By Choi Yun Jeong ("Maria")
I had a teacher who extended friendly help to me. She was a benevolent
elementary school teacher. Of course, she took good care of us. I can never
forget her, She also took care of me when I was sad and wore a troubled
look.
Exactly two months ago, she called me. I was surprised and delighted. We
met in her apartment for the first time in seven years. She was tall, so
I looked up at her all the time. But now, it was different. The seven years
changed everything, including her face, my height, and our thinking. She
smiled with satisfaction to see me grown up. I'm not proud of falling short
of her expectations, but she is on my side. I feel loved more, thanks to
her.
When I met my elementary school classmates, we always talked about her.
My friends like her and missed her, too. She is working at Hak-dong Elementary
school in Kangnam. She said she will retire soon. She wants to get a driver's
licence and drive over every inch of the country with her husband and go
shopping with her friends. After a long time. she plans to return to her
old home in Kangwon-do. Then I am going to Kangwon-do to meet her.
I felt happy to see her after a long time. I couldn't see her since then,
but I'll greet her on Chuseok.