The shocking news broke the internet – quite literally. News sites crashed. Thousands copies of tabloids were sold out. Karina Yu is getting married was trending everywhere. Public was divided into those who were supportive, those who were taken aback, and those who hated despite the fact that The Karina would never be theirs anyway.
Journey to the top of her career was not easy. Love and hate train always go hand in hand. As she was getting older, at one point, she stopped caring about those who spitted unwarranted hatred and focused for those who supported and enjoyed her work.
Karina was very private regarding her family and friends. Her immense popularity often brought inconvenience to her closest ones. Some of her so-called fans were – not figuratively – crazy. Her sister once got stalked on her way to meet her friends (it happened when Karina was still a rookie – the two sisters never walked together without layers to disguise themselves in public ever since). Some sent bouquet of flowers, foods, and letters to Karina’s mom and dad workplace to be delivered to her. Honestly, some people were not normal.
Therefore, to prevent unnecessary hate, her agency strictly prohibited questions regarding her love life in any interview.
Sometimes, there were interviewers who did not follow protocol and asked away those unnecessary questions.
“Are you seeing anyone?”
“What is your ideal lover type?”
And the lists could go on and on.
Karina was trained for public speaking. The agency almost always prepared scripts for her especially for this kind of uncomfortable question. It was the usual a loving partner, someone who is cute and caring, someone who has a nice smile – vague answer.
Overtime, those question became out of date. The fans were not happy. Gradually, no one dared to ask anymore – which, made her extremely relieved. Because for the past – more or less – three years, she is no longer single and incredibly happy with her partner. And she was not keen to deny her lover. With the constant dynamic in her life, her lover’s steady support was all she needed.
Being in relationship with a non-celebrity – a foreigner no less, has its own perks. People did not suspect them. Her lover would attend her pre-screening and movie premier disguised as guest and no one would bat an eye – even when they couldn’t go hand in hand, Karina didn’t mind. Her lover was more comfortable doing it this way anyway.
If someone told her that in the age of twenty-nine, she’d meet the love of her life and getting married three years after knowing each other, Karina would laugh at their face. Her schedules were packed all year around. She preferred to rest and hang out with her family during her short break. It was impossible to sustain a relationship with someone.
Then her lover came into the picture. With every ounce of patience and understanding. Content with her presence be it in person or in the form of voice / video call. All out supportive despite being miles away. There were times Karina was sick with her lover good night when it was morning for her. Tired to wake up to her lover’s sunset – weary of loving from afar.
“A little bit more.” Her lover had said.
So, Karina held on.
In order to get the study done on time, her lover had to work harder – double than other students. School was already demanding, but her lover still had to manage business projects with clients. More often than not, her lover had to withstand sleepiness due to deadlines. Repeatedly, when her lover got sick, Karina could do nothing other than accompanying her lover by phone. Nevertheless, whenever possible, Karina would come and visit her lover – especially in between her schedules in the United States.
Then, her lover graduated the post graduate program. Karina attended the ceremony along with her lover’s family. She couldn’t be prouder. It was one of the happiest moments in her life.
Her lover finally could come to Seoul – her home – for good this time.
It was a big decision – a huge sacrifice from her lover’s side. Karina was a little worried – what if they didn’t make it? What if they were not meant to be together? God forbid. However, then, her lover’s sacrifices would be for nothing.
To ease her doubt, her lover took her hand and said those comforting words. “I’m doing this for me. You have fought for us and I don’t ever want to lose you. I want to follow you wherever you go.”
Then, after a year of living together, her lover popped up the question. Asking the rest of her life to be bound together. Her lover wanted to have it all.
Of course they had talked about it before. Her lover knew all of Karina’s dreams – what kind of life she desired. Karina’s closets friends knew her lover well. Her family welcomed her lover as their own – vice versa for Karina in her lover’s family.
It was not going to be easy. Her career could end right there and then. There was still possibility of her fans leaving her regardless of how big her loyal fanbase was.
But it’s her lover – the love of her life.
Karina had been nothing but selfless for fans around her. She had devoted most of her life to work – performing her best ability for people to enjoy.
For once, she wanted to be selfish.
This time, she wanted to be belonged with the one she loves – to the one who anchors her wondering soul in the safest harbor.
“Yes, I will marry you.”
Tears never tasted this sweet.
