varsity | vmin

19

Jimin entered his home, face planting into the couch. Even the smartest kid in school hated exams.

"Jiminie, what's wrong?" Jimin's mother wheeled herself into the living room to sit next to the sofa.

"Just exams," Jimin sighed, sitting up properly to face his mother.

"Oh, I understand," she started. "But what I don't understand is why you have not told be about this hunk of a guy friend you have!" Jimin's mother teasingly poked at her son who defensively swatted her away.

"Ahh, do we seriously have to discuss this!" Jimin giggled into the arm of the couch, hiding his embarrassment.

"Of course we do! So... is he just a friend or is he more than that." She batted her thin eyelashes toward the flustered boy.

"Tae is only a friend, sadly, but I'm working on it." Jimin softly smiled as his mother attacked him with hugs.

Jimin loved that he could talk to his mother about anything. Reason being, she was always so accepting towards her son no matter the circumstances. He came out to her his sixth grade year of middle school, much to her surprise, as she assumed him and Jaehee were an item. He couldn't blame her though since during the prime of their elementary school years he and his best friend often held hands and were once caught kissing after they each confessed to never having their first kiss before and agreed to be each other's firsts. Putting that aside, his mother was beyond accepting and made sure Jimin felt loved and accepted above anything. And he did, which was all he could ever ask for.

"Well, just don't get your heart broken. Always remember that you deserve someone who loves you and only you. Anyone who treats you otherwise, doesn't deserve your tears." Jimin's mother softly kissed her son on the cheek and he muttered a shy remark of gratitude.

Jimin began to study his mother. Her skin seemed paler than ever, along with her face growing thinner, her cheekbones peeking through her paper skin. She seemed less energetic as much as she tried to hide it. And her eyes, once filled with passion, we're only hollow caverns looking back at her son.

"When's the last time you went outside, mom?" Jimin questioned, reaching for her hand.

She seemed taken aback by the sudden concern. "Umm... I'm not sure, actually."

Jimin looked outside, noticing there was about three hours left until sunset. He stood to his feet, grabbing a coat for himself and his mother. "Come on, we're going on a walk."

❦

The cool wind tossed Jimin's hair as he pushed his mother's wheelchair down the sidewalk. The orangey tones of the sky and the smell of fresh foliage and saltwater surrounded the pair with an aura of tranquility. The moment was to be cherished.

"Thank you, Jiminie." His mother breathed, taking in the breathtaking view.

"There's no need to thank me. Any time I get to spend with you is time I'll never forget." Jimin smiled parking his mother's wheelchair next to a bench just short of the beach.

     The silence between the two was comforting, but Jimin's mind became bombarded with questions and thoughts as he sat on the bench next to his mother. He looked at her, unable to form a sentence as he was extremely conflicted over whether or not he should ask the question that nipped at his mind.

     "M-mom? I-I have a question, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but I- I've just got to know." Jimin nervously tugged at his ear in fear of a response.