Chapter 6 The Meeting

                                    

                                          
Swiss
After another sleepless night, Se-ri woke to face another day. She knew it was going to be a long and difficult day, culminating with the concert. You can do this, it will all be fine, she thought. She started to get ready for the day and looking at herself in the mirror saw the dark circles under her eyes. It won't be the first time she had to conceal the dark circles, she had been concealing it for a long time, and she was a pro at it. She wore the dress she loved, the dress made her feel comfortable and happy. She did not know if happy was on her list for the day, but she would try. She met Hans for breakfast and they went over the agenda for the day. The competition would start in the morning and conclude after lunch. The concert would start at seven o'clock.
"We have talented musicians this year, it is going to be hard for the judges. Have you heard some of them in practice?" Hans asked.
"Yes, I have heard all of them. I agree, the judges are going to have a hard time. I was impressed with the North Korean violinist and the South Korean pianist. All the musicians have bright futures ahead of them" Se-ri replied. 
"I agree," he said.
 She was looking forward to hearing the students play. She thought, if I see him today, what would he have to say, how would I react, how would he react? Stop thinking Se-ri, too many thoughts.
 She went to the auditorium to hear the students. The judges were up front and she looked for a seat away from the judges and by herself, away from the others. She did not want to be around anyone. She took her seat and listened to the students. They are good, she thought, the judges would have a hard time deciding the winner. She was so focused on listening, she did not realize that someone had sat beside her. She turned to the person, she was surprised and it showed on her face. 
"Jeong hyeok, what are you doing here?" she whispered
"Listening to the students. Let's shake hands" He put out his hand, took hers and put a small envelope in her palm. 
She looked at him and nodded. He left as quietly as he came. She had a difficult time paying attention to the students' music, thinking about the letter and she was nervous. She waited for the lunch break and went back to her hotel suite to read the letter.