A Day Well Spent

We set out early the next day, with our first stop being the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Known as "The Sunrise Peak", the path was laden with snow, the weather was chilly but it did not dampen our mood as we hike our way through. On the way, we met people from all walks of life as we stop to catch a breath and to admire the picturesque views of the sea and the town below. It took us about 30 minutes of tedious stair climbing to reach the top. We were out of breath by the time we sat down at the patio waiting for the sun to rise.

In no time, our patience was awarded as a streak of light peeked through behind the clouds and light everything up. As sunlight flooded the skies, the artificial lights dimmed below, and the plains were bathed in the white color of the snow. The waters glittered and changed from turquoise to azure blue. It was truly a sight to behold.

"It makes you humble doesn't it" Hye Jin commented.

I just nodded in agreement, words failing to describe the wonder I beheld before my eyes.

"Lets come back here one day when its spring. I"ll never get tired of this sight" Hye Jin said.

"I would love that too" I agreed.

We took our time walking back as we explored the small black sand beach at the bottom of the stairs.

The rest of the day was spent exploring Jeju Island to our hearts content. We visited the Aqua planet gawking at the various life forms it boasted , we filled our growling stomachs with delicious delicacies at Jeju Folk village, we took our time buying souvenirs, explored Udo Island, clicking selfies at the waterfalls and paying a visit to some of the museums and historical places.

Overall it was a day well spent. As evening draw on, we found ourselves on our favorite place, the seashore. The evening tide rushed to the shore as we ran towards it, two girls frolicking in the waves. We were drenched to the core as we sat side by side watching the sunset over the horizon.

Suddenly Hye Jin ran forward and shouted out "Cha Eun Su, fighting!! Even if I'm not besides you, don't let anyone bully you. Strive on and wait for me. Eun Su, you will always be my best friend no matter what"

As I listen to her words, tears filled my eyes but I wiped them away and shouted out too "Kang Hye Jin, fighting!!! Don't fall sick without me there taking care of you. Don't be too mischievous and make lots of friends so that you won't feel lonely. Hye Jin will always be Eun Su's best friend forever."

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When he was young, he had been to Jeju Island several times along with his Mom. His Mom loved the island and took him to all of her favorite places. Today, he visited those places once again and each time he did so, he felt his Mom near him guiding him every step of the way. When leaving the resort, he bought a bunch of white orchids, his Mom's favorite flowers. With each place he visited, he left behind a lone orchid in remembrance of his Mom.

As he watch the sunrise at Seongsan peak, he left an orchid; while walking barefoot on the sandy black beach, he left an orchid; while exploring the waterfalls and lava caves, he left an orchid;step by step he made his way to every corner of the island.

At long last, he reached the end of his journey as he stood before the Jusangjeolli cliffs. He remembered walking along the walkway with his Mom when he was young.

"Ji Hu, this island is the place where I spent my happiest years. Every nook and corner are filled with precious memories for me. Promise me when I die you will scatter my ashes here." she said seriously.

"When you grow up, don't make the same mistakes I did. Never let anyone dictate your life and always listen to your heart. Remember to trust and have faith, to love freely and wholly."

As he stood at the edge of the cliff watching the stormy seas below with the waves striking the rocks, he could still hear the sound of her voice in the wind. He finally took out the urn from his backpack as with care he poured out the ashes towards the sea bidding his last farewell.

"Farewell Mom. Rest in peace. I hope you finally found your happiness" Ji Hu shouted as he scattered the rest of the orchids towards the waters below.

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After the emotional outburst at the beach, we quietly made our way back to the resort when suddenly Hye Jin exclaimed "Eun Su, don't move. There is something stuck in your hair"

"What is it?" I asked as she rummage through my hair.

"Its a flower" Hye Jin replied.

As I stare at the flower in her hand, I immediately knew what it was.

"Its an orchid"