My body calms as I relax for several minutes. I recline my seat, close my eyes and drift asleep. I wake to the sound of a soft voice.

"Mr. Jeon, I have your meal and a fresh drink for you."

I quickly lookup and see Yeona holding a silver tray covered with a silver cover and utensils bounded in a crisp white linen napkin.

"I'd be happy to set this up for you, sir."

I cannot find my words in this moment and after for what seems like an extended period I simply nod. As she eases the tray onto the table, I see her. I really see her for the first time. She is beautiful and delicate, like mother was. Instantaneously, I feel heat on the back of neck and ears. I am terribly ashamed of my behavior. She shows a tentative smile that I know is false as she turns to leave. I clear my throat and speak.

"Yeona, I-I want to apologize for my inappropriate behavior earlier. I was rude and demeaning in the way I spoke to you. I'm very sorry and will not treat you that way again." I am unable to maintain my eye contact as my shame envelops me.

She appears surprised by what I said and stands frozen for a few seconds.

"Mr. Jeon, thank you," she says with a genuine smile that reaches her eyes.

"Uh, how is Mr. Min. doing? Is he okay and is there anything I can do?" I ask with sincere interest.

"Mr. Jeon, Doctor Kim, I mean Taehyung is watching over him closely." I lean forward wanting to know more.

"That's good. Thank you Yeona. Is there a reason you don't call him Doctor Kim? He is a doctor, right?" I lean forward eagerly wanting her to continue.

"Yes, he most certainly is Mr. Jeon," she says with a soft giggle. "Tae doesn't like a lot of fuss. He says people get weird and treat him differently when they know he's a doctor. He likes being who he is. Free."

"Free?" I whisper. I look down at my hands for a moment as I understand. He is free in his choice of hair color, dress, manner and likely the way he chooses to live his life. And these were all the things I judged about him. This thought sours my stomach. God, I admire him.

"Yeah, he's a real free spirit and owns his life. You know, does what he wants. He loves helping others and traveling the world. No one tells him what to do or where to go. We've been friends for a couple year now, since he started flying with us. He's down to earth and I just adore him. What you see is what you get with Tae. He's just real." There's an upbeat tone in her voice and I can tell she loves him. I gather that most do. I can easily see how that happens.

"I'm sorry. I'm saying way too much." She appears embarrassed and fidgets with the hem of her jacket.

"No, it's perfectly okay. Please, have a seat. I'd like to talk with you." I sit back and gesture for her to sit in the empty seat that is next to me.

"Oh no, Mr. Jeon! I can't. I-I've already said too much. Oh God I should get back, sir." She nervously lifts the tray after leaving me with my plate, utensils, and drink.

"Why? Are you busy back there?" I chuckle softly presenting a soft smile to put her at ease. "Surely you can spread a few minutes talking with me."

I then shock myself with what I say next.

"It's just difficult after experiencing that miracle you and Taehyung performed; I'm just reminded of how precious life is. I'd like to talk to you." I share vulnerability and without motive. Did I just say that? Yes, the experience with Mr. Min, Yeona, Yea and Tae have affected me. I don't know how I know it, but connection is what I need because it is the only thing that fills that void within me. That hallow space. I really want to know her.

She slowly and nervously slides into the seat next to me and nods softly with her eyes diverted to her hands that are folded into her lap. I feel a pinch of sadness because she does not feel comfortable looking at me. I did that and it is unforgiveable.

I think for a moment what is it I'd like to know about her.

"Yeona, do you have children?" I asked.

She appears shocked by my question as it lingers above us unanswered for several seconds. She blinks and I realize she is still there but I'm not sure if she is present with me.

"Uh, sorry. That was a bit too personal." I say and ponder on another question.

"Uh no, no Mr. Jeon." I-I have one child. A 17-year-old daughter that is preparing to leave for college in several months."

"That's really nice. You and her father must be very proud." Her eyes move upward but deviate pass me and out to the clouds.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I say something inappropriate?" I query and quickly judge myself for being terrible at this.

"Uh, no it's okay." Her eyes come over to meet mine. "Her father died in military service when she was five and I'm raising her alone. It's okay and we do just fine. She brilliant and makes it really easy." Softly she smiles. Her eyes light up and I can tell her daughter is her world.

I swallow and become very still as her story resembles my own in some ways. I cannot help but to probe. It's just that the love in her eyes for her child attracts me. I've seen that look before and I am drawn to its warmth like a fire on a cold night.

"You must have been devasted at the loss of your husband. How did you get through such an ordeal with a 5-year-old child?" I search her eyes for more warmth.

