I
recognize this women’s voice, but I don’t know from where. I thought I was on
my way to another city from Singapore after enjoying the beautiful view and
delicious iced Milo.
“Wake
up!!!!!”
Someone
is shaking me. Is there something wrong with the watch?
It
was then when I opened my eyes, and my mom was standing right in front me with
her angry face yelling at me. But how can this be? I was on my way to Seoul,
not my room. I looked down on my wrist to check if the watch was okay, but it
wasn’t there anymore. I was lost. What about the eccentric buildings in China?
The famous Shanghai dish, Xiaolongbao? The syrup dragon that a sweet old lady
made for me? A cup of cappuccino I enjoyed on a lovely day at “Sweet Annie’s
Bakery” in Flossmoor? The unforgettable performance of singers and dancers
wearing Chinese silk dresses in Shanghai? An “adventure” that I took with the
Millers and their two children to Stony Creek MetroPark for a bike ride? I
vividly remember every moment of my journey through my space pocket.
“Are
you ok?” said my mom with a worried voice.
“Yes…..but
what happened to the watch I had on my wrist, mom?”
“What
watch?”
“You
never had a watch on. You didn’t have anything yesterday when you went to bed.”
“You
sure you are okay, hun?”
“Yeah…..
I'm all right.”
“What’s
the date today mom?”
“It
is April 12th, 2018. Do you need me to take you to the doctor’s?”
“Thank
you. No, I’m good. I will be back. I just need some fresh air.”
I
was very lost. Then was this all a dream? Can this even be possible? It can’t
be true.
As I
got out of my house, I could smell the spring coming from the cherry blossom
trees. I started to walk towards the scent. When I finally got there, the
beautiful scenic cherry blossom street that my hometown Chungju in Korea is
widely known for was soothing my confused mind. Couples on the street were
holding hands enjoying the beautiful day out. Kids on the side of the road were
begging their parents to buy them street food. Watching these happy people
enjoying a nice day in spring made me forget about everything I was stressed
about. I got ddukbokkie (Korean rice cake) in a cup and Sikhye (a rice drink)
from the food stand and sat down to enjoy the moment.
Then
I took a bus to downtown to walk more to figure out more about everything that
happened.
While
I was on the bus, I could see the hard working farmers getting ready for
summer, planting rice seeds. I also saw a tower of an apple, which my hometown
is widely known for. The sweet breeze coming from the crack of the window was
soothing than ever.
When
I finally got to downtown, I saw people shopping and eating on the street.
There were a lot of people waiting in line on the street in front of food
stands. As much as I enjoy eating at a restaurant, I love eating while standing
at food stands in my hometown. I walked around listening to the laughter of
people in downtown mixed with music coming from different stores.
By the time my stomach started to growl, the sun was going down, and the neon signs of the karaoke rooms were turning on. I knew it was time for me to go back home and let go of the adventure which turned out to be just a dream.
As I
was walking towards my house, I could smell my mom’s signature soup, Kimchi
Soup, and Korean barbecue. I ran to the house, and my mom was standing in the
kitchen cooking, greeting me with a smile.
We
sat at the dinner table, and she asked what my plan was for my trip around the
world. She went through all the lists of things from passport to toothbrush to
check if I am prepared for this journey. That same night my boss called me to
wish me good luck for the trip and to be a brave journalist. I went to sleep
with the hope that my trip will be as good as the adventure I was on with my
space pocket.
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