny's hand with her right. The feeling of warmth on her hands comforted her. Taeyeon stood still, eyeing the gravestone of her best friend as she listened in on the man. The minister ended his speech with a bible verse. ...I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 he said as he softly closed the burial service with a look of finality.

The people that had gathered around for Tiffany's burial were now slowly parting from the site after giving their condolences to

Taeyeon. Only the people she and Tiffany met along the journey were still with her. Taeyeon, Sooyoung said, me and Sunny think that it would be best if you're with other people for a couple of days. It'll help you feel less lonely. If it's alright with you, Sunny continued, we'll stay with you for a while. Do you want to come over and live in our house for a couple of days? Thanks guys, but there's really no need. I was planning anyways to stay here in Gyeonju for awhile. Maybe even buy a house here. I don't think I can handle being too far away from Tiffany. Alright then, fine with us Sooyoung countered. Me and Sunny are on vacation, so we can afford to stay here in Gyeonju for a couple of days. The tall girl's wife simply nodded to that. And you guys are simply leaving me out of this? Yoona interjected with a frown. Taeyeon-unnie, my company's boss doesn't know that me and Seohyun have already moved out of the hospital. So I still have a few days to spare before coming back to work. I'm going to stay here too with you How about Seohyun? Taeyeon croaked. As soon as she asked that, Seohyun walked beside Yoona and locked arms with her fiancee. Taeyeon-unnie, though I don't remember you nor Tiffany-unnie, Yoona assures me that we've met before. I'll gladly stay here in Gyeonju to help you out. Just for a small second, Taeyeon felt warmth. Thank you guys

There she is! a familiar girl exclaimed, as she headed straight towards Taeyeon. Yuri, stop walking so fast. I can't see from all the tears in my eyes Jessica simply said as she was frantically drying her tears with her tear-stained sleeves. There was another woman beside the two eleven year old girls, one Taeyeon didn't recognize. Unnie, Yuri started as soon as she was close enough to Taeyeon, are you okay? I know how heartbreaking losing a loved one is, but it's going to be okay. The little genius fought off the sniffles, but eventually started breaking down in tempestuous tears. Yuri? Jessica? Taeyeon asked weakly, How did you guys get here? We live here, Jessica answered in between sobs, I know it's weird since we were on the train with you and Tiffany-unnie, but we were visiting Yuri's grandma before heading to the festival. But how did you know about Fany's burial service? We didn't, Yuri wailed as she wiped away the tears that soaked her cheeks. We heard a woman looking for a Kim Taeyeon here in Gyeonju and we decided to help her find you. We we're driving around in her vehicle when we spotted a large crowd. We intended to ask them if they spotted you anywhere, but it turns out that we were in Tiffany-unnie's burial service. the eleven year old's voice trailed off in the end as another set of tears prevented her from explaining further. You must be Kim Taeyeon the unfamiliar woman started from

behind Jessica. She appeared to be in her mid-twenties, dressed in a formal suit while wearing thinly framed glasses to compliment it. Mr.Lee said I can find you here. Hi, my name is Kim Hyoyeon. I'm sorry about your loss.

16. Nothing its truly ever gone

Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow - Shakespeare

TaeTae, look another shooting star Tiffany squealed as she propped her head out of the basket to get a clearer view of the trailing light.

So maybe this is what we really ever are: a shooting star. Like burning debris, we make our presence known in a small space allotted for us. We light up the sky but for a second and then vanish. Each and every waking minute, the world takes away a small of piece of ourselves until we are left with nothing. Big chunks or small fragments, deep loss or minor deprivations, whatever it is, no matter how important, we all still fall in silent acceptance. The trail we leave behind is the trail of insurmountable emptiness where all our loss has compacted itself together, merged, and melted into one blazing path of light.

Taeyeon, like everyone else, has seen her own trail; the beautiful things she had lost. And from there, she reaches out into the blinding light, to capture it, hold on to it, and protect it. All the while, knowing that it is fleeting. I'm sorry about your loss was what the woman said. Thank you Taeyeon robotically replied. Her weary eyes blankly staring ahead to this Kim Hyoyeon who wore a look of sincerity. This might be a bad time for me to talk about this, Hyoyeon started again, but I'm a lawyer in charge of Mr.Lee's will It felt like someone had just poured cold water all over her. Will? Mr.Lee? Yes, the girl said, I'm sorry to say this, but Mr.Lee died a couple of weeks ago. The only thing he left on his deathbed was his will for his property. Ms.Kim, Mr.Lee specifically wanted to transfer his estate to you and Ms.Hwang. Taeyeon stood there speechless, and not because of how shocking the new revelation was, but that she was physically, mentally, and emotionally too worn out to think, let alone produce an intelligent reply. Excuse me, miss Sooyoung started in behest of her friend. But I think that now isn't the time to talk about these matters. Hyoyeon nodded. You're right, I'm sorry Ms.Kim. I'm sure we can talk about this later. Thank you Taeyeon muttered dryly.