She pulls in a deep breath and then releases it. I don't think she's offended; she's thinking. She looks back out towards the clouds and then her eyes settle on me. They are full of kindness and love.

"Mr. Jeon, I was devastated. My grief was thicker than mud. Had I not had my husband's mother I do not know what I would have done. As much as I loved my little girl, I actually became despondent and was not very good for her. My husband's mother took care of us both even though she had her own grief with the loss of her only child and her husband the year prior. But she saw him in my Mina's eyes. That was all she needed to know, that her son and his father lived on through our child." Yeona says with a comforting look of peace.

"But I thought you raised your daughter alone."

"My mother-in-law died about 6 months after I recovered."

"Oh, I'm so sorry Yeona." I say with a low gasp bringing two fingertips to my lips.

"Oh no Mr. Jeon. It's okay. She welcomed death." Her peaceful look remains.

"What?" I say quite shockingly.

"She believed she would see her beloved husband and son again. She was at peace, and happy. I will be forever grateful to her. Some parents are not as fortunate as I was. It happens more often than you think. It's really hard for men."

"Why is that?"

"Men have the added pressure in most societies to be strong and not show feelings. Showing a struggle with grief is often frowned upon. It's really unfortunate because men love as deeply and sometimes more profoundly than women." She smiles softly and I'm just in awe as to how fluid she is in conversation after we've talked some.

Hearing her share so intimately touches my core. I think about father and the pain of his grief. Could he have been so injured by mother's death that he really thought he was doing the best for me. Was he so consumed by his grief that he had not the capacity to care for me?" I just stare at her not knowing how to respond.

"Mr. Jeon are you okay?" I don't respond and she lightly touches my hand as I look up and then startle slightly to her touch. It's not very often that someone touches me. It is kind and caring.

"Oh uh, thanks Yeona." I clear my throat and softly smile.

"What about you Mr. Jeon. Do you have children?" Her eyes now grow with an inquisitiveness.

I should have seen this coming when I opened a personal conversation. I'm usually a little swifter on my feet but now everything is just upside down. I'm talking about things I've never shared with a stranger. That would be anyone since I don't have friends.

"Mr. Jeon, I'm sorry. I should have not asked." She starts to rise as I lightly touch her wrist and she pauses.

"Nonsense. I asked you something personal now you have the right to do the same. I-I'm just not used to talking about myself, so here goes. I bite down on my lip and draw in a breath.

"I-I don't have children and I've never been married. I never really thought much about it before. I think it because I've been busy with my career. Uh, I lost my mother when I was very young." I look down and start to fidget with the bound napkin to busy my hands. She softly gasps.

"Oh Mr. Jeon, I'm so very sorry." She places her hand lightly on my arm and her sincere caring warmly flows to me. I smile as I realize I have made a connection and it feels good.

"I-I should leave you alone to eat," she says and raises. I don't want her to leave because I don't want to be alone. Fuck what's happening to me.

I nod and allow her to get on her way. I eat a few bites of my meal and leave my drink. I reposition my comfy seat in hope to get some rest. I lay in the silence and cannot completely settle down to where I can sleep so I settle for resting my eyes. I cannot escape my thoughts about father.

Several minutes later, I feel a weight next to me. Is it Taehyung? I hope so. I slowly turn and see Yea. Immediately I sit up.

"Is Mr. Min, okay? Do you need me?"

"No Jungkook. He is stable, which is very good." She shares with a noticeable exhale. I can only imagine how hard this must be for her. "I wanted to come and see how you were doing. Doesn't look like you're very hungry." She looks down at my barely eaten steak, and softly chuckles.

"No, I'm not. I'm okay. I'm happy to hear that Mr. Min is doing well."

"Thanks, Jungkook. My husband is a good man and I know he would like to meet you?" She smiles gently.

"Maybe in the future. I would like to meet him." I tell her as I put my chair in a full upright position.

"Oh, I know you will meet Jungkook."

She seems convinced and I nod smiling softly. I don't understand her visions or awareness', but Tae seems to trust her. We sit there for a long pause which is not uncomfortable, it just feels safe. She feels safe.

"Jungkook, saving someone's life can be a very traumatic experience. It can also bring up a lot of feelings and thoughts from the past and about the future. Trust me we were all affected." That thought comforts me to know I am not alone. However, I do not want her to worry about me.

"I'm fine." I say hoping to eliminate any concern she might have for me.

"If you say so, Jungkook. I wanted to also thank you for helping my husband. I'm very grateful." She reaches over and squeezes my hand, and it is incredibly comforting.

