Page 102 of The Secret Of Us

“That’s her, right?” she says, still looking over at her.

“That’s her,” I confirm, the words heavy in my throat.

“She really is beautiful.”

I nod, not able to say anything as I clench my jaw, grinding my teeth to hold back the emotion that wants to spill out.

“Let’s go,” Appa says, from the other side of me.

He rests a hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze as he guides me to turn in the direction we need to go. Appa doesn’t lift his hand as we walk, and neither does Eomma. They both keep me tethered together as we start making our way to the security line.

“Noah?”

I turn at the unfamiliar voice.

“I thought it was you,” she continues. “I’m?—“

“Violet. She spoke a lot about you,” I say.

I can’t bring myself to say her name.

“Likewise,” Violet says, as she twists her hands together. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss.”

It’s been months and it still hurts every time someone says it.

“Thank you. I appreciate that,” I say.

I expect her to leave after saying that, but she lingers, her expression warm.

I’m not sure why she’s talking to me. Maybe she wants to tell me to leave her alone, that she’s moved on and is doing better without me. If that’s the case, I don’t want to hear it.

“We need to get going,” I lie. There’s still plenty of time until our flight boards thanks to Appa insisting, we get to the airport early.

“Right, of course,” Violet says, her eyes widening slightly. “I wanted to thank you, too.”

That catches me off guard, and Violet can tell.

“You helped her a lot this year, more than I think you know. I think you both did a lot for each other, and that’s something really special,” she says softly. Her tone is exactly how Izzy spoke to me on the first day we met, kindness laced through it, and it sends a pang through my chest. “I’m glad you’re taking the time for yourself too, that’s a very brave thing to do. I wish you all the best, Noah.”

I take in her words as my eyes start to sting. She offers me a gentle smile.

“I hope we can meet again soon,” Violet says, passing me a small piece of paper. “My number’s on there. If there’s anything I can ever do for you, just text me.”

I take it from her, giving a quick glance at the neat handwriting of her name and number before I tuck it away in my pocket.

“Thanks,” I tell her.

I know Violet’s giving me an opening with this, a way for me to find her again once I’ve figured myself out.

Violet gives me one last smile before she turns away.

* * *

I never usedto mind spending twelve hours on a plane because I knew I would be seeing Halabeoji on the other side of it. But when we finally land at Incheon airport, I can’t wait to get off the plane. I pull down everyone’s carry-ons, and we leave, making our way through until we finally get our suitcases and can exit the airport.

We take the express bus to Eomma’s hometown, a two-hour journey made comfortable by the soft recliner chairs. Mina sits next to me, stealing all the snacks I bought at the airport convenience store before we got on the bus.

When we get off, it’s only a short drive to my grandparents’ house.

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