So what now? Yoona asked to no one in particular. She kept her eyes glued to Taeyeon, treating her like fragile glass as she chose her next words carefully. Taeyeon-unnie, do you have a place to stay here in Gyeonju? Taeyeon gingerly shook her head. No Yoona, but I'll find somewhere to stay. My house! Yuri chimed in, raising her right arm to gain the attention of the others. Jessica quickly brought her arm down. In a disciplining manner, she said Yuri, you didn't ask your parents first. Oh, yeah.... the raven haired muttered softly. There are rooms available at the hotel I'm staying at Hyoyeon interjected. It's relatively cheap, and I won't need to search the whole of Gyeonju again to look for you, Ms.Kim Alright, well I guess it's set Sunny said as she placed a light touch on Taeyeon's shoulder. She smiled softly to the girl before saying, Taeyeon, it's going to be okay. You're going to be okay. Taeyeon doubted it.

Seven days have passed since Tiffany's burial service. Sooyoung,

Sunny, Yoona and Seohyun kept her company inside the rented hotel room while Yuri and Jessica would occasionally stop by. For meals, Sunny would cook for them but every time she did, Taeyeon would decline the food made for her and instead resort to consuming coffee and crackers. Her appetite was just simply nonexistent. Yoona with the help of Sooyoung, would try and make Taeyeon feel better by including her in their light conversations. Every time someone would crack a joke, they would all shift their eyes to her and check for any reaction. There was none. Yuri and Jessica chose the materialistic road to try and help her cope; bringing in toys and various nicknacks for Taeyeon to play with. Yuri told Seohyun that it was to distract her from her loss. Hyoyeon checked on the group from time to time. And every time she did so, she would talk about anything and everything under the sun except for the topic of Mr.Lee and his will. Somehow, she and Taeyeon had a deep silent connection with each other, like Hyoyeon by some means knew exactly what she was feeling right now. The woman looked young, but Taeyeon knew well from the way her eyes spoke that she saw much more summers than any of the seven of them. Taeyeon let out a heavy sigh as she lifted her cup of coffee to her lips. It was late in the afternoon and Sunny along with Sooyoung went out to get some groceries. A light knock sounded from behind the room's door. I'll get it Yoona said from inside the hallway. Taeyeon could hear the knob click open and the door creak.

Hyoyeon-unnie! Yoona voiced in a delighted tone. What brings you over? I'm leaving to go to Seoul tomorrow morning, so I think it's about time that me and Taeyeon should talk about Mr.Lee's will The younger girl was a bit hesitant to reply but nevertheless said, Ummm alright I guess, but only if Taeyeon-unnie agrees It's alright Yoona Taeyeon voiced from the kitchen as she dropped down her coffee mug, placing her hands on top of the wooden table and preparing herself for their talk. Hyoyeon and Yoona headed towards the kitchen and to where Taeyeon sat. Just as the lawyer pulled a chair out and sat, the younger girl dismissed herself and headed towards the other room where Seohyun was currently at. I know that this isn't the best time to talk about this, Hyoyeon said as she started placing various folders and forms out on the table, but thank you Ms.Kim When did he die? Taeyeon asked in a stoic manner. A couple of weeks ago. Inside his hospital room in Seoul Hyoyeon said while reorganizing the files and handing out a pen to the girl. Do you know why he chose me to inherit his estate? From reading the files about him, he has no close family. No children, and his wife died twenty-or-so years ago. My only possible guess is that you and Ms.Hwang were the closest to him and that's why he requested his property transfer to the two of you. But considering the circumstances now.... Hyoyeon paused for a

second to make sure Taeyeon was alright before continuing, ....Mr.Lee's estate transfer will be directed to you. Taeyeon nodded gingerly. Now let's get started shall we? Hyoyeon asked with a light smile before showing her which forms she needed to sign, all the while informing the girl the things she aquired from Mr.Lee. Ms.Kim, in Mr.Lee's will, Line 7, it says that you are hereby granted sole ownership of his house property in Seoul, his invested capital, stocks, and bonds, as well as his land property here in Gyeonju and in Seoul. Land property in Gyeonju? Yes, Ms.Kim. A hundred acres to be precise Hyoyeon kindly replied. Now, before I forget, Mr.Lee specifically wanted to give you this letter. She picked up her briefcase, opened it, and rummaged for a white envelope. Handing it to Taeyeon, she asked Would you like to read it now or later? Taeyeon stared at the letter. It looked bigger and heavier for some reason, as if she knew that her hand couldn't quite completely hold the weight of the words contained in it. I'll read it later Taeyeon said.

Soundtrack: Thirteen

[Play for a better reading experience]

It was evening when Taeyeon found herself standing in Gyeonju's Hyeongsan River. After her business with Hyoyeon, she left the others back in the hotel room without informing them of her departure. Sooyoung and Sunny were too busy making dinner in the kitchen while Yoona and Seohyun were watching a drama in their room, so it was easy for her to slip out without being seen. Taeyeon needed some time alone after reading the contents of Mr.Lee's letter. Her aimless wandering brought her here to Hyeongsan's riverbed. Picking up a flat rock, she shifted her weight back before launching it to the still river.

