Mara was putting on her walking shoes as she looked at the window. She can see that it is a lovely morning to go for a walk. So she went to the guest room and knocked at the door.

"Rich, wake up! Let us walk in the park, even for an hour."

Rich looked at his watch and saw it was just 530 in the morning. "Girlfriend, I need to complete my 8 hrs beauty sleep. If not, my pores will hate me!"

Mara shouted back from the outside of the guestroom. "Okay, then keep sleeping, and I'll be back in an hour or two."

The colors of the tree leaves during this time of the year are to die for. Mara hopes not so many people are already up during this hour, so she can take her time walking in the public garden and passing by the Make Way for Ducklings statues. Like a child, Mara pretended to be talking to the ducklings.

"Hello, ducks!"

She walked a few rounds around the garden and rested in the green grassy area facing the spot where most of the trees are planted. During this year, Boston's Fall Foliage is the most colorful. Beautiful leaf shapes and colors are fantastic.

Mara felt uncomfortable. I feel like something or someone is watching me from somewhere.

She tried to divert her attention by taking pictures of the trees with her phone.

Someone yelled at her from behind as she was about to move to her right side. "Excuse me, Miss, do you mind moving on the other side, please? I need to take a picture of that view for a few seconds."

With her raised brows, she faced the guy, asking her to move. "What the???"

Mara could not finish her statement seeing Josh waving his hand as he approached.

"Josh? What a surprise! Are you up this early too? Where is Jang?

Josh shrugged his shoulders. "As usual, he is still asleep. Was I being rude to ask you to move? I'm sorry, but I was amazed at the morning view. Those beautiful colors!"

Mara smiled at Josh and asked for his cellphone. "No worries! It is okay. Let me take your picture with that view as the background. Nice shot! How do you find it here?"

"Quiet and fascinating, I can say. A nice place for me to take a break from the hustle and bustle of my work."

Mara fixed the mask on her face as she talked. "Somehow annoying though, that we must keep wearing our masks like this. But better to be safe than sorry. At least we can now get around freely, unlike before."

Josh nodded. "Yes, and we may travel now, too. Do you mind if I sit here?"

Mara tapped the space beside her. "No, not all. I usually sit here after my walks. It gives me time to think about things. If you don't mind me asking, what is your work in Korea?"

"Um, I work for entertainment. Just this and that!" replied Josh.

"Entertainment! That sounds fun! I haven't been to Korea except for the stopover at the airport, though, hahaha! And just a few months ago, I got the chance to see online videos about Korea too." Mara exclaimed.

"Well, what can you say from what you have seen so far?" asked Josh.

Mara's lips curved into a smile, and she took a deep breath. "I have seen little, actually. There was just this random video of two guys talking. But I can't remember their faces because the guy sharing his experience made me only see the gaze in his eyes. It was funny because I felt so connected to him since then. We share the same experience and sadness. I felt like wanting to hug him when he was pouring his heart out. I don't know, but since then, I have longed to meet and talk to him personally."

Josh faced Mara and stared at her face. "What's his name? Maybe I know him from my work. You'll never know I may have the connections!"

Mara paused and shook her head. "That I can't remember. I was so focused on the guy's eyes and his words. But I just remembered that the place where they were then was like an island."

"Jeju Island is famous there," said Josh.

"Yes, that's the island!" Mara's eyes grew as she started describing the video to Josh. "They were in a car listening to music; then suddenly, the deep gazing-eyed man became emotional when the other guy asked him a question. And his answer kept playing in my mind since."

Mara recited lines she heard from the interview in her soft voice as if she was reading it."It was a success, and I also felt weighed down. I was so thankful, but felt like it was beyond what I could take. I stopped going out, as I didn't want my feelings to be seen by others. It made me avoid people."

She closed her eyes as if imagining the guy who said the words. "Those were his exact words. It hit me in the heart bull's eye! I connected because I could relate to that feeling. It was a complicated situation to be in, you know." Mara faced Josh and looked him in the eye. "Maybe you find me crazy, ha? You're so quiet. I may be crazy sometimes!" Mara laughed at a dumbfounded Josh.

"No, not really... I was just surprised that you remember all those words." Josh murmured.

Mara nodded. "I know, right? It feels like he became my soulmate since I watched that video. So I call him Mr. Deep Gazing Eyes! I wish to meet him because I feel like we can talk on the same level. I will surely give him words of encouragement."

When her vision moved toward Josh's watch, she looked at the time on her phone. "Oh my! Time passed quickly. I didn't realize we have been sitting for over 2 hrs now."

Josh's face was severe. "Yes, right... I guess we could talk on the same level."

Standing up from where they sat, Mara asked Josh. "Anyway, did someone you know in your work come to mind? Maybe we can recheck the video online. You might recognize him if you see the video."

Josh stuttered. "It's ok; I'll ask Jang when I get back to the hotel. He might have an idea, too. I will surely be able to check that video you were talking about."

Mara smiled at Josh and pointed to her way back to the apartment. "Okay then. I will walk back to my apartment. After that, I will call or send you a message about our adventure tomorrow."

Josh took a deep breath, relieved. "Sure! See you! Thanks again!"

"Bye, Josh! Take care!" Mara waved as she walked away.

***