---
The wedding ceremony was very private – only for closest family and friends. No one knew when and where it was held – moreover, to whom Karina was married to. No pictures of Karina in wedding dress anywhere. Fans and press found out when Karina appeared in music festival event as host with a wedding band wrapped around her ring finger. Needless to say, it became hot topics for weeks. Public couldn’t stop talking about it – very curious regarding the lucky one who managed to win the nation’s princess heart.
“My partner is not a celebrity. We will keep our private life to ourselves. Thank you for your understanding.” She explained.
Still, people pried. They got nothing. Karina was constantly with a lot of staff. It was hard to pinpoint which one was her lover.
After a while, public finally got a glance of her lover’s hand after she accidently showed her phone wallpaper in a picture taken by news reporters dan fan sites at the airport.
“Is that a girl or a guy hand?”
“The hand is slightly bigger than Karina’s. Veins very prominent. This person must have worked out a lot. Most likely a guy.”
“But it’s too dainty to be a guy’s hand.”
The debates continued. Karina never confirmed anything. She had changed her wallpaper to their white Maltese puppy – Byeol. He was her lover’s pet before he became hers, too. He was confused at first since the environment between Seoul and New York was different. Thankfully, Byeol had gotten used to live in Seoul, surrounded with tremendous love by his newly added family members.
“Your fans have the capability to be detectives.” Her lover commented with a laugh when Karina showed the online debate that made into headline of online tabloids. “I’m impressed.”
“You have no idea how thankful I am for my fans. But sometimes, people are too much. I’ve said it enough times that I want to keep you private. Obviously, that doesn’t stop them from interfering.”
“Let them do whatever they want. Don’t overthinking it.”
“I’m worried they will find out about you soon.” Karina bit her lip. “I don’t – can’t see you getting hurt.”
Her lover took her hand and enveloped it warmly. “You can’t control people’s mind and words. Don’t let bad things get into your head.”
“Your greatest doubt about us was because of this. Because you hated to constantly being watched and losing your privacy. And I don’t want to lose you.”
“If I was so strongly against it, I wouldn’t ask you to marry me. Sure, it would be nice if people just let us be. But you’re not ordinary people, Karina. You’re the brightest star. You’re the nation’s sweet heart. There will always be someone out there who hate me for marrying you. I have made my peace with that, you should, too.”
“Don’t leave when things get hard, okay? Promise me.”
“I am too deep in love with you to let you go. Let’s sleep now, yeah? I have to wake up early to catch my flight.”
Karina moved closer to her lover and intertwined their fingers tightly. “I wish you don’t have to leave every two weeks for New York. Become a Korean, instead.”
“That’s the plan before my biggest client acting up so badly, remember? You know I’d rather hold you than to catch this flight. This project is temporary and is going to be over soon. Wait a bit, yeah?”
“Okay.” Karina sighed.
Farewell didn’t get any easier no matter how often they did it. Her chest still got tightened uncomfortably every time her lover waved her goodbye.
But then her lover would kiss her – a kiss that promised that the life they wanted is getting a little closer. And then, there will be no more goodbye.
---
This year marked their fourth anniversary of being together – three years of dating and one year of marriage.
During the first three years of the relationship, never once they could spend their anniversary together. They were always in different countries, different time zones, oceans apart. They were both adult with responsibilities. It was hard, but manageable.
Guess when two people were in love, everything was workable.
Karina was crazy busy with shooting while Winter had back-to-back meeting with clients back in New York. However, this time, for their first wedding anniversary, Winter didn’t want to miss it for the world.
Screw jetlag. She’d take whatever she could get. An hour of holding her lover was more than enough. She was sick of not being able to be physically together in their very special day.
“What is your purpose of visiting South Korea?” A middle-aged man with flat face boringly asked the question probably for a hundred times today.
“I’m visiting my wife.” Winter replied politely.
“Your wife is a Korean?” Another question with the same boring tone.
“She is.”
“What does she do?”
“Freelance.” A term they were both agreed to use in describing Karina’s job.
“What kind of freelance?” His voice was monotone.
“Acting, music, fashion – whatever the job called.”
Winter was growing frustrated. She had been in and out South Korea frequently. There had never been a troublesome immigration officer except this one.
The man was typing on the keyboard. “What’s her name?”
The short haired woman groaned inwardly. She should’ve answered for travel purpose earlier – it would’ve been less complicated. But this officer was around his fifty, he probably wouldn’t have known Karina – finger crossed.
“Well, you probably do not know her. It’s Karina Yu.” She said the last part rather lowly.
The whole time, this man didn’t spare a glance at her. Only when he heard Karina Yu, his head snapped.