TaeTae, you're such a cheater ten year old Tiffany whined playfully as she grabbed Taeyeon's arm to prevent her from throwing another rock to the body of water. It's not cheating Fany, I'm just too good she explained with a smirk before squirming her arm free from her best friend. Taeyeon took a few steps forward and hurled the skipping stone to the flat surface of the water. Nine times it jumped. Fany, Fany! the shorter girl cheered, Did you see that? It's a new record! I am so beating you right now Tiffany ignored her cries of victory as she picked up another rock and headed closer to the lake's edge. Holding the pebble on its side, she dipped it quickly inside the water before bringing it back up, then back down, and then back up. Seven...Eight....Nine... Tiffany counted every time the rock

touched the water. Ten.... Eleven....Twelve Dropping the rock, she got up and turned around to find a flabbergasted Taeyeon staring back at her. There TaeTae, I beat you! she said following it with a giggle. CHEATER, CHEATER! FANY, YOU PUMPKIN EATER!

Taeyeon watched the rock skip across the surface of the water, making deep ripples that blurred the mirrored outline of the sky above. The captured images of the thinning clouds danced and shimmered as the rock grazed across the water. Fany, she whispered to herself, that's thirteen. I beat you. Dropping down to the ground, she drew her knees closer to herself and let the millionth tear fall from her eye. One by one they fell from her eyes, each one a testament of things she had lost: beauty, hope, life, faith, joy, security, love. It hurts Fany, Taeyeon said softly, it hurts so much Through her tears, she thought of Mr.Lee's letter which only consisted of a paragraph.

Try looking for something, go on a trip and search for it, or scavenge the whole earth for the sake of discovery, and in the end you'll find out that what you were looking for was something you already had but forgotten about. Taeyeon and Tiffany, whom I'll always think of as my two lovely granddaughters, as I lay here on this hospital bed, awaiting for my new adventure in the morning, I'll leave with a smile knowing

that I've done one thing good in this world, and that is to spark a flame of life into two lives who have dissipated into nothing but lowly embers. I may have lied in saying that I saw angels in Gyeonju but angels or no angels, I'm sure you two would agree with me that in the end it was all worthwhile. Taeyeon and Tiffany, when you leave for Gyeonju tonight, remember, I will ask God to send you nothing but angels along your trip. PS: I really did have angels in my backyard. Two lovely angels who no matter how many times I tell them not to trespass, I'll always find both still running amuck on my land.

Taeyeon clenched her hands to form fists and let her tears soak her shirt. After minutes upon minutes of heavy weeping, she felt a light hand touch her shoulder. Taeyeon slowly look up to find Hyoyeon smiling down on her. Mind if I sit with you? the lawyer asked. In between her sobs, she asked, H-how did..you...find....me here? Hyoyeon shrugged before sitting down beside Taeyeon. She let the the evening breeze brush over her chestnut hair while she breathed in the scent of sand and salt. The others realized you weren't in the hotel room. I came by to bid my farewells and found them in a state of panic, so I decided to help them find you. Anyways, I had a hunch you would be here Hyoyeon finally said. I think people who lose someone precious to them tend to gravitate towards

bodies of water when they think on their loss. I guess it's the subtle sense of familiarity that rivers, lakes, or oceans give off. That, or how the surface of the water tends to mirror the sky it's like you're flying away, but not really. Taeyeon let out an empty laugh. You say this like you know what it's like to lose someone I do, Hyoyeon replied casually, my daughter. She was only six when she passed away. How? From the same thing that took Tiffany away. Taeyeon's eyes drooped down. No wonder she felt a connection with Hyoyeon, they both lost someone special to them in the same way. I'm sorry Don't be she said. I've learnt to live with it. At first, I went about life like a walking dead. Eating. Sleeping. Breathing. And like you, I couldn't help myself but to slowly extinguish the little flame of life I had in me. It wasn't my fault though, I couldn't help it. Without my daughter, what would I do? Why was I here? Without those little eyes, little hands, little smile, what was I made of? I don't know which is worse Taeyeon, death or the loss of everything that brought you life. But with time, I've come to an understanding. That, in a way, me living makes it feel that she too is living; using my eyes to see, my ears to hear, and my lips to speak. It may seem strange, but I believe that those who pass away tend to live through the lives of their loved ones. Hyoyeon turned her head to look at the listening girl. She smiled. Taeyeon, nothing is truly ever gone. Taeyeon kept quiet, letting Hyoyeon's words fill her empty chest.

I used to think like you; that the only way to show someone you truly love them is to hold on, but I've come to realize that there's also love in letting go. You'll get sick of it, you know. Carrying the weight of not just yourself but your lost loved one is a burdening task and you'll get sick of it. Your knees start to buckle and your hands begin to shake, all the while that loved one you're carrying is begging you to let them go. Taeyeon, you have to know that to let go is to free both sides. It's hard though, Taeyeon said, letting go. If I let her be, then who will be beside her? Hyoyeon paused to take a breath before replying, When Tiffany died, she took a part of you and you know it, because a part of you died when she passed away. Wherever she goes, she'll carry that part of you she took away. And because of this, she won't be truly alone. Hyoyeon smiled lightly. It's not only one sided either, because you took a part of her when she died. The lawyer placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and said, Taeyeon, you won't be truly alone either.

