TWENTY-ONE YEARS AGOShe pushed the glass swing door of the grocery store open. Sarah stepped out into the bright sunlight, her arms laden with bags of fresh produce and pantry staples. She carefully navigated the sidewalk, her eyes fixed on the path ahead as she tried to avoid any obstacles.As she turned the corner, she didn't notice the elderly woman standing in front of her, lost in thought. Sarah's bags bumped into the woman, causing her to stumble slightly. The woman's eyes widened as she grasped Sarah's arm to steady herself."Oh, I'm so sorry!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes locking onto the woman's concerned face. "Are you okay?"The woman smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkling with kindness. "I'm fine, dear. Just a bit lost in thought. You're expecting a baby, aren't you?"Sarah's hands instinctively went to her belly, a smile spreading across her face. "Yes, I'm due in a few months. My first baby."The woman's face lit up with a warm smile. "Congratulations! Enjoy every moment, d

BACK TO THE PRESENT: BEFORE THE GALA As the bus stops at every road andstreet Jones's gaze never shifted. Frustration filled his eyes. He had mixed emotions. He lost his job and has no idea on what to do next with his life without a job. The job was his only surviving option, though the pay is low but it fits the bills and covers his mom's health insurance. The company was going bankrupt, possibly due to financial instability or because they crossed the wrong person. The release of a tape featuring Kai Won, a renowned artist, accusing him of counterfeit painting, all in the name of telling the "truth".The unemployment rate in New York city was higher than the employment rate. Youths are miserable, pushing them to commit crimes which also increases the crime rate of the country. The rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. Jones slammed his head hard against the window in anger. He felt a sharp pain, but it can't be quantified with the pain he's feeling about being

The echoes of laughter drifted down the hallway, soft and fleeting, like a melody carried by the wind. Nurses and doctors passed by, stealing curious glances into the room where Marie and Sarah sat chatting.When I got the call from Dr. Julian — about Sarah, my boyfriend’s mother — being sick, my heart sank. I could only imagine how he must have been feeling. Without a second thought, I flew back to New York City, desperate to be there for him. It was disappointing not to find him at the hospital, but at least now I understood why he hadn’t answered my calls these past few days.As much as I had loved staying with my Halmoni in Korea, I couldn’t ignore the ache of missing him — his bad-boy charm, that mischievous smile with the deep dimples, the way his eyes softened when he looked at me. I missed everything about him. I was sure his mother’s illness had broken his heart into pieces.Still, his absence gave me something unexpected — the chance to grow closer to his mother, my future m

Jones woke to the dull throb of his heartbeat pounding behind his eyes. The room spun faintly as sunlight leaked through the blinds. His mouth was dry, the bitter taste of alcohol clinging to his tongue.He groaned, shifted — and froze.Someone was beside him.Marie.Her dark hair fanned across the pillow, soft against the sheets. For a long moment, he just stared, trying to remember how she’d ended up there.“Marie?” he rasped.She stirred, eyes fluttering open. “You’re awake,” she said softly, a trace of irritation beneath her calm tone.Jones rubbed his temples. “What… are you doing here?”“I came to your house last night,” she said. “You weren’t home. I was knocking when Max showed up — half-dragging you out of his car.”He blinked. “Max?”She nodded. “Yeah. You two went to a party. You got completely wasted. He brought you home.”Jones frowned, flashes of the night flickering — music, laughter, flashing lights, Max handing him another drink… then nothing.He exhaled. “I don’t rem

Marie stepped into the elevator, her reflection flickering against the mirrored walls as it ascended. The hum of the gallery faded, replaced by soft instrumental music. When the doors opened, the scent of cedar and oil paint filled the hallway — the scent she’d always associated with her uncle’s workspace. She adjusted her blouse and knocked once before entering.“Marie,” a warm voice called.Her uncle, Kai Won, looked up from a canvas propped against the wall. Light from the tall windows caught the silver in his dark hair. But before she could greet him, another voice made her freeze.“Marie.”Her father.He sat across the room, hands clasped, expression calm but unreadable. Seeing him here — in Kairos Art Space, in her uncle’s office — made her pulse jump.“Dad? What are you doing here?” she asked.Kai Won smiled gently. “He stopped by for a visit. We were just talking about you.”Marie blinked. “About me?”Her father stood, smoothing his tie. “It’s been a while since you came home