Erika smiles.
"Take care of yourself, Mei."
Mei hugs her tightly, the kind of embrace that lingers, heavy with gratitude and pain
"You too, Erika."
Erika leans in close, her voice a whisper against Mei's ear.
"Mei, you are free now. Hiro can't touch you anymore. But promise me something, stay calm. Last time it ended in blood. We can't afford to let history repeat itself.
Mei nods gently.
"Ok, I promise. "
Erika squeezes her hand.
"I trust you."
Together, they walk towards the airport entrance. Erika helps with Mei's luggage, her every movement delibrate, as if trying to delay the inevitable goodbye."
Mei turns one last time,
"Thanks for everything, Erika."
Erika smiles,
"Anytime, sis."
Mei puts on her mask, hiding her face but not the emotions behind her eyes.
Erika watches her go, a mix of emotions on her face, before turning back to the car.
As Mei steps into the terminal, her heart flutters with a mix of nervousness and freedom. She checks in, drops her luggage, and heads to the departure gate.
She sits down, opens her phone, and texts Erika.
"I'm at the gate. Thanks again for everything. I'll call you when I arrive."
A strange feeling creeps in. That prickling awareness, like unseen eyes following her every move.
She wonders.
" Could it be?"
She shakes her head.
"No, it can't be. We cut ties a long time ago. He wouldn't come back... not for me."
She tucks her phone away, and waits for the boarding to begin.
When time comes, she hands her boarding pass to the attendant. The woman studies her face a second too long. Suspicion flickering in her eyes but she says nothing.
Mei walks down the jetway, boarding the plane. The unease doesn't fade. Even as she settles into her seat.
The plane lifts off the ground. Mei exhales a breath that feels like release.
For the first time in years., she is free. No more chains. No more fear.
Seoul awaits. A beginning unknown, but hers.
She feels excited to start her new life in Seoul, but she's also nervous about what the future holds.
She takes a deep breath and tries to relax. She looks out the window, watching as the ground below her gets smaller and smaller.
Mei smiles, feeling a sense of excitement and possibility. She knows that this is just the beginning of her new life, and she's ready for whatever comes next.
Mei receives a text message from Ji-hyun. She smiles, seeing her friend's name on the screen.
Ji-hyun message is filled with excitement and warmth,
"Hey Mei, I will come pick you up. I think you will get here in the night."
Mei's fingers move swiftly as she types out a reply,
"I think so as well."
Ji-hyun's next text is filled with eagerness,
"I am so excited to see you."
Mei's smile widens as she reads the message, feeling happy and excited,
"Yeah, me too."
Ji-hyun's final message is brief,
"Bye."
Mei's reply is equally brief.
"Bye."
She sets the phone aside and leans back, eyes half-closed.
Her new life begins now. And somewhere far behind, the traumas of past start to fade.