The two talked for awhile until the orange sky turned into a heavenly blue. Hyoyeon bid her farewell and left Taeyeon to ponder on what she said.

She stood up, deciding to go for a brisk walk along the edges of the Hyeongsan River before coming back to the hotel room. Hyoyeon's words were still ringing in her head as she winded through the various boulders that jutted up from the river's shoreline. The sound of the lapping waves comforted her, and she was drawn into a state of realization. No one truly ever dies. Taeyeon took the time to breathe in the scent of the night air and for the first time since her best friend's death she smiled. It wasn't big, but still, it was one that spoke volumes. Taeyeon decided that it was best to head back to the hotel so as to not make her friends worry more. She jumped down from the boulder that she was on and spun her heel to turn back to the empty road. Taeyeon didn't take a step further away from the river as she caught a familiar object in her peripheral vision. The streetlights from the nearby path illuminated the glass, making it shine and twinkle like the northern star. As if it was calling Taeyeon to it, the glassed bottle rocked back and forth in a hypnotic motion until it stopped in between the crevice of two large rocks. She spun back, walked towards it and picked it up. Indeed it was a familiar looking bottle, with a very familiar looking piece of paper inside.

So, what did you write? Taeyeon asked, her eyes fixated on the message in Tiffany's beer bottle. The usual; everything that's running in my mind right now, the taller girl answered with a smile and a shrug.

Care to elaborate? The message is filled with my hopes, my dreams, my wishes, my past, my feelings everything. And still, it's not full. Tiffany simply replied with an eye smile, cradling the bottle as if it was her own baby.

Taeyeon slowly opened the bottle and read the message.

17. The next road-trip

Heroes know that things must happen when it is time for them to happen. A quest may not simply be abandoned; a happy ending cannot come in the middle of the story. - Peter S. Beagle

Three years later. A panel of cherry blossoms lined the winded pathway by the western outskirts of Gyeonju. Petals of enchanting bliss enraptured the quiescent space as it softly cascaded down to where a girl sat on a park bench. Falling, the shapes of heavenly blush whirled around in small spirals as the spring breeze danced with them to an exultant ballad. Zephyrs filled with the scent of distant memories embraced the girl and brought her to a sense of endless wistfulness. With the sun's euphoric rays seeping through the foliage of the

trees, the radiating warmth of the serenading sunlight sent a smile to scamper across her lips. She flicked the screen off and shut the video camera. Taeyeon was brought here again, always in this very place, always during early evening, and always at a specific day; trying to look for angels. And by looking for angels, she meant watching her very own angel in the camera's screen and trying to find peace through it. For three years it had become a daily habit of hers to watch the twenty-seventh clip made by her best friend. Sitting on the same bench she sat on when watching it for the first time, Taeyeon found solace in the familiarity of the scent the aging wood gave off. A blithe giggle chimed from her left, and she gently swayed her head to the direction of the spirited laugh. Smiling, Taeyeon watched as a little girl pedaled her way across the cemented path with her pink bicycle. Hair swaying along side the early evening breeze, Taeyeon couldn't help but to reminisce to that particular day when she first met her. Unlike the first and second years of Tiffany's death, the nostalgia didn't cause her to curl up in a ball and weep, cursing the world of its cruelty and injustice, but instead, she did nothing but smile at the beautiful memories that flooded inside her mind. With the help of her best friend's encouraging words through the video clip, every day Taeyeon would little by little loosen the grip she had on her own personal balloon string. One day, she knew, that she would let go of the balloon completely and begin to really live again. Breathing in the scent of the evening air, Taeyeon smiled. It was a smile unlike any other. A smile of understanding, of acceptance. A smile devoid of her best friend's lingering laughter, their many

talks out by the playground, and their well-spent memories together, yet still, it was a smile that spoke volumes. Their quest was finally over. Their journey was finally complete. Their wish was finally fulfilled. A ringing sounded from inside her pocket. Taeyeon instinctively grabbed her cell-phone inside and flipped open. Hello? she started. Taeyeon-unnie? the other line replied. Yes, who is this? Oh! It's Yoona! How are you? Yoona answered giddily. Oh, hi Yoona. I'm fine Taeyeon said with a chuckle. Anyways, do you need anything? Oh yeah, I was going to ask you something the younger girl from the other line retorted before following it with a laugh. So, you know me and Seohyun renew our marriage vows every year on our anniversary, right? Yes? Taeyeon answered. Yoona and Seohyun got married ten months after Tiffany's passing away, and since the younger girl couldn't retain her memories of the special occasion, Yoona decided that it would be best to relive their wedding ceremony for their anniversary every year. Well, Yoona voiced hesitantly, I know that you never stepped foot outside of Gyeonju since coming there, but-

