Still, it was a relief to know that Mom was healthy.
She was wearing clothes I hadn’t seen before. It seemed like her situation had improved enough to buy and wear a new suit.
She didn’t look like she was barely managing or suffering from any health issues.
I thought that was truly fortunate.
From a distance, I watched Mom.
After that, she greeted us a few more times. She seemed to have forgotten my name. Well, introductions at weddings usually go like,
“This is someone from my workplace doing such and such work,” rather than sharing names directly.
Introducing someone as a coworker or a friend was often easier to remember and to bring up again in future encounters.
It seemed that quite a few people at this wedding knew Mom, aside from Yuri.
People around her age warmly struck up conversations with her.
Even Yuri’s parents seemed to be well-acquainted with her. Mom and Yuri might have known each other, but it wasn’t likely they were familiar enough to know each other’s parents.
“Oh, she helps with Yuri’s parents’ business. They’ve known each other since Yuri was a university student…”
I see.
After I died, it seemed Yuri had helped Mom in some way.
I didn’t know exactly how she helped, but it probably had something to do with the company Yuri worked at.
What started as a helping hand seemed to have developed into tangible results, and now she seemed busy managing some branch of the company.
She had taken a vacation for this wedding but was delayed because a client suddenly rescheduled a meeting.
…Thank goodness.
Truly, thank goodness.
That’s what I thought.
“Ayun.”
As we were eating, Mom placed a hand on Ayun’s shoulder.
“Oh, yes, Mother.”
“Have you eaten a lot?”
“Yes, I’ve eaten a lot.”
At Mom’s words, Ayun responded with a big smile. Mom smiled softly at her and gently patted her shoulder.
“I have to leave now because of work. I’m sorry. I wanted to talk a bit longer…”
“Oh, no, it’s okay. Just seeing you was great. We can talk another time, right?”
“Let’s meet up properly next time for a cup of tea. Should I come to visit?”
“Ah…”
For a moment, Ayun’s gaze turned toward me at Mom’s suggestion. Mom also glanced at me, who had frozen, and gave a bittersweet smile.
“Oh, that’s right. You’re not working alone anymore.”
“No, no!”
It seemed like Mom was about to say something out of consideration for me, so I quickly interrupted. Ayun’s expression stiffened slightly, as if she were afraid.
Her expression seemed to reflect just how hard Mom had struggled after I died, and it made my chest ache a little.
But even so, there was one thing I wanted to make clear.
“You’re welcome to come anytime. On Tuesday mornings, there aren’t many customers…”
I realized mid-sentence that I shouldn’t have said that.
Talking about when there aren’t many customers wasn’t really something I should say—it was for Ayun to decide since she outranked me at the bakery.
But still, if Mom came to see Ayun, I’d also get to see Mom. It would give me even a small chance to talk to her.
That’s why I didn’t want Mom to hold back and avoid visiting the shop because of me.
Mom smiled softly at me.
“Thank you. Then I won’t hesitate to visit.”
Thankfully, she didn’t ask for my name.
“Well then, see you next time. Eat plenty before you go. Yuri worked hard to find a good place.”
It probably meant Yuri had found the best venue possible despite the limited options. No matter how rushed the wedding was, she must have wanted to make the best choice within the circumstances.
“Yes, I’m enjoying the food.”
This time, Ayun glanced at me again. But this time, her expression wasn’t stiff—it was smiling. Probably because I was happily eating. To be honest, I could’ve eaten more, but I held back. Overindulging in front of Ayun might not leave a great impression.
“I see.”
Mom answered with a smile, gently patting Ayun’s shoulder again.
“Well, I’ll be going. See you next time.”
“Yes, see you next time.”
Mom nodded slightly at me, and I quickly got up and gave a small bow. Startled, she briefly widened her eyes, then smiled slightly and left.
I let out a small breath. At least I was able to talk to Mom without any major issues.
Although I didn’t reveal my name this time, by then, I’d be able to properly converse with her. Until then, I’d think of ways to keep the conversation going.
Ayun also let out a small sigh.
Then,
“Have you two met before?”
She tilted her head and asked me.
“Huh? Oh, no.”
If we’re talking about whether we’ve met or not, of course, the answer would be “yes.” But if she had known my true identity, she wouldn’t have asked such a question.
It wasn’t something you’d ask someone who’s your mom’s child.
Given what I had said to Mom, I could see why she’d think that way.
“Right?”
But I don’t think she really meant it. It was probably just a fleeting question born out of instinct.
To her, we were strangers meeting for the first time.
And if I were that close to Mom, she would have recognized me.
No matter how you looked at it, there was no real connection between us. Even if we had met somewhere out of Ayun’s sight, it didn’t make sense.
“…Sorry for asking something weird.”
“No, it’s okay. It happens.”
That’s how I answered her.
…If I ever get to reveal my true identity to Ayun someday. If that ever happens, I thought I should definitely apologize for what happened today.
*
“Are you leaving for your honeymoon right away?”
Ayun asked Yuri, who had just changed into her hanbok. Yuri smiled brightly and nodded.
“Yes, right away. I’ve already put in for vacation.”
“Where are you going?”
When Ayun asked with a smile, Yuri and her new husband, Park Hyunseung, shouted in unison
“HAWAII!”
For a moment, I thought I saw a younger version of Park Hyunseung. Well, he’s still young enough now, though.
“That sounds wonderful,” Ayun replied with a smile at their enthusiasm.
“I’ll send you lots of pictures. Enough for you to use as a reference when it’s your turn.”
“Alright, I’ll be looking forward to it,” Ayun nodded pleasantly.
Yuri, accompanied by a crowd of well-wishers, headed toward the car.
A few balloons were tied to the pristine white vehicle. The scene was just like something out of a movie or drama, and it made me chuckle.
Watching the two of them walk away, Ayun had a somewhat pensive expression, as if she was lost in thought.
…Someday.
Someday, will Ayun have a blessed wedding like that too?
She surely will. On her happy day, all the good people around her will come to celebrate.
And I’ll be there, too.
…Though, I might not be able to truly congratulate her from the bottom of my heart.
Even so, I’ll still wish for her happiness.
I truly hoped it would turn out that way.
*
The Way Back
My sister and I sat side by side on the bus, looking out the window.
The wedding hadn’t lasted that late into the night, so the sun was still shining brightly in the sky.
As I quietly gazed out the window, something soft gently settled onto my shoulder.
“…….”
When I turned my gaze, I saw my sister leaning her head against my shoulder, her eyes closed. I could hear her soft, rhythmic breathing.
Even though it was still daylight, it seemed she had become a little tired.
Well, while I felt a bit awkward, my sister had been actively greeting Yuri’s family and friends.
She had greeted her college friends and even talked with people she met after Yuri left for her honeymoon.
She must be a good person, and that’s why she has so many people around her.
Every time that happened, my sister would try to end the conversation quickly, aware of me, but I would just smile and step aside for her.
As we were leaving the wedding venue, my sister apologized, but I thought there was no need for that.
After all, I was the one who wanted to attend the wedding.
And from this experience, I gained a lot. I was able to meet old acquaintances and even see my mom again.
Though I’ve just taken my first steps, I thought today was enough for me.
There is still plenty of time left.
Slowly, slowly, I will catch up with those who have gone ahead.
So that someday, I can stand beside them.