With mouth agape, his small eyes scrutinized her. “You?” The officer asked in disbelief. “Are married to Karina Yu? The Karina Yu? You?”
Winter nodded slowly. Well, well, well, turned out he actually knew her wife.
“Alright.” He rose up from his chair, walked out from his chamber towards his colleague, whispering something. Not long, the queue was moved to the other line. There were audible protests from people.
“I need you to come with me, Miss Winter Kim.” He read her passport. “This way, please.”
This was not good, that much Winter knew. Nothing good ever happened when the officer dragged you into their office. Despite the cold room, Winter was sweating. There was uncomfortable prick at the back of her neck. Her heart was thumping loudly inside her chest. She hadn’t done anything wrong, but the way he treated her, it felt like she did.
“Take a seat, please, Miss.”
“Yeah, okay.” She managed a squeak.
“Let’s see. Miss Winter Kim. Did you happen to drink alcoholic beverage in the plane?” He lowered his glasses. “Are you drunk?”
“What? No! No. I’m not drunk. At all.”
“Then why are you talking nonsense?”
“What – but she is my wife, officer. I have proof.” She fished out her phone then scrolled up to the sections of their wedding day.
At some point, Winter acknowledged that they had to come clean to the public. There was no way Karina could hide her forever. Although, she didn't expect this to be her way of admitting it. Never in her wildest dream did she expect this random immigration officer would be the first to know regarding their marriage.
“Look.” Winter handed her phone towards him. “It was our wedding day.” She swiped more to the left, revealing more pictures. “I’m being honest.”
The officer tilted his head to the side, contemplating. “People do this photoshop thing every other day. And they are good.”
“There are dozens of pictures. Would I be able to photoshop these all? No.” Winter tried to explain.
“You will be surprised at the length of things people would do for Karina Yu. This is not special at all. I need stronger proof. I’m sorry, Miss. You could be telling the truth. But it is also my job. Did you happen to carry the certificate of marriage with you? A picture of it would be fine, too.”
“Well, no, I don’t. It’s in our house.”
“Okay, just call her. Video call. If she herself confirms, I will let you go.”
Winter cursed inwardly. Her visit was supposed to be a surprise. Now it’s all ruined. But what choice did she have anyway? This officer wouldn’t let her go.
The short haired woman started sweating when Karina didn’t pick her phone up. Three times she tried, all went unanswered. She glanced at the officer, he only looked at her with a knowing look – like he had seen this played a thousand times.
“I’ll try calling her manager.” Winter mumbled. “Come on, Yeji Unnie, pick up.”
“Winter? Hello.”
“Oh, thank goodness you pick up.” She scratched her right eyebrow, a habit out of nervousness. “Unnie, do you happen to be with my wife right now? I need to talk to her. It’s urgent.”
“Well, yes, but she’s shooting right now and it’s rather an emotional scene. She’s been trying hard to get into character. I can take note and deliver it to her as soon as she’s done. How about that?”
“Wait.” Winter turned to the officer. “My wife is in the middle of shooting. I’m on the phone with her manager. Would it be enough proof for you?”
On the other side of the phone, Yeji frowned deeply. What the hell is happening?
“I need a glimpse of her.” He insisted.
“Yeji Unnie, look, I’m so sorry to bother you. I’m in Incheon–”
“You’re in South Korea?!”
“Yes. It’s supposed to be a surprise visit. But that’s not my main concern right now. I need to video call you and please show this kind officer a snippet of my wife so that I can get home soon.”
“Winter, where are you? What do you mean?”
“I’m in immigration office. I’ll explain later. Please, Unnie?”
“Yeah, yeah, sure.”
As soon as he saw Karina from the video call, he nodded rather approvingly – a sign that he was satisfied enough.
“Winter–”
“I will call you back in a bit. Don’t tell her I’m here, Unnie.”
---
Winter frequently sent coffee and snacks trucks to Karina’s projects sites. She even had special folder in her tablet saving vendors that provide this service. Aside from supporting local business, Winter was also thoughtful so that Karina could taste different flavors from different menu. It was endearing to hear her wife’s enthusiastic comments about the trucks. The crew were all familiar with this – when the truck’s banner was signed with a picture of a white puppy named Byeol, it must be from Karina’s significant other.
Hence, there was no peculiar feeling when the staffs were bowing and thanking her for the meal. A truck providing coffee and snacks was parked at the parking lot, serving people. Another cute portrait of Byeol was placed beside the car. Karina snapped a selfie with the banner and sent it to her wife.
