Soorin woke to sunlight streaming through the windows.
Warm. Bright. Different from Seoul's gray mornings.
She stretched. Felt the soft sheets against her skin.
For the first time in months, she felt light.
Not anxious. Not looking over her shoulder.
Just... free.
She grabbed her phone.
9 AM Vegas time.
Which meant it was 1 AM in Seoul.
Her body was confused.
But her mind felt clear.
She opened video call.
Her mom answered on the second ring.
"Soorin-ah! Let me see you."
She turned on the camera.
Her mom's face filled the screen.
Then her expression changed.
Softened.
"You look happy."
Soorin blinked.
"I do?"
"Yes. Really happy. I haven't seen you smile like that in months."
She touched her face.
"I guess I am. It's... nice being here."
Her mom's eyes filled with tears.
"This is good. You needed this."
"Mom, don't cry."
"I'm not crying. Just... I'm glad you're there. Where you can breathe."
They talked for twenty minutes.