"I-I did nothing. I-I just followed directions." I look away for a few seconds finding it difficult to accept her gratitude and focus on my deeds which I don't see as special. "Tae and Yeona were amazing." I reply attempting to downplay my involvement.

"Oh Jungkook, you don't truly believe that do you?" She pulls to the edge of her seat and leans closer to me. Her eyes are penetrating but in a way that pulls me towards her. I shrug my shoulders like a small child not knowing how else to respond.

"Jungkook, you did far more than you know. If you had not gotten the AED with haste or placed those pads in the right place my husband might not be alive now. Every second counted. You also supported Tae and Yeona and was ready to jump in if needed. You all had a role to play in saving my Song. Each equally valuable. If there had been delays, I am certain the consequences would have been devastating.

I feel her genuine appreciation. It is an honor to be in her presence. She is a special lady. We again sit quietly for a few moments. Suddenly, I feel moved to share.

"S-Something happened to me that I don't understand." I look down at my hands and start rubbing them together. Yea is quiet and I know I have her attention.

"It was like time stopped and I saw a bright light. T-The light was around me, Tae and Yeona. It was comforting during our connection. It seemed to go on for a long time and I liked it. When your husband's heart started back it was the best feeling ever. I felt something in that moment I'm not familiar with. Joy. The light remained for a while after. But..."

"Go ahead, Jungkook. I'm here." She softly rubs my arm and for some reason I want to lean into her, but I don't. Her soothing voice and touch remind me of another. I don't feel sad, I feel safe. It has been a very long time since I have felt this way.

"Yea, when the light went away, I felt cold and emptiness. I was in the dark. At first, I thought the cold darkness was death but now I don't know."

"Why do you think that Jungkook?" Yea asked placing her elbow on her armrest and rests her chin in the palm of her hand.

"Well because the light was connected to Tae and Yeona. Others. I'm ashamed to say that I don't have others in my life. I-It's okay."

"Why is that okay, Jungkook?" She turns her head slightly as she questions me.

"I'm not good with people. I can be abrasive and rude. But I always get what I want, left alone, and respect."

"Jungkook," she says softly. "People do what you tell them because you have power over them. Also, money or social status. But that is not respect. That is fear. Those are two very different things. And finally, to be alone is to be in the dark. I think you want to be in the light. I think this connection showed you the light that you have denied yourself. I'm not sure what happened to you, but I have read about it. I think it had something to do with your early years. It often does.

"Yea, do you think people can change?" I bring my chin down unable to look at her yet eager to hear her response.

"Yes, very much so Jungkook. I have seen it."

My eyes quickly rise to hers. "I don't want to live in the dark cold emptiness of the life I created." I start wringing my hands nervously. "I just don't know how live another way."

"Bullshit!" She says farrowing her brow. My eye widens as my mouth falls open upon hearing her unexpected response.

"What?"

"I said bullshit! Did you not hear me?" She smiles and I am confused.

"You are doing it now. Being honest and being with others. Your process has already started. It is a natural instinct of our humanness to want to be with others. You shut yourself off from your light and the light of others because of your pain. I see you've been hurt and it's okay. Your healing has already started. You are not alone anymore Jungkook."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Yes, you can Jungkook."

"Have you seen any visions for me or had any predictions? You seem so confident. I-I hope this is okay to ask," I say as I impatiently wait for her answer.

"Jungkook, I have." She looks at me intently and says nothing else.

"Wil you tell me?" She gently smiles and squeezes my hand which she is still holding.

"Jungkook I can't because it is not clear. Until I have more clarity, I cannot share my vision with you. But the energy I feel around you is good. It has changed from the energy you had when you walked on this plane."

I nod in appreciation of her being honest with me as I release her hand and she starts to rise.

"Jungkook, please come be with us in the back compartment. You can just listen if you like. It is totally up to you." Although said softly, her request feels more like a plea.

"What? No Taehyung hates me. I-I missed judged him. I said some very awful things to him. I'm so ashamed." I push back in my chair and look forward.

"Yeah, you both got off to a rocky start, but something tells me it will be okay. We have just about 90 minutes before we land, and we are strangers that may never see each other again. Jungkook, I believe that things happen for a reason. Yes, even Song's heart attack. That also means you, Taehyung and Yeona being there. So, let's keep each other company for the short time we have together before we all go our separate ways. Come be with us."

I look at her and see such kindness in her eyes. She reminds me of someone I loved very much and lost. I want to be with her and the others. Her touch is caring and loving. Like mothers.