A Day Without You

It’s a beautiful morning in Lagos State, Nigeria. Olufunke woke up with a bright smile on her face. She’s never been this happy all her life. She couldn’t wait a day longer to go to Korea, where she’ll study medicine.

Olufunke has always dreamt of visiting Korea, even if it’s just once. Ever since she’s been a kdrama and kpop fan, she’s always wanted to go there, and perhaps, get married to an extremely handsome Korean guy.

She has already packed her bags a day before, because she can’t afford to miss the flight.

She was done dressing up, and the door to her room opened, then her mum stepped in.

“Good morning Mum.” Funke greeted while kneeling down.

Mrs Thomas pulled her up, and smiled at her.

“How was your night??” Mrs Thomas asked, and Funke grinned.

“Daebak! (Awesome!) Jinjja daebak! (Really Awesome).”

“Come downstairs, and have your breakfast, darling. Your flight is taking off in an hour time. You have to be there on time.” Mrs Thomas, her mum said, and she smiled broadly.

“I really can’t wait to get there Mum.” She squealed dreamily, and Mrs Thomas smiled.

“Just don’t forget where you come from. Don’t get carried away by those creatures.” Mrs Thomas said, and Funke nodded.

“Trust your daughter.” She said.

“I trust you.” Mrs Thomas said.

“Is she not awake yet??” Mr Thomas asked from downstairs.

“Oh! She’s awake. I’m bringing her now.” Mrs Thomas said and they both headed downstairs.

“What took you so long??” Mr Thomas asked, and Funke hugged him in smile.

“Good morning Dad.” She said.

“Hope you had a good night rest my dear??” Mr Thomas asked.

“Sure Dad.” Funke replied, and they settled down to eat.

“Alright. Let’s eat.” Mr Thomas said, and they all grabbed the cutleries.

“Thanks for the food. May God bless this food.” Funke said.

“Amen.” Mr Thomas and Mrs Thomas said together before they start eating.

Minutes later, they finished eating and the maid packed the dishes to the kitchen to wash.

“Get your luggages and let’s go, else you’ll be late and you’ll miss your flight.” Mr Thomas said, and Funke furrowed her brows.

“Are you cursing me now or what??” She asked, and her dad smiled.

“I’m just saying.” Mr Thomas said, and Funke rolled her eyes before going upstairs to get her luggages.

She came downstairs fully prepared, and her parents were already waiting for her in the car.

“Aunt Funke, I’ll miss you so much.” Timilehin, the maid said as she pouted, and Funke smiled while pulling her closer.

“I’ll miss you too dear. Just take care of yourself and my parents, okay??” Funke said, and Timi pulled her into a hug.

For like three minutes, Timi didn’t want to let go of her, but she eventually did.

“Bye.” She said with teary eyes and rushed into the kitchen.

Funke heaved a heavy sigh before heading out of the house with her luggages.

“What took you so long??” Mr Thomas asked as she joined them in the car.

“Timi didn’t want me to go. She must be crying by now.” Funke replied, and Mrs Thomas smiled.

“I don’t know how that girl grew so fond of you.” She said, and her husband started driving out of the house.

✰

~LAGOS STATE AIRPORT~

The moment they got to the airport, the plane was almost taking off.

“Passenger 4021 is not on plane yet. If you’re in anywhere closer, kindly come forward now before the plane take off.” The pilot said into the mic, and Funke quickly rushed towards the plane without taking her luggages.

“I’m sorry I came late.” She said, and they checked her body before letting her in.

“Please check her luggages. She forgot it.” Mr Thomas said and Funke peeped out through the window.

“Oh! My bags! I forgot it! Thanks Dad.” She said, and Mr Thomas smiled at her.

“Don’t forget to get in touch with us when you get there.” Mrs Thomas said, and Funke nodded.

“Bye Mum. Bye Dad.” She waved at them, and they waved back.

The plane took off and Funke started staring out of the window.

This isn’t her first time of traveling in a plane, but this one seems so special.

She’s finally going to her dream country!

Not for a week, but for years!

How’s that not special??

‘I really can’t wait to get there. Gøsh! I think I’m gonna die of happiness.’ She said to herself as she spaced out through the window.

Her mind wasn’t there though, she’s just staring at the sky but her mind was already in Korea.

Most of the passengers were already asleep because the journey is quite long. She didn’t blink an eye due to her anxiety.

For the entire 15 hours, 55 minutes, Funke didn’t sleep at all, though almost all the passengers are asleep.

“Get ready to get off. We’re at the South Korea, Seoul Airport.” The pilot said through the mic, and Funke’s face lightened up as she got prepared to alight from the plane.

The plane stopped moving which signals that it’s on the ground. The door opened and the stairs came out, they started getting off one after the other.

Olufunke was the last to get off as she descended the stairs slowly.

She was busy scanning through everywhere as she alighted from the plane. Her luggages were brought to her and she bowed with a smile before heading towards the car that her dad prepared to take her to her new school, SEVIT UNIVERSITY.

“Anyeongseyo Ahgassi (Hello Miss).” The driver bowed slightly before collecting the bags from her, and placed it in the trunk.

“Anyeong.” Funke respond to the greetings before entering into the backseat. The man entered into the driver’s seat and drove off to Sevit University.

Olufunke shifted to the window side to get nice view of the road.

“Woah! This is awesome! Jinjja daebak! (Really awesome).” She commented as she watch the busy road.

“You really understand our language.” The driver said and Funke smiled.