DIVIDED UNION

Kang Ji-Eun

Hello, my name is Kang Ji-Eun, but many call me Ji-Eun. I am 21 years old and I'm going to study in the United States at a university. My dream is to become a great chef, so I chose to study culinary arts. My parents helped me with this. They invested in my education so that I could get a scholarship abroad, and I chose the United States.

I have long, dark, and well-cared-for hair. I love my hair. I have fair skin, dark eyes, and I always wear casual clothes. People like my smile; they say it's contagious and that I have very beautiful teeth. I must admit, I like my smile too.

When I heard the news that I would be studying in the United States, I was thrilled. My parents supported me all the way, and now, I was about to say goodbye to them. My father's name was Kang Hyon-Suk, and my mother was Kang Yeon-Woo. My father was a 48-year-old man with slightly graying hair, forming a gradient, he wore glasses, had slightly tanned skin, and always dressed formally. He owned a cosmetics company that was very successful in South Korea. My mother's name is Kang Yeon-Woo. She's 45 years old, has wine-colored hair, dark eyes, fair skin, and a friendly smile, similar to mine. They say I inherited her smile. My mother is a homemaker but also works from home for various companies. She has her income.

At this moment, I was at the front door with a wheeled backpack in my hands. My parents were with me and seemed emotional about my departure. They know I will do everything to stay in touch with them, especially because I love them, and if I am where I am, it's thanks to them.

"Daughter, you've grown so much. You're off to college. I'm so proud of you," my mother said with tears in her eyes.

It took me a while to get to college, but I had my reasons. Personal problems arose in my life, leading to severe depression. It took years to recover from depression, and now that I'm feeling better, I decided to turn my life around. I owe everything to my therapist. She helped me, and now, thanks to her and myself, I'm achieving this milestone that I never imagined would be within my reach.

I hugged my mother, and then my father came over to hug me and said, "You have no idea how happy I am that you've achieved this, my princess. I'm sure you will achieve your goals. I have faith in you."

"Daughter, I need to tell you something I discussed with your father," my mother said, and I gave them my full attention after separating from my father's embrace.

"Yes?" I asked, confused.

"We're a bit concerned. It hasn't been long since you overcame depression. Are you going to be okay?"