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When Jiwoo saw the video of Ian flirting provocatively with the camera, she went immediately to Ian and gave her a stern and forthright talking-to about maturity and responsibility. After she left, Ian stayed frozen on the spot, her eyes laden with tears. Wordlessly, Stella handed her a tissue and nodded her head toward the door.
Once outside Ian managed, "Where are we going?"
"Somewhere calm and serene, the Botanic Park."
Neither said a word on the way there, and when they got there it was like another world: new sights and smells, the city's sounds dampened.
They walked past a waterfall, and along paths bordered by lush ornamental grasses, some rough to the touch, others glossy and smooth.
In her gentle manner, Stella related a parable about the consequences of reckless behaviour, then another about the perils of unbridled curiosity and growing up too fast.
They walked slowly, and mostly in silence, taking in the natural beauty surrounding them.
On the way home a soft rain began.
It felt good, like waking up feeling fresh.
Ian tilted her head to the sky so she could feel the airy mist on her face.
This day, which had started off in despair and conflict, had become a different kind of day, an important day.
As they rounded the final corner, Stella stopped and said, "We'll do what we can do to steer you away from rough waters, and we want you to be who you are, but you'll have to show some changes in your behaviour so we can all sail the smooth waters together."
"Like the herons in the story," Ian offered.
"Just like the herons." Stella's tender affirmation bolstered Ian's sense of belonging here, of being a part of all this.
When they arrived at the front door, Stella held it open for Ian.
Ian stepped through, then graciously stood aside so Stella could enter the lobby first.
Instead, Stella took Ian's hand in hers, and they walked ahead together.
~ Fin ~
