"WhydoyouloveSouthKoreandramasomuch, JuMeok? I don't remember watching any Kdrama from start to finish much more become a fan of any Korean celebrity."
We were again at the captain's house looking after the woman from the south whose name we will later know as Seri. For now, we call her Madam. Except for Comrade Pyo Chi Su who calls her many things except what's proper and gentlemanly.
To be honest, even if Captain Ri did not personally ask us to watch over her, I would have volunteered. It's not everyday that a South Korean woman crash lands on our territory. Besides, she is not just a South Korean woman. She is a very pretty and nice South Korean woman.
She told me about my favorite KDrama!! She told me about who Choi Ji-Woo is in real life! She listened as I blabber about her. She even told me that come reunification, she will arrange for a meeting between me and her.
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She listened. She never made me feel stupid.
And now she asked me about my fascination for the Korean wave. Something that not even my comrades did, if only to understand why I am such a fan.
I don't know what it is about this stranger, about this South Korean, but she made me talk without shame, without pressure.
With her, I didn't have to hide my fears. My secret dreams. The dream of every North Korean.
Watching Kdrama has been my escape. A place I hide from the harsh realities of being born in North Korea.
In this world, I can at least pretend that all ends well.
There is an equal opportunity for the rich and the poor to be successful, given the same level of grit and perseverance.
That freedom of choice is for all be it in the simplest choice of what to wear to the most complicated decision of who to marry.
That the freedom of speech and expression will not cost me my life and that of my loved ones.
That in the end, after all the struggles, the person I love and who loves me back will no longer have reasons to hide.
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I didn't realize that my eyes were prickling with tears until the woman reached out, wiped them away and gathered me in for a hug.
Her voice thick with unshed tears, she gently whispered "Your captain once told me fortune and misfortune are like twisted ropes. They come by turns. Soon, everything will be okay, Ju Meok."
- THE END -
******** Author's Notes
Late, I know. ✌. But here it is, my D17 (Hide) entry for #CLOYTOBER 2021.
I appreciate you taking the time reading and leaving comments on my stories, y'all. Thank you very much!
Stay safe and healthy. Be kind to all kinds. Always. 💕
