“I will be waiting for you here, hoping you come tomorrow.”

One day, as the summer of 1940 was drawing to a close.

The moment I first saw you, my heart was stolen away.

Under the shade of the willow tree, you were writing something with a refreshing smile, perhaps preparing for a poetry contest, and I lost my heart to you right then and there.

As if possessed, I approached you, and I couldn't take my eyes off you as you tilted your head and looked up at me.

“I am Kim Heon, a student at the high school just ahead. May I sit beside you?”

We sat under that willow tree for a long time. From the time the sun was high in the sky until the sunset began to glow.

I don't remember exactly what was said then. I was simply intoxicated by those eyes looking up at me, and that smile was so radiant—a smile I still cannot forget even now.

“I would like to go to the theater with you tomorrow.”

You nodded shyly, and that single nod made me feel like I owned the world.

And then, I never saw you again.

I am still waiting for you to come, right here under the willow tree.

I love you dearly.