[To Baby KMJ] : Thank you. I really wish you were here. Happy fourth anniversary, Love. Byeol and I miss you so much. I’ll come to you in a week. Call me when you wake up. I’ll be waiting.
An hour later, a reply comes.
[From Baby KMJ] : Happy fourth anniversary :) Come home soon?
Karina was about to type ‘in a week, why are you up at this hour?’ when she saw the sign Winter was still typing.
[From Baby KMJ] : Byeol and I miss you, too.
A picture of her wife and their puppy in a familiar car interior popped up, shocking the artist.
[From Baby KMJ] : I’m driving Byeol to Unnie’s house. She’s agreed to babysit him tonight. We’ll get him back tomorrow.
Karina had never hit the call button that fast in her life.
“Where are you?! Are you in Seoul? Am I dreaming? It feels like I haven’t slept for days, I might have started hallucinating.”
“Hello to you, too.” A soft laugh and bark were audible from the other side of the phone. “And yes, I am indeed in Seoul. Yeji Unnie said you’ll be done in an hour or so. Do you want me to pick you up?”
“Oh my God, you’re actually here?!” The star held back a shriek.
“Yes. I’m here, really. So how about it? Want me to come?”
“And risk people to see you? No, it’s fine. I only have one more take and I’ll be done. I’ll come running to you.”
“Alright, see you soon, Love.”
---
Their reunion was bitter sweet. Bitter because Winter can only stay for two days before she had to fly back to New York. However sweet since it was the first time that they get to celebrate their anniversary together. Byeol’s stay at Karina’s older sister’s place was extended. No matter how much Winter missed her puppy, it would be inappropriate for him to stay around when the two women kept making love in every corner of the house.
The rush and urgency to melt into one brought back memories when they were younger. The butterfly in their stomach kept them awake, exploring each other’s body like there’s no tomorrow. Winter got to see the side of Karina that no one else will ever be able to. No one got to know how the star’s eyes flicker when Winter put her lips on the latter’s neck or how a soft whimper escaped her agape mouth when Winter barely brushed the certain sensitive spot on her chest or how hard Karina’s fingers grasped the sheet when she was about to come undone.
As they get older, the relationship became more mature. The rush and urgency steadily changed to slow and stable. The butterfly was still there but instead of shooting fire, it gave them sense of security and peace. The alteration made them stronger – as an individual and as a couple, knowing that no matter what, they will always be there to have each other’s back.
Karina’s swollen lips had not left Winter’s skin. Seemed like it was essential for her being to be in skin to skin contact with her lover. It was unspoken, but both know they were done getting orgasm for the night.
The atmosphere was intimate. Both were adoring each other.
“So… I got detained at the airport yesterday,” the shorter woman chuckled.
With the amount of physical activity they’ve been doing, the ridiculous story slipped out of her mind.
“You what?! Detained?!” Karina asked in surprise.
“Yes, for being your wife.”
Winter began telling Karina the whole story. It was scary then, however at the moment, she gets to laugh at the flashback.
“I’m sorry you have to go through that.” The artist said sincerely.
“Don’t be. I’m glad that people of the nation are at the ready to protect you. It’s what you deserved.” Winter sighed in contentment. “But maybe,” she turned her body fully facing her wife. “It’s time for us – me to come clean to the public. What do you think?”
The first thing that came to Karina’s mind, years ago, when they started dating, that if one day people caught them dating, she’d proudly admit it. Then she’ll parade Winter everywhere so that the world know how amazing Winter is.
“I need us to be private. I hate the violence of my privacy.” Winter said back then.
Sometimes the topic resurfaced, Winter’s answer was the same old – classic I’m not ready.
Thus, Karina buried her desires down in order to protect the one she loved. She could gatekeep her forever if that’s what Winter wanted.
The fact that her wife wanted to do it now bewildered Karina.
“Are you sure?” She whispered, the tip of her index finger’s tracing Winter’s chin. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I want to do it. Whatever the consequences that might happen, I still want to do it. I will assemble the best lawyers in SK and whatever team they need to protect both of us from malicious intentions. I can hire dozens of bodyguards. Unless you don’t–”
Pair of lips silenced her sentence. “You have no idea how bad I want to talk about you to the world. But let me take care of that later. Right now, you’re mine only, before others feel like they own you, too.”
---
Public went busy again trying to find out who was this woman that Karina claimed to be her wife. Seven images of a short haired woman successfully delivered to her fifty million followers on Instagram on random Monday morning. It didn’t take long – a few hours were all it took. They drew a string from an unnamed picture of a woman to the root of Winter’s family tree.
