It was over a month ago since I last saw the woman on the bridge.
Scrolling through the photographs I took that day, I found hers.
I wonder where you are now. Are you okay? I hope you are.
Classes ended early that day and saying goodbye to my friends, I was about to go my way when a woman approached me.
She introduced herself as Seo Dan. I heard about her from my father. Our marriage was already pre-arranged but except for her name, I know next to nothing about her.
This story is not about her. This is the story of the woman in the photograph.
Photography has always been a passion. I love taking photos to capture the perfect moment and my experience at that time.
It was there, in Panorama Bridge, that I saw here. Talking to herself. No, recording herself.
From where I stand, I could tell by the way her hand was holding on to the recorder that she was very scared. Even her voice was thick with fear. Her face red, showing telltale signs of her crying.
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"I am on top of a bridge in Sigriswil. I have no regrets. Dad, Se-jun, Se-hyeong and Mom, I am going far away. Don't live too happily though. Every now and then, do think of me.
My stomach clenched at the thought of what she was about to do. I had to act fast but how can I lead her away from the bridge without frightening her more? Without her knowing that I was actually saving her from herself?
That is when Seo Dan came in. In her usual assertive tone, she asked that we take a picture together to show to our fathers.
An idea took shape. Speaking in English, so the woman will not realize that I was eavesdropping and actually understood what she was saying, thereby letting her maintain her dignity, I approached her and said: "Excuse me, can you take a photo of us?"
She was so shocked at me creeping up on her, her legs gave way under her body.
I wanted to help her up. I wanted to tell her everything's gonna be okay. I did neither for something told me it would have freaked her out.
Instead, I handed the camera to her tremblings hands and started walking away, hoping she will follow, my mind and body alert just in case she doesn't.
As if there was an invisible thread between us, she must have sensed what I was doing, for soon enough, she followed. Away from the bridge, away from the scene where she almost lost her life.
There on that mountain side, on safer ground, I saw a clearer version of her. Beautiful. Totally my type.
And before she clicked on my camera, I heard her speak again in Korean: "He could do much better." I almost burst out laughing.
Did she meant I could do much better in my choice of women? My eyes were fixed on her. I did chose better.
Or did she meant I could smile wider for the picture? Given what she said and her taking the picture, smiling was easy.
Aaaaa. Sassy. Totally my type.
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She then turned around, leaving me still looking after her, totally forgetting that Seo Dan was there.
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I thought I would see her around. I even thought I saw her in Jungfraujoch. I was wrong.
I thought I'll get to invite her and talk about life over coffee. Know her more.
But I never did. She was lost to me. The woman on the bridge and I am left to wonder will she ever do something bad every now and then if we were given a chance to meet again? Because she was my type.
- The End -
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Author's Notes
I have always wondered if Ri Jeong Hyeok ever thought of Seri after their encounter at the bridge. Hence, this D20 (Memory) entry for #CLOYTOBER2021. 🙈🤣
Stay safe and healthy, y'all. I appreciate you very much! Be kind to all kinds, ayt? 💕
