Mysteries

Chapter 1

People were screaming all around us. They were screaming for their loved ones who were being carried over to various ambulances. Me, my older brother and mother were all stood behind the yellow tape in utter silence hoping that our own loved one was alive and well. Though it was highly unlikely that he managed to survive the disaster as it seemed that his comrades hadn't.
Tears were pricking the corner of my eyes but I refused to let them fall. I was one of those kids who preferred to cry when nobody was watching in order to not appear weak. I always looked up to father and wanted to be strong and brave just like him. So if I cried I'd appear puny which is the complete opposite of what I want to be. 

Sucking in a breath, I looked up at the smoke billowing from the destroyed building. The scene was horrorfying and it was a sight that would be forever embedded into my brain. Bricks, glass, ashes and more debris were scattered along the darkened cement and the buildings frame was in shambles. With one glance it'd be hard to tell that it was once a bustling hospital. Unable to look on, I lowered my head and stared hard at the ground, which honestly seemed much more comforting to focus on. My brother's hand tightened around my own and his touch only made me want to burst out crying. Right now I just wanted to throw a tantrum and scream out to the world at how unfair this was, but there were other families who were in the same situation as myself and so I couldn't do that. It would be such a selfish thing to do and I'd probably get scolded by my mother for doing such a thing.

"Kim Ming Soo's wife?" A males voice sounded. Lifting my gaze, I stared at the luminous fireman who was addressing my mum. Mother must've nodded because he continued speaking as if he had gotten the varification. "There is evidence that commander Ming Soo could be alive. There are no traces of him left behind and so we feel that he escaped through the back alley." The older male spoke in a low, serious voice, the noise seeming to slice through the silenced wails of those around us. His choice of words made a smile instantly lift my lips.

Father might still be alive!

"Mummy! Did you hear that?! Dad could be alive! How grea-" I was cut off by my brothers hand that had quickly shot out and firmly covered my mouth, preventing me from continuing. His action confused me and I tilted my head to look up at him. He only frowned at me and shook his head. Huh? Did I say something wrong? Yanking his hand off of me, I pushed up my blue rimmed glasses and looked around. All was quiet and I noticed that the people stood around us were staring, most with tear stained cheeks. Only then did I grasp the situation... My eyes widened and I nervously moved my hands so that they clasped each other. An elderly lady moved forwards and stared at me, jealousy burning in her gaze.

"You must be so happy...Your father is alive. The only survivor of the disaster is your father...How lucky." She said as droplets of tears began falling from her age defined eyes. I only stared and said nothing, I was afraid that if I did, I'd say something wrong..Again. "Tell me boy..Do you pity me? Pity me because my son's dead and all I can do is cry? Do you pity me?!" She screamed causing me to gulp and take a small step back. Not even moments later she turned her attention to mother. "What about you? I bet you're really happy. Your husband, who was supposed to take care of his men, is alive..Are you happy? Hm?! My son is dead because of your damned husband! Are you happy?!"
I didn't like how the woman was talking to mother and as desperately as I wanted to tell her to back off, I couldn't. All I could do was watch. Mum didn't say a word for a few minutes and I could imagine how shocked she must be.

"I'm sorry." Came her small reply. Turning around, I looked at my mum to see her bow, her back arched in a perfect 90°. But she didn't stop..Tears were rolling down her delicate cheeks as she repeatedly apologised. Turning my line of sight to my brother, I looked at him and noticed that he had his jaw clenched. He was angry and it was clear with his twisted expression, though he somehow managed to keep his calm.