Whispers at Midnight

Chapter 2

Despite the tiredness that threatens to take over, I can’t help but enjoy the sights outside the bus. The Han River has a dark greenish tinge to it, like a layer that floats on the surface of the water, but further in the distance, I can see the shine of blue.

The thought of being alone somewhat terrifies me, the knots in my stomach refusing to loosen. Since meeting Lisa, it feels as though we’ve never been apart, with the exception of when I’m working. Somehow, she always found a way for us to do almost everything together. Even when I'm not staying over with her, she finds a way to drag a video call during the evenings when we aren't together. I think she must have some kind of talent for it…

She makes it seem as though I’m the codependent one… but she’s never had to work as her family has well-paying jobs, and she latched onto me from the point I stood up for her. I’d love to be in her position, but that’s not the way things go. Yes, I feel jealous from time to time, but I'd be lying to say I didn’t enjoy her company. Most of the time. I think I’ve come to place more weight on the good times we’ve had, as opposed to the times she’s put me down, or lied behind my back. I’m not sure if she knows that I’ve been able to see through her for the last couple of years, but no more.

A friendship should be equal. Ty had shown me that when we were little. During this time apart, I can truly live for myself. Find some new hobbies that I actually enjoy, rather than tagging along to one of Lisa’s latest and greatest ideas of fun.

This will do me good. I can finally grow.

I guess she thinks she’s won whatever competition she thinks we’re having, but in reality, she’s set me free.

I glance back outside. The sky is bright, and only a few scarce, wispy clouds are visible. Korea is hot. At least compared to the current season in Australia. It’s almost the end of August now, a time when winter starts to come to an end. The seasons in Korea are like that of England. As we get closer to Christmas, the weather will cool down. I can’t help but wince at the thought of the temperature change when I have to go home. It was strange at first, adapting to having Christmas on the beach, with a barbeque, as opposed to those warm days rugged up with my parents.

I suppose the heat is similar to Australia. The humidity makes you feel like you need to shower without having done anything. And that’s the first thing on my list when I arrive at my dormitory.

Eventually, the Han River gives way to more urban structures as we enter Seoul or, more precisely, approach Jongno.

I am given a glimpse of Gyeongbokgung Palace as the bus passes by. Masses of people swarm at the front entrance, some wearing what I know to be Hanbok, Korean traditional clothing, with their bright colors, shiny adornments, and elegant embroidery. They must take such a long time to make, yet I can’t picture anything about them being rushed.

The cheollok statues at the entrance can be seen as fierce and imposing, but the traditional design and stonework is something that has to be admired. The colors used, and the structural design excite me, and I can’t wait to choose a day to visit it all properly.

Now that I know there’s no chance of having Lisa as a roommate, I feel both relief and apprehension. I hope my roommate will be nice. And I can only hope she isn’t a night owl as I enjoy my sleep far too much.

The journey is over far too soon for my tired body, and I feel the aches and pains in my muscles as I force myself to stand and exit the bus. I’m on the side of the main road - a different sight to what I’m used to. It feels strange seeing cars driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. But for now my biggest problem is being able to find my dormitory.

It takes me some time, and several wrong directions, before I find the dormitory. My body is running on fumes, my mind on autopilot as I hand in my paperwork and am assisted to my room. I barely noticed any of the other girls that were moving in and prepare to collapse on my bed.

A cute, petite girl smiles at me as I enter the room. I give her a weak smile. I’m sure my exhaustion must be showing by now. My eyes sting and I’m fighting against my lids.

“Hi,” I mumble shyly.

The pit of my stomach is in knots. But my new roomie smiles. Her hair is short and the curls cling to the sides of her heart-shaped face. She is practically tiny when compared to my height.

“Hey,” she says.

Her voice sounds musical, and her eyes hold a warmth I can say I realize I’m missing. Ty is the only one in my life right now that truly holds that kind of warmth for me, and I’m instantly grateful for the feeling of security it gives me.

Perhaps this won’t be a bad experience.

“I’m Clara,” she says.

The ajumma leaves me with Clara, smiling as she leaves and gently shuts the door.

“Allie,” I say.

“Nice to meet you,” she says. “So, I guess we’re stuck with each other for the next four months.” She grins as she speaks.

“I suppose we are.”

Clara seems easy to talk to.

“You hungry?” she asks.

As if in response, my stomach growls in protest. I guess I haven't eaten for a while….

Clara’s smile becomes wider.

“Let’s go get some food,” she says.

My head protests, but my stomach cannot be ignored. I’ll probably find it easier to sleep after having something to eat. Clara grabs a small messenger bag while I rummage for my wallet. I follow her quietly, she locks the door, and we head outside. I’m hit again with the heat and use my shirt to wipe away the thin layer that forms on my face. Damn my oily skin….

As we approach the main road, and cross, my nose is bombarded with a variety of smells; sweet, spicy, toasted, sweet. My head and throat start to feel sick. It try to detach myself from the feeling, breathing slowly.

“Not much of a talker?”

I snap out of it.

“I’m just nervous around new people.”

Clara nods in understanding.

“I’m not good around people I don’t know either,” she says. “We made a great choice coming to Korea, where neither of us know anyone.” She glances sideways. “Unless you have any friends here?”

I shake my head.

“No, I’m here alone,” I refuse to let any bitterness enter my voice.

Clara nods, her curls bouncing against her cheeks.

We eventually find somewhere to eat, and I settle on ramyeon, unsure how my stomach will receive food even though I’m starving.

Clara’s jjigae looks good, and the spicy smell greets my nose. It’s a shame I can’t stomach seafood, but I’ll be sure to get some kimchi jjigae at some point during my trip.

We sit quietly eating our food. Clara must have been pretty hungry too and seems to savor every bite. I observe the little shikdang. It’s a small space crammed with many people - when many locals eat at a certain place, it communicates to travelers that the food is good, and can indicate that the prices aren’t too bad either. Despite the crowding, the shikdang manages to feel homely, as though you’re with a friend rather than a room full of strangers.

The silence we sit in feels comfortable with the constant hum of chatter from other patrons. I find myself settling into this environment, relaxing in a way I have been unable to do since departing Australia.

For now, all I need to worry about is my level placement test in a few days, and getting enough sleep later.