It was sickeningly impressive that they found out Winter Kim is American architect, spent all her life in New York before moving to Seoul a little more than two years ago. Minjeong is her Korean name. She is youngest in her family, has an older brother, her mother side of the family owned a big shipping company in South Korea. They got the big picture – the small pieces of puzzle left unknown.
When the press asked what her Instagram caption meant, Karina smiled.
My everyday Christmas morning.
It meant exactly that – Winter is the person who is able to pull the excitement and warmth during the harsh cold weather. Someone who made Karina always looking forward in every day. Christmas is her favorite day – just as Winter is her favorite person.
The following question, as expected, was how did the two of them meet?
Around four years ago in Hawaii. Karina was there to attend a close friend wedding. She knew some of the guests, making small talk to them. While she was genuinely happy for her friend, she couldn’t help but faking smile. She was tired with endless schedule, lonely with no one to talk to. It was hard to believe in others’ genuine intention when mainly all they did is flattering her appearance – how pretty she looked, how perfect her body was, how her smile lighted up the world. Praise after praise. She was sick of that.
Winter Kim was the person who should be sitting next to her – the table sign said so. She had not arrived to the venue even though the event would be starting soon. Karina’s eyes shifted, looking around the surrounding. The decoration was beautiful, the sound of the waves complimented the romantic atmosphere that night.
And there she was – short dark brown-haired woman with frantic eyes. Karina was worried the wind was going to swipe her small figure. A waiter came over, ready to assist her. He looked at her invitation then pointed her assigned table – Karina’s table.
Their eyes met. Karina almost imagined Winter’s eyes narrowed slightly as if asking ‘have we met before?’ No, they have not.
Winter Kim didn’t not have any idea who Karina Yu was. The artist could feel the sincerity in Winter’s questions. She was playful yet attentive. Karina recorded Winter’s body language unintentionally in her head – how her whole body shook when she laughed, how her eyes sparkled in wonder hearing trivial things about her that other million people in the world already knew, how her lips twitched naughtily as she teased the latter.
Karina guarded herself well. She didn’t go out just with anyone. It was hard to believe in people – not to mention dangerous – with the kind of life she’s been living. Despite of that, she couldn’t turn down Winter’s offer to ditch the after party and went to the 24-hour restaurant in the hotel instead. They talked all night long about anything and everything.
Three hours in, and Karina already learnt that Winter is an American with Korean descend. Her parents moved back to Seoul a few years back – she chose to stay in New York, continue living alone there working and studying for master degree. The groom was actually her friend in school. In return, Winter little by little realized how big of a star Karina was in South Korea. She told her story humbly – far from pretentious.
“I want to know you more. If that’s okay with you.”
“Sure.”
“The superficial things – I have a lot to catch up. Facts about you that half population of the world already know. Hopefully I may go a little deeper – for facts that smaller group of people perceive.”
“We’ll see about that.” Karina answered with a smile. “You can always Google me, though. It knows a lot about me.”
“I’m not going to search you up on the internet. I’m going to get the information regarding where the location of your first movie took place, what was your first brand sponsor, what kind of food are you allergic to – all directly from you.”
Karina remembered – it was three a.m. in the morning, she should be sleeping instead of blushing on the idea of getting brunch together with Winter in a few hours.
It was crazy to think that the hot weather provided a comfortable warmth with Winter’s presence. She should be exploring the island, making the best memory – according to her itinerary, not sitting in a cozy café with a cute stranger. For one so small, Winter seemed so strong. She was passionate, determinate in her work, firm on her view of life, unbending in what she believed. It was easy to talk to her – and Karina thought, this was how life was supposed to be, easy.
Later that evening, Karina bid her goodbye to Winter at the airport. The latter had to leave so soon. When the smaller girl’s back disappeared between the sea of people, the car had also started moving, the star prayed that this goodbye would not be where their story end.
For a couple of weeks, Winter’s name tasted iron on her tongue. Winter’s touch lingered annoyingly on her skin. Winter’s voice echoed hauntingly in her head.
Everything felt terrible – until finally Winter stood in flesh right in front of her again with an arm reached out, welcoming the star into a warm embrace.
In the beginning, Winter’s closets friends thought that Karina was far out of her league. They fear for Winter’s heart and safety. Karina was literally straight off the page of a magazine. The biggest – brightest star in current time. While Winter was just… Winter. An idiot who refused to be a part of her established family company in South Korea and chose to make and raise her own architecture studio in New York. It messed with the architect’s head somehow. They did come from different world. Karina’s world was glorious, flashing, dazzling – people would die for her. Meanwhile hers was quiet, stilled, light only enough for her eyes to draw lines between lines. No matter how hard she tried to hide her insecurity, Karina could see it crystal clear.
