𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑺𝑰𝑺 𝑶𝑭 𝑳𝑶𝑽𝑬 | 𝗯. 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀

𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞;

act one, scene one;

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"let me ache in peace,"
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Click.

"Hi baby." Though her mom's voice was tinny and distant over Ellie's battered smartphone, the calm, sotto voice that had been the only constant throughout her tumultuous childhood made the seven-year old girl in her long for the safety of her mother's arms.

"Things are going well here. Your halmeoni's hip is getting better everyday; yesterday, she even mustered up the energy to complain about store-bought kimchi even though I know she secretly likes it. Oh! I almost forgot to tell you; Hyejin gave birth a few days ago, a little baby girl. They named her Naeun, after her mother.  I really have too much time on my hands nowadays, you know? I even made some of that apricot honey you love so much the other day."

There was a small pause, distant and crackly, and then, "Eunsol-ah, I know you said you would busy, but it's been a year, baby. I miss you. Please me call back if you receive this."

Click.

Ellie gripped the edge of the table, and closed her eyes as the voicemail began to play again. Her heart ached like she'd just been punched in the chest.

In the silence, her apartment never seemed any lonelier.