Formula of Forever | Liskook

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With my mom's comforting presence grounding me, I took a deep breath, feeling a newfound sense of clarity and purpose. As we finished our meal, I couldn't shake the weight of the decision looming over me, but I knew I had to confront it head-on.

After clearing the table, my mom motioned for us to sit down together in the living room. With a reassuring smile, she encouraged me to share my thoughts and feelings, assuring me that she was there to listen and offer guidance.

Taking a seat beside her, I poured out my inner turmoil, articulating my conflicted emotions and uncertainties about the future. With each word, I felt a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that I could be open and vulnerable with my mom without fear of judgment.

Listening intently, my mom offered gentle words of wisdom and encouragement, reminding me of the strength and resilience within me. She shared stories from her own life, highlighting the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances.

As the evening stretched on, the weight of my burden gradually lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of clarity and purpose. With my mom's unwavering support by my side, I felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that I was not alone in this journey called life.

As we bid each other goodnight, I felt a sense of gratitude welling up within me for the woman who had always been my rock, my confidante, and my guiding light. With her love and wisdom to guide me, I knew that I could weather any storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

The next day, I woke up early with the determination to see her. After quickly freshening up, donning decent clothes, applying perfume, and styling my hair, I prepared breakfast for both of us and packed it before heading to her house in my car.

Parking near her house, I nervously waited outside her door, fussing with my clothes and hair. Anxiety gripped me as I realized I hadn't given her any heads up about my visit. As I rang the doorbell, the absence of her usual "coming" made my heart race. Taking a deep breath, I waited, and when she finally opened the door, she was surprised to see me.

"Oh, Jeon-a. Hi!" She greeted me with confusion.

"Sunbae. Ani. Noona. Good morning," I greeted her back.

"Good morning! What brings you here?" She asked, still puzzled.

"I just happened to pass by your house, so I thought I'd drop in to see you," I improvised. Lisa smiled after hearing my excuse.

"Noona, did you eat breakfast?" I asked, hoping she hadn't.

"Ani! Whae?" Thankfully, she hadn't. I sighed in relief and lifted the breakfast bag, smiling.

"Noona, I brought breakfast for us! Let's have some?" I suggested cheerfully, making her laugh.

"Sure, thanks!" She moved aside, allowing me to enter the house.

Looking around, I realized no one else was there, much to my surprise.

"Noona?" I called out.

"Huh?" She replied, busy unpacking the breakfast.

"Isn't your friend here?" I asked curiously.

"Ani! She isn't here. She's off to work. Why?" She was still focused on arranging the breakfast.

"Nothing! I was just curious," I scratched my head.

"Noona, where's your baby?" I asked her.

"He's sleeping," she simply answered as she continued setting up breakfast for us.

We began eating and chatting, enjoying the meal together.

"By the way, Noona, is your baby a boy or a girl?" I inquired as we ate.

"A boy," she replied, taking a bite.

"How old is he?" I asked, genuinely surprised.

"Two months and a half," she replied, smiling at my reaction.

"What's his name, Noona?" I inquired once again.

"Haru Ambhom Manoban," she replied, and as I pondered the name, its elegance struck me. I knew it was a blend of Korean and Thai, reflecting Lisa's heritage.

"Noona, what does his name mean?" I asked, intrigued.

"Haru means 'day' in Korean, and Ambhom means 'sky' in Thai," she explained.

"Haru Ambhom Manoban," she repeated, her voice filled with affection as she spoke her son's name. As I mulled over the name, its significance seemed to deepen with each syllable.

"Haru," I repeated softly, savoring the sound. "Day... it's like a promise of new beginnings, of endless possibilities."

"Yes," she agreed, her eyes reflecting the sentiment. "It's a reminder that each day is a gift, a chance to experience life anew."

"And Ambhom," I continued, "Sky... it's vast, limitless, a canvas for dreams to take flight."

"Exactly," she nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Ambhom represents the boundless potential within him, the endless expanse of his future."

"And Manoban," I added, "It sounds strong, like a beacon guiding him through life's challenges."

"Manoban means 'blessed' in Thai, and that's also my last name" she explained, her voice filled with pride. "It's a reflection of the joy and gratitude he brings into our lives."

As we sat there, lost in contemplation of her son's name, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the thoughtfulness and love that went into choosing it. Each component carried a profound meaning, a testament to the hopes and dreams she held for her precious child.

"It's a beautiful name," I said finally, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

"Thank you," she replied, her gaze softening. "It means the world to me."

And in that moment, as we sat there surrounded by the warmth of her home and the echoes of her son's name, I realized just how much her little family meant to her. It was a bond forged in love and sealed with the promise of a future filled with hope and possibility.

As we continued to enjoy our breakfast, the conversation shifted to memories of her pregnancy and the anticipation of Haru's arrival.

"Noona, what was it like when you first held Haru in your arms?" I asked, curious about her experience as a new mother.

A soft smile graced her lips as she reminisced, her eyes lighting up with fondness. "It was... indescribable. Holding him for the first time, feeling his tiny heartbeat against mine, it was like all the pieces of my heart fell into place."

I listened intently, captivated by her words as she painted a picture of the profound love and connection between a mother and her child.

"It's amazing how such a small being can have such a big impact on your life," I remarked, reflecting on her journey into motherhood.

"It truly is," she agreed, her voice tinged with emotion. "Every moment with him is a gift, a reminder of the beauty and wonder of life."

As we finished our breakfast and cleared the dishes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this intimate moment with her. Despite the initial nervousness and uncertainty, our impromptu visit had blossomed into a meaningful exchange of stories and memories.

"Thank you for inviting me over, Noona," I said sincerely, feeling a sense of warmth and gratitude wash over me.

"Anytime, Jeon-a," she replied with a smile, her eyes shining with affection. "You're always welcome here."

As I bid her farewell and made my way back to my car, I couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that lingered in my heart. It was a feeling of connection and belonging, a reminder of the beauty of friendship and the power of shared moments. And as I drove away, I knew that I would cherish this memory for years to come, a testament to the magic of unexpected encounters and the bonds that they forge.