She was right. Taeyeon never left Gyeonju. Taeyeon never left her best friend. For three years she never dared to leave the city, and when asked several times from her friends for her to visit, her typical answer would be a no. That included Sooyoung and Sunny's invitation for Taeyeon to join their family gathering in Gunpo, and for her to meet their new adopted son. It also included Yoona and Seohyun's invitation for their wedding, and after, their first anniversary as newly weds as well. But, Yoona continued, I'd still like for you to join us for our second anniversary. So Taeyeon-unnie, can you come? Taeyeon thought for a minute. She was treading the fine line between not wanting to fail her friends again, and not wanting to leave her best friend for the first time. Sooner or later she would have to choose one or the other. She bit her lower lip and answered, Sure, I'll come Really? Yoona squealed in a delighted manner. I'm so glad you're coming unnie. You don't know how much this means to me and Seohyun Taeyeon chuckled. So where is it? Oh, we decided to change it up and hold it in the same place where we first met; beside the Han River in Seoul. Two weeks from now. I'll email you all the other details. Alright, I'll check it when I get home. Do you want me to bring the two troublemakers as well? Troublemakers? Yoona asked. Who else? - Yuri and Jessica

Oh, sure, I'd love for them to come There was a muffled sound coming from the other line followed by some shuffling. Taeyeonunnie, I'll call you again later. I forgot to wash the dishes and Seohyun will flip if she finds out. Ack, I see her coming through the driveway already. Taeyeon laughed. Alright, thanks again for the invite Yoona. I'll talk to you later. She ended the call, but before she could place the phone back inside her pocket, a light chime rang to her left. Taeyeon jerked her head to the direction of the sound and was greeted by a small bicycle tire colliding with her left leg. The little girl wailed as she tumbled down from her pink bike. Instantly Taeyeon stood up and helped the child up to her feet. It was the same girl whom she saw earlier. You should be more careful next time Taeyeon said with a smile. The girl adjusted her pink helmet before staring back at Taeyeon. Sorry, I was just showing Victoria-unnie over there that I could ride with my eyes closed. Oh really? Taeyeon asked playfully with an arched eyebrow. I think you should wait some more years before trying that. It takes some skill to bike with eyes closed, you know. The little girl stomped her foot on the ground and frowned. I'm five years old! she wailed, So I'm old enough. Taeyeon shook her head. Oh I don't think so. Because I'm already twenty-four and I still can't bike with my eyes closed. Really?

Really. The five year old girl groaned. Then it means I have to find something else that's special to show them Show who? she asked as she knelt down to see eye-to-eye with her. Victoria-unnie and all the other kids in the orphanage Why? Because, the girl cried following it with a little huff from her nose, they don't believe me. Taeyeon was confused now. Huh? she asked with a perplexed expression. When I tell them that I'm going to be an angel when I grow up, they all laugh. I have to show them something special about me so they can believe that I can be more special in the future. See? This little girl sure did remind Taeyeon a whole lot of a very, very, close person of hers.

Well TaeTae, I've decided that I want to become and angel when I get to heaven. You DECIDED to become an angel? Since when? Just now Tiffany replied nonchalantly.

Taeyeon nodded. Well, if it makes you feel better, I believe you. In fact, I think you'll make a great angel when you grow up The girl's face lighted up like a Christmas tree on Christmas day. Really? You think so? I know so she simply answered with a smile. Anyways, I'd like to know your name Why? So that I can find you later when you're an angel and tell everyone that I saw an actual angel in real life. Oh, the little girl said, standing up on her tippy-toes to look all high and mighty, I'm Sulli. But you'd have to ask my parents first for permission to come look for me. That is, when I get parents... which I'm sure will be soon Nice to meet you Sulli. I'm Taeyeon. And don't worry, I'll be sure to ask your future parents Taeyeon replied with a wink. Sulli! a third voice called from across the other side of the cemented path. It's getting late, we're heading back to the orphanage now. Sulli turned around and picked up her bicycle. She got on and steadied herself by placing a foot on the ground. Victoria-unnie is calling me now. I have to go. Bye Taeyeon-unnie Bye Sulli, Taeyeon replied as she brought herself to stand back up. By the way, I like your bicycle.

The girl giggled, It's pink; my favourite colour With that said, she watched as Sulli rode off towards the crowd of young children and a tall, friendly-faced woman.

Taeyeon-unnie! Yoona called with a wide grin. She maneuvered her way through the crowd of people and grabbed the older girl's hand. Dragging Taeyeon to the first row of seats, she motioned for her to sit down. I'm glad you came See, I told you I'd come Taeyeon said with a laugh as she sat down. She patted Sooyoung on the shoulder and said 'Hello' before waving at Sunny, her adopted son, and Hyoyeon, who sat beside Sooyoung respectively. Well, it's going to start soon, so I better get ready Yoona replied as she went down to hug the shorter girl. Thanks again No need to keep thanking me Taeyeon voiced warmly. Oh my gosh, I can't wait for the reception Sooyoung said to no one in particular as she eyed the caterers who were busy preparing for the meals. Sunny responded by jamming her elbow to her wife's ribcage while telling her to shut-up. Stop it, Sunny scolded, you're teaching Taemin to be a glutton like you The short girl turned to her side and watched as her five year old son played with her Nintendo D.S.

