In Thee My Art

I: Missing Mama

  "Mama... I miss you."

It was the first time she decided to call her mom after the disastrous family dinner that showed people who were against her relationship and honestly it's a roller coaster journey for her. It is affecting her mentally scarred, physically exhausted.

She went through so many things in the past two months, and it's too rough for her to handle. She needed to process everything one by one. She was taking her time. In the end, she decided to phone her mom.

  "Are you doing okay? Have you eaten?"

The calming and soothing voice was heard from the phone's speaker. She smiled upon hearing her mama's voice, Anastasia Seol.

  "Yes. I'm okay and I've eaten my dinner."

  "I heard about your promotion. Congratulations! How about the unis? All well?"

Frederica smiled when she heard her questions. "Yes, everything is fine. I resigned from both universities. Being a director itself is too much for me. I need more time to rest these days. Being old and weak is not fun," she replied. Anastasia chuckled.

"Yes, I think you need to rest too. You're doing great this year. I'm proud of you, but meanwhile, I beg you to take care of your condition more. Being healthy should be your top priority," Anastasia told her.

"Yes, mama. I'll take care of it well. No need to worry. I'm happy and healthy these days—nothing for you to worry about. Do you want anything from Seoul?"

Silence, just for seconds.

"Anything, darling. Would it be possible to taste original kimchi from Korea?" Anastasia asked. Frederica turned overhead to the kitchen and smiled. "I guess it is possible. I'll bring some to Indonesia so we could enjoy it together. I miss you. I want to hug you tight," Frederica confessed to her mother, who's now across the sea. Far away from home.

  "Fre, is everything okay? I know that you're the one who always checks on your papa and me. But I rarely heard you being like this."

  "Yes mama—"

Frederica smiled. "I'm super okay. It's just... I miss you. It's been weeks since we met after that dinner. I just want to hug you tight, that's all." Speaking by phone may not be convenient to express her feelings. Their feelings. But that's the only they could do right now.

"I'll make sure I'll hug you tight when we meet later. Turn on the video please, I want to see the face of my pretty daughter." Frederica clicked on the button, showing their faces as now connected not only with voice call but video call.

"  Jesus! Who's that in my screen?"

Anastasia showed her concern as she saw Frederica's face. "Are you losing weight again? Eat more. Korea is known for its delicious foods. Tell him to feed you more, or should I phone him directly?"

  "Ma..."

  "Fre!"

"I'll eat more. I'll make sure I gain more weight during the Christmas dinner! No need to worry me that much. I'll keep my promise." Frederica told her. Anastasia could only sigh. "I need at least forty two during our Christmas dinner."

  "I'm forty now.."

  "Okay, that's great. You just need to eat more. I'll feed you delicious meals when you're in Singapore or Jakarta already. Tell me when you'll be flying back."

"Perhaps... this weekend? I couldn't live with the temperature here. You know how I always avoided being in London during Christmas back then... my body isn't that thick to face the snow." Anastasia nodded. "I'll see you later then. Get some rest. It's midnight already, darling. Good night!" she waved her hands to the camera.

  "Good night, ma. I love you. Sleep tight!"

Fre replied before she ended the call and sighed. Closing her eyes and rest her back on the sofa's cushion. Missing your mother was never easy, but she's happy to be able to meet her virtually, just like that.

to be continued.