Between life & Death

💧Sad story 💧

In the familiar setting of my workplace, the atmosphere turned somber as we awaited Kang Woojin's arrival. Nurse Kim, upon my request, escorted him to the office, a space now serving a purpose far removed from its daily medical routine. Ms. Koo, donning a doctor's gown I provided, seemed prepared yet pensive, her intent gaze fixed on the task at hand.

"What's your plan, ma'am?" I inquired, seeking insight into her strategy. "I need to listen to him, I don't think that Nayoung is the only reason he's trying to kill himself." Ms. Koo's reply was measured, revealing her suspicion that Nayoung's tragic story wasn't the sole catalyst for Mr. Kang's despair. Her words resonated with me, hinting at deeper, concealed layers of pain and turmoil that mirrored dark chapters of my own past. 

As Mr. Kang shuffled into the room, his demeanor exuded an overwhelming sadness, a mirror reflecting the darkest moments of my life. He slumped into the chair, his eyes vacant, his spirit seemingly defeated by the weight of his sorrows.

Ms. Koo, assuming her role with a professional calmness, positioned herself at my desk, her hands deftly setting a timer for an hour. "Relax and think. Then speak when you want to."

As the hour slipped by, a heavy silence enveloped the room, only punctuated by the soft ticking of the timer. Mr. Kang remained motionless, eyes closed, occasionally gracing his lips with a faint smile. It seemed he was lost in memories, perhaps reliving the cherished moments shared with Nayoung. This silent contemplation continued until the sharp sound of the timer's alarm sliced through the quiet, marking the end of the allotted time. "Time's up, right?" Mr. Kang's reaction to the alarm was immediate and stark, his tone laced with bitterness as he acknowledged the end of the session. He rose to his feet, carrying a mix of anger and sorrow in his demeanor.

Ms. Koo's voice cut through the tension as she addressed him directly, "Mr. Kang Woojin," her command clear and authoritative, "Leave the thing in your pocket." I could only watch, puzzled by her knowledge of something hidden.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Woojin's denial was swift, but Ms. Koo, undeterred, approached him and retrieved a small bottle of sleeping pills from his pocket. The bottle's contents, potent enough to endanger life with just a minimal dose, lay bare the severity of his intent.

"Do you think this will help you meet someone dead?" Ms. Koo confronted him with a poignant question. Woojin's response was sharp, tinged with frustration. "What do you know?" he snapped, his annoyance palpable. My reply came calmly but firmly, "Way more than you might think." His desperation was clear as he questioned, "What am I supposed to do then? Just cheer up and live well so Nayoung won't be sad?" His voice rose to a shout, "IT'S ALL BULLSHIT."

I matched his intensity, "Mr. Kang Woojin!" His gaze locked onto mine, his pain laid bare as he screamed, "You don't understand this pain!" But I countered, filled with empathy and understanding, "You think you're alone, trapped in despair, feeling like everything is lost. I get it, Mr. Kang, more than you realize." Ms. Koo watched us, her expression unreadable.

She interjected, stating bluntly, "It's up to you if you later die or not." She paused, "But I don't believe Nayoung is the only reason. There's more, isn't there? Why you've unraveled to this extent." MsWoojin was momentarily silent, weighing her words, then his eyes met hers, and he confessed, "Because I killed her." He firmly said. "I've killed Nayoung." He said once more. "I KILLED HER!" He slammed his hands on the desk, then stormed out of the room, leaving a tense silence. 

Ms. Koo checked her phone, revealing Woojin's risk level had soared to 96%. She exhaled heavily, the weight of the situation pressing down. "What's our next move, ma'am?" I inquired, striving for professionalism to avoid any potential conflict. Ms. Koo handed me a document, her expression serious. "Read this," she instructed, "I have a feeling it'll be crucial for what comes next." Her tone suggested an impending challenge, one that would require all our attention and efforts.