I can't help it, I'm hungry Sooyoung replied with a shrug. Judging from the glare Sunny was giving Sooyoung, Taeyeon knew that the taller girl would be in deep trouble if she didn't keep quiet. Which, speaking of trouble, she wondered where Yuri and Jessica were now. The two girls had asked if they could roam around for a while and Taeyeon saw no problem with that. Scanning the area for them, she stopped when she spotted the two beside the Han River skipping rocks. A smile scampered across her lips as she thought of the many ways to tease Yuri later on. If only Tiffany were here, Taeyeon thought, then it would have been two instead of one that would bully the raven haired girl. It would have been no mercy for Yuri. For twenty-or-so minutes, Taeyeon kept herself busy by talking to Sooyoung, Sunny, and Hyoyeon. And after Yoona came to the front with an elegant spring dress, she walked over to Yuri and Jessica, stopping them from their flirtatious activities, and telling them to come back to the marriage renewal ceremony which was now starting.

Soundtrack: End Track [Play for a better reading experience] It was during the reception that Taeyeon found herself on the bedside of the Han River. Clutching the familiar bottle that she found three years ago on her right hand and a pen on her left, she

stared at it for a while before shifting her gaze back at the dancing surface of the water. The bottle, the one that contained Tiffany's message, Taeyeon had kept and cherished like a priceless gem. And now, she thought when bringing the bottle with her to Seoul, that it was time to finally let go of that string and watch the balloon fly. People can't take all their luggages with them on journeys. To go on a road-trip, one must leave behind a few things. Taeyeon realized that now. Opening the bottle and slipping the message out, she carefully unrolled the paper. A smile lifted up from her lips as she read her best friend's message.

Hwang Miyoung was is here PS: I love Kim Taeyeon

Laughing at Tiffany's letter, she inwardly blamed herself for rubbing off her dorkiness to her best friend. With a sigh, she plopped down on the ground and rested the small paper on a rock. Flipping it over, Taeyeon wrote:

Kim Taeyeon is here PS: I love you too Hwang Miyoung

The girl stared at her writing for a while before rolling the paper and sliding it back inside the bottle. With a twist, the lid was now firmly secured on the bottle. Taeyeon stared at the night sky reflecting off of the glass and smiled. Hope was like a star; easily made visible during nights of adversity. Taeyeon then gathered up her remaining embers that had slowly kindled into a small flame over the years and used it for strength to throw the bottle out onto the river. She watched with a light heart and a renewed spirit as the bottle flew across the starlit sky. Tiffany promised her another road-trip when they meet again. Until that day comes, Taeyeon would patiently prepare for their long awaited journey. And what was more better than to prepare dozens upon dozens of life stories to tell her best friend? She smiled at the thought while hearing the soft splash of glass colliding with water. Taeyeon! Sunny called from behind her, Yoona and Seohyun are cutting the cake. You should hurry back The older girl watched the drifting bottle before turning around. Alright, I'm coming there now Taeyeon replied before jogging back to Sunny who stood waiting for her beside a large rock. What was that you threw to the river? Sunny asked curiously. A little part of me she answered with a smile. It's proof actually. Proof of? Proof that she was right all along Taeyeon replied which earned

her a confused look from the younger girl. She chuckled before placing a gentle hand on Sunny's shoulder. Anyways, I think I'm going to go on a road-trip this year. You know, go to the same places me and Fany visited. Sooyoung's wife showed a surprised yet delighted expression. Really? That's great Taeyeon. I'm sure Tiffany would like for you to go on that road-trip again. And you know what, you won't be alone, she'll be there with you That's what I'm scared of, Taeyeon replied playfully, because I'm not so sure how Fany will react when she finds out that I broke my promise and that she's going to be the third-wheel in this roadtrip. Third wheel? You're bringing someone with you? Well, let's just say that looking for angels during this road-trip will be easy since I'm going to have two angels with me for the ride. One above and one beside. I don't follow. What- How long was the adoption process for you and Sooyoung? Taeyeon cut in with radiant smile.

Epilogue/Special

Love is not an equation, it is not a contract, and it is not a happy ending. Love is the slate under the chalk, the ground that buildings rise, and the oxygen in the air. It is the place you come back to, no matter where you're headed

- Jodi Picoult

There's a doctor in Gyeonju who specializes in these things. A new treatment in the works for leukaemia. She may be the perfect candidate.

Tiffany, do you want to be the first patient to try it? She's a fighter. A survivor.

Soundtrack: Marry Me [Play for a better reading experience]

