WHEN I WAS 7 YEARS OLD, I CRIED AND SAID I WAS GOING TO MARRY MY NEIGHBOR. I WENT TO A JOB INTERVIEW 15 YEARS LATER — THE GENERAL MANAGER LOOKED AT ME AND SMILED: ‘THE GENERAL MANAGER… DID YOU APPLY TO BE HIS WIFE?

“Foolish girl, what do you know about these things?” the elders teased me playfully, clearly entertained by the boldness of a little child making such a serious claim about the future.

But I remember that day very clearly even now, because Connor leaned down toward me gently, patted my head with a warm and reassuring smile, and spoke in a soft voice that made me feel safe.

“You can say that again when you grow up. For now, just focus on studying hard and doing your best,” he told me calmly, as if he was giving me a mission instead of dismissing my words.

I nodded immediately without any hesitation, because in my mind, his words sounded like an agreement that only needed time to come true.

From that day on, I had a very clear goal in my mind, which was to grow up properly, study well, and eventually marry Connor just like I had proudly declared.

My Neighbor

Connor was someone everyone in the neighborhood loved and respected, because he was tall, intelligent, polite, and always willing to help others without expecting anything in return.