Page 31 of XOXO

“I look good, I can’t help that,” I grinned, feeling more at ease than I had in almost two years.

I should have come to see her immediately.

“How are the girls?” I asked.

“Your sisters are great. Hanuel is going to rule the world one day. Argues for everything and anything, but that's what is going to make her a great lawyer,” Mother said fondly. “And Dae is about to land her first role in a short film.”

“She still has dreams of acting?” I grimaced.

“Yes, but she’s different and it’s not dramas,” my mother said optimistically.

“Tell her to stay away from K-dramas,” I grumbled. “Tell her to act in America or anywhere else. She won’t be under so much pressure to keep working and her wants and needs won’t be dismissed.”

“She knows,” she said. “The short film is in Italy.”

“Really?” Relief flooded me. “That’s great. She deserves an acting career she can manage without the pressure.”

“She’s a smart woman,” she said proudly.

“They both are,” I said, missing them more.

“They wanted to come by, but things are busy for them.” She rolled her eyes. “They send their love and hope to see you soon.”

“It’s ok. If they can’t come to me, I’ll make it out to them,” I said, recognizing the road we were on. “Maybe I can entice them with a little shopping.”

“You and Bosco spoil them too much,” she sighed.

“They are our bambinas, they deserve to be spoiled,” I said, looking out the window admiring the gorgeous countryside. “How is Bosco?”

“Good, textiles are doing good and he’s had an increase in sales, so he has been busy,” she said fondly. “He will be here by the end of the week to accompany us to the coast.”

“I haven’t been down there in forever. I’m excited,” I said, seeing the scenery turn into vines. “I can’t wait to see the new house.”

“Oh, it's gorgeous,” she said wistfully. “Everything I could have ever dreamed of.”

“That’s good, Eomma,” I said reaching over to hold her hand. “I’m glad he gives you everything you want.”

“You both do, you have me and the girls spoiled.” She squeezed my hand.

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” I said.

“I suppose not,” she grinned. “Now tell me about your service.”

My heart dropped. I was hoping she would not ask.

“It’s the military,” I shrugged, looking out the window again, hoping she didn’t press for more.

“I know that look,” she sighed. “Your father had a horrible experience, and I was hoping you would be spared.”

She never talked about my father. I turned towards her with my brows raised.

“The brutal treatment of the new men in the military was horrible,” she sighed. “He never told me anything specific, but his years in the military changed him and not for the best, as you know.”

“We served at different times and he tried to make it his career,” I said, feeling self-conscious about my issues.

Was I making a big deal out of nothing?

“Doesn’t matter, you both had to serve and I know it must not have been easy,” she said sadly. “The few mothers I still keep in touch with all said different things about their son’s times serving. I was hoping you would have an easier service, but it seems like I was wrong.”