It was a strikingly warm spring day. The faint scent of roses and lilies clung to the air while butterflies danced to the soft harmonies of the swaying willow trees that laid spread across emerald grass like stars. Mid-morning clouds gathered around the flocks of smiling faces like heaven's witnesses, watching in mystical silence the event that was taking place at that very moment. The short girl stood staring in growing admiration the warm chocolate eyes of her beloved. She watched as the sun's rays seeped through the foliage of the dancing willow tree that stood to their left, painting the smiling angel's features in a hue of dazzling gold. Taeyeon smiled a weightless smile as she took Tiffany by the hand. And like the ever changing seasons, she felt that at that second she had escaped the entrapment called time - living forever in that blissful moment. So this was what true love was all about; to take that risk even though it might not be a happily-ever-after, to join hands with the person who looks beyond your faults, scars, and regrets, to see the secret held inside and say I'm not afraid to fall with you Tiffany sent Taeyeon a glorious smile as the minister started to speak. They had decided to finally hit the ground, but unlike raindrops

that break when colliding with the cool, hard cement, they knew that they would continually fall even after that. They had survived. They had found something worth fighting for and went out into the fray bravely. They had made it to Gyeonju. They had found their angel. They had got their wish. Holding each others trembling hands, the two stood side by side in front of the many witnesses to show them with soaring hearts what enduring love was all about. Taeyeon stifled a giggle and Tiffany responded by jerking her elbow to her ribcage before mouthing a What's so funny? Leaning in to whisper to her ear, Taeyeon replied I just remembered the time we wished on that snow angel. We're holding each others hands and standing in the exact same way, except this time we're looking at a minister and not a snow imprint of an angel.

Grabbing Taeyeon's hand, the two best friends closed their eyes and started making their wish with hopeful hearts. And just like that, Tiffany and Taeyeon held hands alongside each other, battling out the bitter winds and numbing cold with the firm promise that everything was going to be alright as long as angels still existed.

The minister gave an audible cough and both the two girls instantly swerved their head back at the man with innocent smiles.

Go on, Taeyeon motioned with the wave of her free hand. She's just really excited Tiffany added with a nervous chuckle. The minister shook his head and continued on with his monologue. Smoothing out the little wrinkles on her elegant white wedding gown, Taeyeon couldn't help but suppress another blithe giggle. Turning her head around so as not to face the minister, she briskly scanned the sea of grinning faces to forget the butterflies fluttering ever so wildly inside her stomach. She locked eyes with Sunny and Sooyoung who were almost to the brink of tearing up before switching her focus to Yuri, Jessica and Hyoyeon; the kid genius trying to put on what seemed like a hand-made ring on the resisting girl's finger while the eldest of the three motherly scolded them. Grinning, Taeyeon then turned to look at Yoona and Seohyun who sat there with radiant smiles, Yoona flashing her her very own marriage ring that was wrapped securely around her finger before Seohyun chastely slapped the hand back down. Two rows of pink and blue balloons lined along the edges of the center lane where Taeyeon and Tiffany walked hand in hand. Typical for a wedding, the main theme was white with some minor deviations from the color due to the splashes of blue and pink where the balloons and ribbons laid. To the end of the aisle stood a pink tandem bicycle with a license plate attached to the back saying 'Just Married'. Taeyeon smiled as she remembered how obsessed Tiffany became when planning for their wedding.

And we'll get a bicycle to ride out of our wedding or should it be a hot-air balloon? No, that would be too over the top.

Fany- Oh my gosh, instead of throwing a flower bouquet, we can throw a bottle with a 'You're next' message inside and they can catch it That's dangerous- Just tell them to wear helmets or something Tiffany replied with a casual shrug, ...you know, as a precaution. Speaking of precaution, I want that kid genius on a tight leash! I will not have that love-struck little girl ruin our wedding who knows, in the end, it would be her and Jessica getting wed and not us. Oh my gosh! Balloons! How can I forget?

Do you have the rings? the minister suddenly asked Taeyeon. Like a stretched elastic lashing back to its original length Taeyeon spun her head back to face the man. Yes, I do she said rather rashly. As if on cue, Sooyoung's niece brought two toy rings to the minister. Really? he asked with a questioning look. Yes, really Tiffany answered with a toothy grin. Those right there, Taeyeon added as she pointed to the two plastic rings, are priceless The man nodded warily before continuing on with the ceremony. Do you...

Ahhh Tiffany squealed in delight as she marveled at the pink toy ring she got from her happy meal. Bringing it above her head, the seven year old girl watched as the ceiling lights of their local fastfood joint pierced through the transparent plastic ring, making it sparkle like the northern star. TaeTae, look! she cried in pure joy, Pink. Ring~ Taeyeon enviously watched her best friend fawn over her ring before launching her small hands to the brown paper bag where her happy meal toy should be. Finding it inside, she let out a giddy yip when she saw that it was a ring similar to Tiffany's. Fany, I have it too! she said while proudly showing it to her best friend. And look, it's my favourite colour I'm going to find someone to marry so I can wear this Tiffany innocently voiced. Why can't you wear it now? Duh! Tiffany responded as she flicked Taeyeon on the forehead with her finger. Only married people wear rings, TaeTae. And besides, it's kind of big for my finger so I'll wait until I get older With a pout, Taeyeon crossed her arms before sliding deeper down on her chair. She sent her best friend a cold glare before violently jamming fries inside her mouth. What's wrong with you? Tiffany asked with an arched eyebrow. Taeyeon ignored her question as she took a big bite from her burger. It went on like that for a few minutes - Taeyeon quickly

eating her food while Tiffany watched with a dumbfounded expression. After finishing her meal did the girl finally say, Fany, hurry up with your food so we can get married What? her best friend asked with a perplexed look. Do you want to wear that ring? Yes... but it's too big, it doesn't fit. See~ she said while demonstrating to Taeyeon how loose the ring was on her finger. Who cares, stuff the spaces with tissue or something. Anyways, I think it's legal to get married over there she replied while pointing to the large yellow slide of the indoor jungle gym. So hurry up and let's get married I want to wear my ring too. Tiffany let out a delighted squeal before clapping her hands and giving Taeyeon a brilliant eye-smile. Okay, okay. Wait, wait... I do! I do! she corrected before quickly jamming a handful of fries in her mouth.

