winter, half-risen from its waning slumber, exhales its first withered breath, merely a susurration to the overture of its impending resurrection as months creep forward. gelid zephyrs rattles autumn’s mottled canvases, threatening to strip branches bare of their hanging stems enfeebled by senility && decay, cerise && flaxen foliage beginning to scatter amongst viridescent blades && moistened earth. the woolen scarves, thick turtlenecks, && padded coats that bulks up an elfin frame staved away most of the tremors, although futile against the frost that nips ivory cheeks. thin rays of moonlight peeks through the pellucid fog, illuminating the expanse of darkened waters that was han river. melancholy nights corrupts && dampens the radiant disposition of spring, darkening the circles that adorn half-lidded irises peering listlessly over the glistening surface. knees are pulled tight within the safety of her chest, chin nestled upon the cushion provided by arms. solitude is a disease for a being that necessitated company, whether offered graciously by the ( few ) treasured gems that she called friend, or by the endearingly precious cloud that is coco. && tonight, it was no different, insidious thoughts beginning to swell && prosper, feeding off the etiolated vessel encased within her ribcage. soft vibrations captures her attention. almost mechanically, she reaches within pockets for the device, gaze unmoving when a thumb swipes over the dimmed screen. she musters up a cheery greeting for the unknown caller, only to be met with a familiar timbre that seeps into her ear, one that echoed in what seemed like memories ago. ❝ 언니..! ❞ syllables taper off into breathless, trembling laughter, suffused with simultaneous disbelief && relief. ❝ where have you been? are you okay? i haven’t heard from you in forever. ❞ the fusillade of inquiries rushed forth all at once, inner dwellings momentarily forgotten in the midst of the sizzling warmth that courses through her veins. however, composure is recollected quickly, molten jubilation forcibly simmered down. soojung, soojung, soojung. ❝ i missed you too. ❞
