Chapter 17

But she shook her head firmly. Listen, dear, she said, pushing the envelope back toward me, this isn’t payment for taking care of Joey. Your hospitality cannot be paid with some currency notes.It’s just my way of trying to help. Daniel told me you’ve been struggling to find a job, so I spoke with Mr. Antonio. I gave him your contact information. He’ll be in touch soon.

Tears welled up in my eyes. Oh, Grandma,” I said, hugging her tightly, “I wish there was something I could do to ease your pain.

You’ve already done more than enough, Luna,she replied, wiping her tears. Then her voice broke as she continued, As for Joey, we’ll be leaving the country soon. He needs to be surrounded by family, and it’ll be too hard for both of us to stay here with all the memories. I don’t know when we’ll return, but when we do, you’re always welcome to visit.

I nodded, unable to find the words to respond. The thought of leaving them weighed heavily on me.

Later that day, I packed my things, getting ready to leave. Joey noticed and ran up to me, his face scrunched in confusion. Luna, you’re already leaving? he asked, his voice quivering. “You didn’t even wait for Daddy to come home.

I knelt down to his level, holding his small face in my hands. “I’m so sorry, Joey, but I have to go. Don’t worry,we’ll see each other again, I said, my voice cracking. You have Grandma, right? And I need to go see my mom too.

He hugged me tightly, and I fought back the tears threatening to spill. Looking at Grandma for strength, I kissed Joey’s forehead and whispered, Be strong, okay?

They both accompanied me to the train station. As the train pulled in, Joey tugged on my sleeve. Take this, Luna,” he said, handing me a small picture of him and his dad, along with one of his toys.

No, he interrupted. Grandma said we’re leaving the country. I don’t know why, but I wanted you to have these. So you’ll always remember us. And the toy that's my favorite.

I couldn’t hold back anymore. I hugged him tightly, tears streaming down my cheeks as I whispered, “I’ll never forget you, Joey. Then I hugged Grandma, who held me close for a moment before letting me go.

As I stepped onto the train, I looked back at them, waving. Joey was holding onto Grandma’s hand, his other hand raised high in the air, waving energetically. I waved back as the train started to move, watching them grow smaller and smaller until they disappeared from sight.

With the picture clutched in my hand, I sank into my seat, tears quietly falling as the train carried me away from them.

When I got home, Mom was already asleep. Not wanting to wake her, I quietly slipped into my bed, still holding the photo Joey had given me. Staring at it, I whispered, “I’m so sorry, Joey.

Mom must have heard me because she came into my room, her face filled with concern. She sat down beside me and hugged me tightly. “It’ll be alright, dear, she said softly.

Please, Mom, stay with me tonight, I said, needing her comfort. Without hesitation, she lay beside me, holding me close until I finally drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, after breakfast, I called Joey’s grandma to check on them.

Hi, Luna, she answered, her voice warm but tired. We’re at the airport now.

Oh, I’ll miss you all so much, I said, my throat tightening.

I’ll miss you too, Luna, Joey’s small voice chimed in from the background. I’ll call you, okay?

Please do, Joey, I replied.

Take care of yourself, dear, Grandma added before we hung up.

A few days passed, and I decided to take a stroll to clear my head. On my way back, I stopped by a street vendor to pick up some fruits. While reaching for an apple, another hand brushed against mine.

Startled, I looked up and met a familiar pair of piercing eyes. Luna? he said, his voice filled with surprise.

Minho? I stammered, equally shocked.

We both straightened up, holding the apple between us. “What a surprise,” I said, trying to sound casual. What are you doing here?

“‘Well, he said with a small smile, “I visited a friend who lives down the street. And you?.

Just picking up some fruits, I replied, feeling a bit flustered.

Are you done? he asked.

Yeah, just about, I answered.

Wait, let me pay for that, he offered, reaching for his wallet.

No, no, I’ve got it, I said, quickly opening my purse.

But he gently placed a hand on mine, stopping me. “Please, Luna. Let me,” he insisted, and before I could argue further, he handed the vendor some bills.

Thank you, I said softly, a bit embarrassed but grateful.

You’re welcome, he said, his warm smile making my heart flutter. So, where are you headed now?

Home,I answered.

Well, let me give you a ride, he offered.

I hesitated for a moment but knew refusing would only lead to more insistence. Alright, I said.

As we got into his car and started driving, he glanced at me. “So, how have you been? You seem a bit... different.

Different? I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yeah, he said, focusing on the road. Not in a bad way, of course. Just quieter.

I sighed. I’ve just had a lot on my mind lately. A friend and his family left the country, and it’s been hard saying goodbye.

I’m sorry to hear that, he said sincerely. Goodbyes are always tough.

They are, I agreed. But life goes on, right?

He nodded. True, Still if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here.

I smiled at him. “Thank you, Minho. That means a lot.

As we pulled up to my house, he parked and turned to me. Luna, I’d really like to get to know you better. How about dinner tomorrow?

I blinked in surprise but found myself nodding. Alright. Pick me up at eight.

Deal, he said with a grin as I got out of the car.

I watched him drive away, a small smile lingering on my lips. When I turned back toward the house, I froze. Mom was standing at the doorway, arms crossed and smiling knowingly.

Mom? I called out, startled.

When were you going to tell me? she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Tell you what? I asked, pretending not to understand.

She gave me a look. Come on, Luna. I saw that smile. Who’s the handsome guy?

I sighed, exasperated. “Mom, he’s just a friend.

If you say so, she said with a playful wink, stepping back inside.

Shaking my head, I followed her in.

The next morning at the store, as I was helping Mom organize the shelves, a sweet, angelic voice called out, Luna.