The Story of A Day

Author's note : This is the short story that I have written based on theme of unconditional love despite dramas in life and conflicts of personalities. This is a homework for my literature class. Hope ya'all enjoy reading it :)

Elena is facing one of the bad days in her life. She woke up late for her 10am class then her car broke down on her way to her campus. Reaching the campus of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies at 10.05am, Elena realizes that she is in a big trouble. Her lecturer doesn’t like late-comers. “Oh, not again” she curses under her breath. She climbed the stairs so fast that she slipped and wounded her knee.  Ignoring the sharp pain, she still runs to the class and upon reaching the door, she noticed the lecturer has begun his lecture for the day. After taking a deep breath, she knocked and opens the door.

“I’m sorry for being late, sir.”  Elena said in an apologetic tone, an attempt for the lecturer to let her away this time.

“You are late again, Elena. You are not excused this time. Go to your seat now and I will tell you what would your punishment will be,” the lecturer said in his firm yet deep voice.  Rest of the students was looking at Elena, wondering how a girl with an IQ of 234 can be late for her classes. 

“And now, who can tell me what metaphor is and how it is different than simile?” The lecturer posed the question and a few hands shoot up in the air. “Yes Miss Jae Na?” The lecturer asked the petite girl that is sitting right in front of Elena.

“Mister Adrian, metaphor is a word or phrase that is used to describe something without applying the literal meaning. Simile is used to compare two or more things together” Jae Na said in her best attempted English that has a strong Seoul accent.

“Good one. Thanks. Now, who can give me an example of metaphor and simile? Elena?” Professor Adrian now focused his attention on Elena who lazily scribbles on her notebook. “Erm… I don’t really have an idea, sir. I’m sorry,” Elena smiled and continues her hobby. “Elena, as far as I’m concerned, English class is the only class that you showed very much lack of interest. I’m giving you a 3-hours of detention with me after class where you have to analyze 10 poems thoroughly. And Hyun Jae will join you as well since he didn’t submit his assignment on time. That’s all for today, class. Thank you,”

Upon dismissal, the female students swarmed after Mr. Adrian. Being enrolled in Hankuk University of Foreign Studies to learn Korean Language, Adrian is also offered to conduct English Language classes for the local students. Adrian Salvatore is the hot stuff in the campus. Acknowledged for his good looks and brilliancy, most of the female students and even lecturers are hitting on him.

Everyone except for Elena Lee who prefers daydreaming rather than asking Adrian for a cup of coffee. It made rest of her classmates wonder. Elena never seemed to get along with Mr. Adrian and neither she showed any interest in him. But rumors are there saying that Mr. Adrian and Elena are spotted being close and having a cozy talks in his office.

Elena hates literature especially poems. She was doing the last poem’s analysis where she finds the theme of the poem is very much irrelevant. “Mr. Adrian, why is it so that in “To My Dear and Loving Husband” the wife has an unconditional love towards her husband? Such thing exists now?” Elena asks while scratching her temple with her pen. “Well, it depends. Back then, the wife and husband has an unspoken vow to love each other till death does them apart. But now, with the improvement of technology and globalization, relationship between a husband and wife can crumble due to insecurity and ego.”  Adrian explained. The curious Elena continues to question. “The wife can feel insecure because of the environment? How is it so?”

“For example, a husband that is caught by his wife for being flirtatious on social networking sites can create the insecurity in the wife that makes her suspect on her husband’s social life. Does that clear your doubt?” Adrian explained and their eyes met. Adrian sensed that Elena is at the verge of tears. Adrian smiled and clears his throat. “You all can leave now. See you on Thursday,” Adrian said and left the classroom.

Elena was mentally disturbed by the time she reached her house in Gangnam. It’s only 6pm but the sky is so dark. She’s done with her grocery shopping and now she has to cook dinner before her husband complains about having late dinner again. Elena had the shock of her life when the front door opens before she unlocks it. There stood Adrian with his apron on.

Met and fall in love with Elena when she attended the special piano training in North Carolina’s National Music Academy. The very same academy that Adrian was getting his vocal training. They were so many clashes in their personalities but as the saying goes, opposite attracts. Throughout the six months of training, Adrian and Elena were madly in love after knowing each other better. When Elena told Adrian that she has to leave to Seoul soon, Adrian decided to migrate to Seoul as well. Just to be with her.

Their wedding was a simple beach wedding in Jeju Island. After vowing to be true and loyal to each other, Adrian and Elena were pronounced as husband and wife. But things got complicated when both of them happens to studying in the same university in Seoul. Agreement was made that none of the fellow students and colleagues will know that they are married.

“Dinner’s ready. You must be starving. Come in.” Adrian said and flashed his charming smile and takes the grocery bags from Elena. She smiled at him and enters the house. Later at night, Elena hugged her husband and quotes, “My love is such that rivers cannot quench, nor ought but love from thee gives recompense,” from the To My Dear and Loving Husband poem. Adrian hugs her tightly as though he’s assuring her that nothing will change the intense of love he has for her.

credits to the owner :)