The Aura Echoes | Sa Mun (The Uncanny Counter)

4. im the life you chose.

"Everything else will fall into place eventually."

The world snapped back into focus with the sound of a gunshot echoing in my ears. I felt a sharp, searing pain in my waist, and a warm trickle of blood began to seep down my thighs, dripping onto the floor in a steady rhythm.

"Vivienne!" Sa Mun's voice broke through the haze, filled with a mix of fear and anguish. I could hear the panic in his tone, a stark contrast to the strength he had shown moments before.

I was on all fours, the pain radiating from my waist making it hard to breathe, let alone move. Every attempt to push myself up was met with a wave of dizziness and agony. My vision blurred, but I could still see the concern etched on Sa Mun's face as he rushed towards me, Mr. Jang-mul limping right behind him.

"Vivi," Sa Mun's voice was closer now, his presence a comforting anchor in the midst of my pain. He and Mr. Jang-mul reached me at the same time, their hands gentle but firm as they helped me to a sitting position.

"Hang in there," Mr. Jang-mul said, his own voice strained but steady.

I looked up at them, managing a weak smile despite the throbbing pain. "Just... a scratch," I tried to joke, but my voice came out as a pained whisper.

I expected a reply from Sa Mun, but instead, he said nothing but unzipped his tracksuit and started to tear a piece of his shirt to press against my wound.

"You didn't have to do that. Ms. Chu can heal me." I quipped weakly, trying to lighten the mood. "Though, I guess it's one way to show off those muscles."

Sa Mun gave me a concerned look, his eyes serious. "Vivi, don't joke at a time like this," he said, pressing the fabric against my waist to staunch the bleeding. "You need to save your strength."

I winced but nodded, feeling the warmth of his hand through the makeshift bandage. His concern was palpable, and while I could see it clearly, the depth of his worry for me was something I still couldn't fully grasp.

"Alright, alright," I muttered, trying to ease the tension. "No more jokes. But thank you."

With their help, I got to my feet, wincing as the pain flared up but pushing it aside.

---

Through the doorway, a figure emerged—a late Counter who had been lost to an evil spirit. Her face was a mixture of sorrow and relief, the weight of her experiences clear in her eyes. Ms. Chu, standing just beyond the threshold, took a step forward, her expression softening as she opened her arms wide.

Without hesitation, the late Counter moved into her embrace, the two of them holding each other tightly. It was a reunion filled with unspoken words, a profound moment of connection and closure. Tears glistened in Ms. Chu's eyes as she held her, whispering words of comfort and love.

We stood a few steps behind, watching the poignant scene unfold. Wi-gen, our guide and mentor in this realm, stood with us, her expression serene yet tinged with sadness. To my left, Mr. Ga Mo-tak's normally stoic face was softened by a faint smile, his eyes reflecting the deep bond he felt for his fellow Counters. Ha-na stood beside him, her usual guarded demeanor giving way to a look of empathy and understanding.

Sa Mun, still supporting me with a gentle hand on my shoulder, watched in silence. His usual bravado was tempered by the gravity of the moment, and I could feel the depth of his emotions resonating through his touch.

The reunion in front of us was refreshing for me, it dawned on me that this is one of the reasons why we risked our lives against the evil spirits. It was for moments like these, that the chance to bring peace and closure to those who had suffered.