“I know we’re different, but deep inside we’re not that different at all. We’re just two women in love. It couldn’t get any better than that.”
With that, Winter encouraged herself. Knowing when she looked over her shoulder, Karina will always be there.
Still, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbow. Most often than not, they went on separate cars. Winter disguised as her manager from time to time. She’d sit far away in the theater for Karina’s movie premier for the sake of supporting her lover. Winter hated the invading camera flashes – even when they were not meant for her, disturbed by the noise Karina’s fans made when they screamed at the top of their lungs, always self-aware every time they were eating out even with other staff glued to them. Not to mention, Karina couldn’t even stand ten feet away from a guy without people shipping them together. Winter was hanging on the edge of Karina’s celebrity life. It frustrated her to no end. The serenity of her quiet life was shaken.
Looking at how distressed her lover was, Karina decided to ask for a space that felt a lot like a break up. Time and distance didn’t help – only making everything worse. She can’t – not when not having Winter around meant breathing with no air. The water was too deep, it was suffocating. Suddenly, she couldn’t swim. She couldn’t navigate her life under the water.
When Winter showed up at her doorstep looking charming as always, inversely proportional to her current situation, Karina thought at least one of them was not dying. A win nevertheless.
But instead, Winter cupped her face, eyes unwavering. “Are you done doing your thinking? Cause I am. No one gets to get out from this relationship. You don’t get to walk out from my life.”
Finally, a wave of fresh air hit her lungs. It didn’t hurt to breathe anymore.
Yet, there were still times when they were too tired to deal with each other – occasionally asked for a little bit of time off with the other one always lingered in close proximity. In case one of them moved too far, the other was near enough to catch up.
At one moment, Winter’s father fell sick. Suddenly his kidneys failed to the point he needed a new one to keep living. He was a strong man. He never bothered his daughter if it wasn’t a matter of life and death situation. Hence, he kept the news from her for so long. Winter only found out when her family had found a donor. She came to Seoul with disappointed heart, piled up school tasks and plenty of work stuff on her shoulder.
For the first time since they started dating, they were in the same city for more than a week. Even so, they couldn’t properly see each other with good feeling. Winter didn’t sleep at her family’s house, she stayed at the hospital to be close with her father. Karina did the best she could to stop by the hospital but she couldn’t do it every day. Her manager prevented her from doing that to avoid people’s scrutinized eyes.
Winter disappeared from time to time – she didn’t reply to Karina’s text or call for hours or a day – the worse for the whole two days. It was frustrating. While Karina understood her lover’s situation, she couldn’t help feeling rejected. Little news of Winter’s well being was all she wanted, really.
Against her manager’s advice, she came running to the hospital with layers of clothes, cap, and mask to disguise herself. As she walked into Winter’s father room, she only found Winter. No one else was there, the others were accompanying Mr. Kim for dialysis. Her lover was sleeping on the couch with laptop on her lap and one of her legs was on the floor. Karina drew nearer – Winter’s eyebags were getting darker since the last time she saw her. The position she was in would make her body ache once she woke up.
Karina bent down. With her knuckles, she softly touched Winter’s cheek, making the latter stirred from her slumber. Her eyes were lost for a few seconds but as soon as she realized that it was Karina who stood before her, Winter started crying uncontrollably.
“I’m sorry. I’m so – so sorry.” She managed to speak between the tears. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to prioritize things. I can’t focus. I can’t think. It’s too much. It’s too much.”
Karina held Winter tightly in silence. It hurt to see her lover so hopeless, so weary, so lost.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be a good partner for you,” the short haired girl sobbed. “I understand if you… if you can’t… if you want to be with someone else who can treat you better than I do.”
Winter did a lot of wrong in her life. However, the biggest wrong she made was to assume that Karina would leave and let her face this storm alone.
---
On a magazine interview, a question asked, “what is it that you see in your wife that made you chose her?”
Oh.
“It was the feeling to be loved by a calm person, to be loved at my worst, to be held solidly when everything hurt and falling apart, to always be the top priority. Winter is patient, her presence is soft. Being with her is comfortable and I am able to be my true self without fear of being judge.”
“You speak so highly of her.”
“She’s where my heart belongs. I am a believer, and her love is simply biblical.”