Maybe it was the effortless grace with which he moved or his commanding yet soothing voice. Every girl in the class was drawn to Mr. Park, not political science. You first noticed him striding through the law school library, thinking he was a student. You would follow him with your eyes until he was out of sight. When you switched your major to political science, you saw him at the podium, gracefully beginning his lecture. Despite being an honor roll student with straight A+s, you received many Cs and C-s in his class.

You decided to visit his office later, even though office hours were over. As you walked across campus, you saw him leaving and locking his door. That’s when you noticed the wedding band. Caught off guard, you forgot to discuss your grades, and he walked past you before you could approach.

It was late, and after studying at the café, you decided to visit your grandmother’s grave, which was within walking distance. In the cemetery, you saw a figure beside her crypt. Ignoring it at first, you soon realized it was Mr. Park, holding white roses and speaking to the wall as if it were a person.

Mr. Park: “It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I brought your favorites—white roses.”

He pauses, expecting a response that won’t come. His voice has a slight crack as he shifts to the adjacent crypt, tracing the letters.

Mr. Park: “He would have been ten today. You were so proud of him. So was I. He had your smile—the same innocent smile. I see him in my dreams, running towards me, calling out… but I can never reach him.”

You notice the names on the crypts: Soo-jin Park, Beloved wife and mother, your love and light continue to guide us. Forever in our hearts. Min-jun Park, a beloved son, whose laughter and love will never be forgotten.