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The family sat around the dinner table, eating happily when their oldest paused mid bite to ask, “Eomma, was it love at first sight for you and Appa?”
Cheol choked, sputtering water all over himself. The baby threw his fists joyfully into the air, breaking into giggles at his dad’s silliness.
Miae shot a look at her husband, did her best to stifle her laughter, and smiled at their daughter.
“Sweetheart, we met when we were children. It wasn’t love at first sight. I remember being excited to make a friend, and amazed that your dad was so tall even though we were the same age. I’m pretty sure your dad wanted nothing to do with me.”
“Appa, is that true?!”
Cheol cleared his throat. “Yes. I was a shy kid and at the age where I thought girls were annoying. And your mom was anything but shy. I can still see her chasing me and yelling, ‘TAKE ME WITH YOUUUUU! LET’S GO TOGETHERRRRRR!’ He waved his hands dramatically and mimicked his wife’s wide-eyed facial expressions. Miae rolled her eyes and barely suppressed a smile.
Their daughter burst into laughter, it wasn’t difficult to imagine her mom chasing her dad while yelling and teasing him. Wanting to join in the fun, her baby brother chuckled along with her.
Once she was able to collect herself, she started thinking and her brows furrowed just like her father, “But, then how did you fall in love and get married?”
At the same time:
Miae, “I was patient...”
Cheol, “It took time…”
Her parents stopped and smiled at each other. Cheol nodded at Miae.
“Like Appa said, it took time. We met as kids, but then we didn’t see each other for almost 7 years. When we met again, we were teenagers trying to figure so many things out.”
Cheol interjected, “I was stubborn.”
“You are still stubborn” Miae playfully jabbed.
Cheol continued, “Fine. I’m still stubborn. But when I met your mom again, she worked so hard to become my friend…and I did my best to push her away every chance I got.”
“Poor eomma.”
“Well as you know, she got her way in the end…not that I’m complaining! Looking back, I was scared to get attached to anyone.”
“Why Appa?”
“Well, let’s talk about that more another time.” Cheol looked uncomfortable for a brief moment, then his expression brightened.
“You asked if it was love at first sight and I wouldn’t call it that. But, your eomma is the only one that’s ever been in my sight.”
“Ewwwwwuh Appa!”
Cheol reached under the table to squeeze Miae’s hand. A single shining tear rolled down her smiling cheek.