The minister had finished his speech. Taeyeon and Tiffany who had braved the storm and survived now looked at each others eyes. This time, it was the shorter girl who took the initiative, leaning in to capture her best friend's lips with hers. It's only the right thing to do Taeyeon said with a cheeky grin once they had finished the kiss. If you kiss someone, you have to marry them and have kids. Hey! That's not how it works! Get your hormones on a leash a

familiar voice blurted out from the crowd. You have to say 'I do' first before you can kiss! Geez~ Yuri, shut-up! another one cut in. Taeyeon and Tiffany let out a smile, followed by a giggle, followed by a tight embrace. All the while falling at 9.8 meters per second.... I do... they said simultaneously. The two best friends, now turned newly-weds, laughed before finishing off their 'I do's' by calling each other a dork. ...and hitting the ground.

It would have been the perfect wedding if her best friend didn't have to go. Just imagining how the scene would play out in her head made her smile. "Taeyeon, we're here" The girl was inside Sunny and Sooyoung's vehicle after being the last people to leave Yoona and Seohyun's annual anniversary wedding. Looking outside the car window she spotted ghostly trails that ran vertically down the glassed pane it was raining.

What time is it? Taeyeon asked languidly. Twelve, at night Sooyoung answered from the front passenger's seat. Taeyeon, are you sure you want to go in? Sunny asked, the telltale sign of worry comfortably snuggled in between her carefully chosen words. She had asked Sooyoung and Sunny if they could make a pit stop here before dropping her off to her hotel room. Of course, the married couple agreed but not without any hesitance. Taeyeon nodded in response to Sunny's question before opening the car door. I won't be long she voiced once she had stepped out of the vehicle. No rush Sooyoung said. Taeyeon closed the car door before spinning on her heel to look once more at the old house of her best friend. The house that had been abandoned ever since Tiffany was admitted to Seoul's hospital. The house that was left alone for all these years. The house that was, and always will be, filled with their most cherished childhood memories. Two and a half years ago, Taeyeon found out that the corner lot had been claimed by the city since there were no more sole ownership of it anymore. Without a second thought, Taeyeon bought it with the wealth inherited from Mr.Lee's will. Running up to the front porch with a hand above her head to shield herself from the rain, the girl took a deep breath and mentally prepared herself for the inevitable flood of nostalgia. Once there, Taeyeon grabbed the house key from her jacket pocket and

unlocked the door with a click. It creaked open and just like that, she was swarmed again by their shared moments. The girl stepped inside the house and with trembling hands flicked the lights open. It appeared the same as she had last remembered it except that there were two things missing warmth, and a brilliant eye-smile to greet her. Going back into depression was never in her intention when she decided to stop over here so Taeyeon slipped off her shoes and headed upstairs to where her best friend's room was located. As soon as she had opened the door and turned on the lights, the first thing she saw was a picture frame standing atop the dresser drawer beside the bed.

Grandma, Tiffany whined, you know how I hate picture taking She drooped her head down shyly while playing with the laces in her dress. Taeyeon patted her best friend on the head. Today was especially easy for the short girl to reach the crown of Tiffany's head as she was imprisoned to that wheelchair for a week. Why? Scared that the camera will steal your soul right out of you? she teased. Arrgghh, fine. But just this once. Tiffany conceded. Thank you grandma Hwang mouthed to Taeyeon. The eighteen year old replied with a wink. The camera light flashed.

Walking closer to the picture frame, Taeyeon picked it up and glazed over the portrait with a smile. She never did quite understand Tiffany's phobia of photographs. Yes, people could possibly stare at a picture for months and then forget about it, but there were also some pictures that when looked at for a second would make them think of it all their life this was one of them. Sighing, she placed the picture frame down before falling on top of the bed. She breathed in the scent of distant memories and smiled. There were no more tears when thinking about her best friend, just the glowing warmth that seemed to radiate out whenever she peeked into their glassed jar of memories. Taeyeon had come here for reassurance and reassurance she got. Minutes upon minutes passed until the girl decided that it was time to leave. Would she come back here again? She'd like to think so. Getting up from the bed, the girl took a step towards the door until something pink had caught her eye. There, glistening brightly like a lone star on a dark night, was the pink ring resting on the center of the top mantle of the book-shelf. Slowly sauntering towards it, Taeyeon smiled as she picked up the plastic toy. Contemplating whether or not she should leave it or take it with her, the girl finally decided with the latter as she slid the ring on her left fourth finger. It fit perfectly. Taeyeon would hold it for safe keeping until the day she and Tiffany finally meet again for their second road-trip so that she can slip it back on her best friend's left ring finger where it belongs.

The end