CAPTIVATION

WENDY:

"Wendy!" Park's voice delighted from the other end of the phone. "Switch to video, I want to see your face, man,' he cried eagerly.

I switched to the video without hesitation, "And how does my face look?"

"Cold as ever."

"Thanks," I replied. We paused for a moment, smiling at each other.

I debated whether to ask about the burial or not. He seemed happy, and I didn't want to change his mood. But I decided to take my chance. "What's up with you, Park?"

"Fine. It's boring here. And cold."

"How is Grandma Isla?"

"Buried and rested," Park's voice conveyed that he had come to terms with his grandmother's death. I felt relieved that he was doing better.

"Okay. Send my regards to Ms. Drown."

"Sure. Good to see you, Wen. You know I appreciate you, right?"

"Not so sure?"

He smiled. He further asked about Grandpa Kosa and his condition, to which I briefed him and shared the good news.

We discussed how we were spending the holiday without each other. Park was with his relatives and they