Love beyond war

Joining the military

Date: 25/07/1930

Dear diary

I was sitting with my parents in my house and having a warm lunch before I had to go to work again when someone knocked on the door. My father got up from his seat and walked over to open it.

???: Order from the government! Miss Jahoon Park has to serve in the military for the sake and great power of our country! She has to be seen standing in front of the military headquarters by noon tomorrow! If she fails to do so, she will be prisoned for life!

I looked at my mom, who had a scared look on her face. I could feel cold sweat beginning to roll down my back as I was beginning to get nervous. Why does it have to be me? I didn't want to do it! We heard the door close and my father walking back to the table with a piece of paper in his hand. He was looking pale as he held his head in his hand, elbow on the table.

Mom: What are we going to do now?! I can't effort to lose another of my child to the war!

My brother who was two years older than me had been taken out to enter the war two years ago. Luckily we still know that he is alive as he had occasionally sent us letters to know what is happening in his life and that we didn't need to worry about him.

Dad: I don't want it to happen myself. I don't want to lose my dear daughter but there is nothing that we can do about it.

Jahoon: But dad! I don't want to join the military! I want to study and become a doctor so that I can help people in need!

Dad: I know Jahoon but there is nothing we can do about it. If we don't follow the government's order then you will be prisoned and would never ever get to study!

I slammed my hands on the table as I got up from my chair. I looked between my mom and dad. I wanted to get angry. I wanted to yell at them. I wanted to throw everything but I couldn't. I couldn't get angry at them as it wasn't their fault for me to join the military. I walked out of the house and back to my job not caring that I hadn't finished my food yet.

Date: 26/07/1930

Dear diary

Today is the date that I had to join the military. I was in my room packing my bag when my dad knocked at the door.

Dad: Are you ready, my daughter?

Jahoon: Yes dad.

My father walked over to me and laid a hand on my shoulder.

Dad: I know you may be mad at me for telling you to join the military but I didn't have any choice.

Jahoon: I'm not mad at you dad. It's not your fault. You and mom have done so much for me. This is the only way that I can repay you. If not then you and mom will get in trouble because of me.

My father pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged him back. We stood there for a while until we had to go. We got into the car with my mother as my father drove us to the military headquarters with just 10 minutes to spare.

Mom: Jahoon, promise me that you will take care of yourself and eat well while you are there and that you will come and visit us whenever you are available.