Chapter 3

When Mama, Aunt, and Joe woke up, they immediately went down to the kitchen and instantly noticed that everything was already set on the table.

There were plates of sautéed vegetables and eggs, golden-brown toast next to steaming hot milk, and a small bowl of fruit for each of us. The aroma of the food I’d prepared filled the kitchen, and I could

see the surprise and delight in their eyes.

“Jane, you did so well!” Mama said, admiring the neatly arranged dishes.

“Really! It smells amazing!” Aunt added, smiling.

Joe immediately ran to his plate and began eating, but he couldn’t hide his smile. “Thanks, Ate Jane! I’m so happy!”

While we were eating, I noticed a piece of Joe’s toast had fallen off his plate. He quickly picked it up, examining it in his hand with a laugh.

“Ate Jane, look! It’s like a tiny spaceship!” he joked, spinning the toast around. I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Really? Looks like it’s ready for your space mission,” I replied, smiling.

Mama and Aunt also smiled at our little joke, and the kitchen was filled with laughter.

Afterward, Joe came over and suddenly hugged me. “Thank you, Ate Jane. Your breakfast is amazing! I’m so happy you’re here.”

I smiled and held

his hand. “Me too, Joe. I’m really happy to be with you.”

After we finished eating, Aunt and Joe got dressed for their outing. As they were getting ready, I couldn’t help but feel the pangs of missing my brother again.

Before they left, I hugged Joe tightly.

“I missed you so much, Joe,” I whispered, feeling the warmth of his body in the embrace.

He smiled at me and pulled a small pouch out of his pocket. “Ate Jane… I made this for you,” he said, handing me a tiny bracelet he’d crafted himself. Simple, yet every detail carried his effort and love it had my name engraved inside, along with a few tiny charms he knew I liked.

Tears of joy welled up in my eyes.

“Joe… this is amazing! Thank you!” I said, reaching out to touch his cheek.

“Promise me, Ate… even if I’m far away sometimes, you’ll always wear this bracelet. So you’ll always remember me,” he added, smiling.

I couldn’t help but hug him again before they left. With just a simple hug and a small bracelet, I felt the bond between us a memory of love, though I didn’t know when we would meet again.

Jeo waved before he got into the white van. Aunt smiled softly and said goodbye, closing the van door and watching it drive away. I clutched the bracelet he had given me, my fingers trembling, and tears streamed down my face. I missed my brother so much again that I couldn’t stop crying.

Mom came over, wrapping her arms around me. “I know, Dear… I know you miss him,” she whispered, stroking my hair gently. Her warmth made the ache in my chest a little easier to bear, but I still couldn’t let go of the bracelet, the small metal circle now heavy with all my longing.

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