Promises.
Time tickled by so quickly until we realised it was his time to leave.
“Uncle?" Holding his shirt between my index finger and thumb, I murmured, “Can we really not come with you?" My voice trembled as Uncle stood to go. I knew the reasons. I knew the logic. I knew the situation. Yet, I was not mentally strong enough to let go of him. I was not entirely prepared to let him go just yet. The fear of being lonely again made me feel more afraid. “Even after knowing the whole truth and reasons, it still scares me.”
Which was obvious. Perhaps he knew that too.
Kissing my forehead, he smiled sadly. "I know it does. But I also know how strong you are. I wish, Beta Ji. I wish I could take you. You know that. Don't you? However, you already know the reasons for us being distant for a while.”
I hesitantly nodded. “Where will you go?”
“Somewhere I wish to investigate something.”
Unknown to me, a sob broke apart from me. “By being away or by abandoning us?” I made a statement angrily.
