Episode 1: Myrrh & Kunzea

What will happen to me when I die? Is my soul still here and keep able to see the people I care about? Will I disappear altogether and feel happy in heaven or suffer in hell? Will I be reincarnated as an animal or a flower or become a human again?

Wonho felt uncomfortable every time he visited the funeral. It was like a reminder that he'll end up there too, sooner or later. He hates separation and this reality is very scary to think about. Three days ago, he was so happy while on the phone with Shownu – his best friend who is waiting for the birth of his child. Then the next day, Shownu called back in a hoarse voice as if holding back tears. Ha Yoon, his wife, died shortly after giving birth. A few hours later, the baby also died.

Wonho has never felt he lost someone he loved. His grandparents died when he was a toddler. But seeing Shownu's current state, he could feel the pain.

He would do anything to make his best friend happy again.

***

WONHO

I have never felt sad at the dining table. I didn't touch the cereal at all until it finally mushy. Jooheon's peanut butter-smeared bread has also turned stiff and invaded by ants. We thought about each other's business in silence while occasionally sipping coffee. Shownu hasn't woken up or he didn't want to go down for breakfast. What should I do?

"Do I have to bring breakfast to his room?" I asks Jooheon.

"Last night I gave him chinese food. But he said he wasn't hungry and told me to give it to the servants," Jooheon replied. "But you can try it. You have to force him a little."

So I made toast with his favorite chocolate jam. I know this is a tough day. I can't stop him crying over the death of his loved ones. However, Shownu loved his wife so much and was very happy to wait for the birth of his child. But he shouldn't stop eating. It's been two days he just locked himself in a room without chewing something. Then how can I eat without feeling guilty?

The sound of footsteps made me and Jooheon look up. There is Shownu wearing a suits with very neat hair, also carrying a briefcase.

"Shownu Hyung, do you want breakfast?" asks Jooheon.

"Ye, toast and black coffee."

Finally he wants to eat. "I made toast for you. Jooheon-ah, make coffee for Shownu hyung!"

"No, let me make it." Shownu poured coffee from the machine without adding sugar and creamer as usual.

I handed over the bread I made and he finished it in two bites. "Are you going to the office?"

He answered while chewing slowly. "Ye, I have a meeting this afternoon to discuss our newest product advertisement."

"I will represent you. You still need to rest, don't push yourself."

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

Jooheon and I looked at each other, while Shownu sipped his coffee calmly. Isn't this a good sign that he is behaving normally? But why am I worried? I tried to send telepathy to Jooheon so he would say something.

It seems like my telepath worked. "Hyung, I'll take you to the office. Give me a minutes to get ready," Jooheon offers.

Shownu wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Guys... I'm fine, okay? I have shed all my emotions these past few days. Last night Ha Yoon came into my dream and she wants me not to be sad again."

"Ooh... you must be happy to see her." I smiled.

He nods. "I gotta go. See you at dinner time."

***

I've been good friends with Shownu since we were toddlers. Our fathers are good friends, our mother shopped together, even my dog married his dog. But I've never seen him this fragile. I often comforted him when he was having problems with the company. I'll take him for a drink or a vacation. But this is another matter. I have no idea how to cheer him up.

"He used perfume that smelled of myrrh and kunzea," I said to Jooheon. We were walking around the back hill to looking for flowers.

"What does it mean?"

"Myrrh helps to reconnect a physical and emotional, while kunzea is useful for heal the trauma and restore a feeling of safety. I gave the perfume when his secretary who had worked for three years resigned."

I am a perfumer. My sense of smell is very keen and sensitive. Not only for perfume composition, but also for mood. I'm sure Shownu still feels a lot of sadness. Going to work won't be good for him.

"We must persuade him to return to Korea," I says, thinking that was the best idea.

Jooheon frowns. "Why?"

"He doesn't have anyone here. I have to go home in two days, you too. Then who will cheer him up?"

Jooheon nods. "Kurae. We can't leave someone when they feel depressed. But what if he doesn't want to? He might not want to leave memories here with Ha Yoon Nuna."

I picked poppies and smelled it. Nutty smell and a bit earthy. "Then I will stay here."

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