A while later I follow Kookie into the living room. He stands at the big picture window, sunlight streaming in to frame his beautiful face with gentle rays. There is a faraway look in his eyes.
“Mom, have you ever wondered if your life would be different if you’d been born in a different time and place?”
Wow. How ironic. Can he read my thoughts?
“You mean, like, you were born in South Korea and became a K-pop star and the most popular lead vocalist on the planet?”
He stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. He shakes his head. “No, Mom, that’s totally unrealistic! How would a South Korean become the most popular vocalist in the world? I meant like I was born in New York City and became a taekwondo teacher.”
I nod my head. “Hmm. I don’t know if I’ve ever considered it, but I can see why you would.”
“Really? Why?” His obsidian orbs pierce me.
Because it happened. Yesterday you were that South Korean vocalist in the world’s biggest band. No matter how unlikely the rest of the world found it. Seven boys from South Korea stormed the world, turning it upside down with their music and their dance moves. Or just maybe…they turned it right side up. And you had ten million Emmies in love with you.
Of course, they didn’t really know you like Emmie does. She’s been faithful to you for eleven long years. She’s seen your piles of laundry, possibly even waded through a few of them. She’s seen you and Nana go around and around, fighting endlessly because you’re both too stubborn to give in to the other. She’s seen you when you were gorgeous, dressed to the nines as you attended the school dance. She’s seen you when you were under the weather, your face pallid as your temperature shot through the roof. She’s seen you at your best and at your worst, and she still loves you.
As I think this, I suffer a sudden pang for Emmie. How hard it must be to have fallen in love with a guy who doesn’t seem to see you! She must think she’s invisible, yet she persists in loving him anyway. I also sigh with relief. Because at their age, it is safer to love someone from afar. Less pressure. No temptation to thwart. Just a simple adoration coupled with longing sighs that go unanswered.
“Mom?” Kookie interrupts my reverie.
“You dream big dreams, Kookie. That’s all I meant.” Because I can’t possibly explain to you the flip side of what I’m thinking.
He shifts his stance slightly as he gazes at me. “Is that ok? Is it a good thing?”
I grin broadly at him. “It’s a wonderful thing! Dream bigger, Kookie! The sky isn’t even the limit anymore!”
“What do you think I should dream?”
“Well, for starters, you have the voice of an angel, Kookie. A true gift from God. I think it would be wonderful if you did something with it. And you are a gifted musician. And an incredible athlete. You dance like a dream. You have so many gifts, a variety of talents. I can’t even begin to tell you what to do with all of them. Just figure out what is in your own heart and pursue that. Start with just one thing and go from there. What’s the greatest passion burning in your heart? What makes you happiest? I think your path will unfold before you as you seek it out.”
He smiles at me then before coming over to give me a hug. “Thanks, Mom,” he responds as he wraps his arms around me. “I’m glad I wasn’t born in another time and place. I like being right here with you.”
Of course, my heart melts. I’m glad too. Even as I remember yesterday. I hope I don’t wake up tomorrow to discover this has all been a dream.
