Shining Moments

Dear Mi-ran,

Oh, how I wish you could have been here today! Forty-five years old—can you believe it? You always said we would grow old together, but somehow, it still surprises me how quickly the years pass.

The house was full—truly, joyfully full. My three little whirlwinds ran through the rooms, chasing each other between the legs of guests, laughing so loudly that even the neighbors must have felt the celebration. Friends from work came with their own children, and our old schoolmates—can you believe it?—are now bringing their own little troublemakers.

There was so much food—too much, probably! Kimchi bubbling in large pots, steamed dumplings stacked high, and even a little sweet rice cake (which disappeared faster than I could get a second piece!). The air was filled with warmth, with stories, with old jokes that still make us laugh even after all these years.

We played music, and—yes, you guessed it!—I was made to dance. It seems that no birthday of mine is complete without being dragged into an impromptu performance. You would have laughed so hard!

For a few hours, there was no past, no future—just this perfect, shining moment where nothing mattered except the people around me. I wish you had been one of them.

How is Beijing treating you? Have you found new friends who know how to force you to dance on your birthday? Write to me soon.

With all my love,
Ji-yeon