Kill Me Softly

Justice System

Yoonbum looked up at the looming building before him. He had been here many times before, but he had never felt so conflicted before. He had come here when his parents died and again several times afterwards, though he had only ever entered the building the first time. He took a deep breath and stepped forward towards the police station. He thought he would simply let what had happened go, but he had realized if Sangwoo was really dangerous, he had to turn him in.Although in reality, Yoonbum was going to the police because he hoped they would be able to help Sangwoo. He lied to himself and told himself he was doing this for the greater good. This was because it made him feel less guilty. When he entered the building, there was hardly anyone else there. There were a few officers walking around behind the front desk and in the lobby where Yoonbum stood there were only a few gray plastic chairs. Yoonbum approached the desk. A female police officer noticed him and came over to greet him.
"Hello, sir. How can we help you?"
"I'd like to report someone. He... um... he seemed suspicious." Yoonbum kicked himself inwardly. How was this going to make any difference if he couldn't even be honest? The woman asked him if the situation was urgent. Yoonbum was so lost in thought he didn't even hear her, so she asked again, this time seemingly annoyed.
"Oh, um... I don't know."
The officer gave him an exasperated look,
"Well then you'll have to fill out this paperwork. We'll look it over and address the situation as soon as possible."
Yoonbum took the clipboard she offered and crossed the room to sit in one of the chairs. He began to fill out the forms, barely paying any attention to what he was doing. The whole time, he was debating with himself. His brain was split into two parts, constantly arguing against each other. On one hand, he knew what Sangwoo did was wrong. He knew Sangwoo could not be allowed to live in society normally. He was a threat and he had committed crimes that deserved at least a life sentence. Logically, Yoonbum knew all these things, but the other half of him disagreed. The other half remembered when he and Sangwoo were friends. He remembered how kind Sangwoo had always been and how Sangwoo had only lashed out because he was being protective of Yoonbum. He knew that once, he had loved Sangwoo and that he didn't want to see him hurt. The battle in his mind was taking its toll on Yoonbum and he had begun to sweat. The officer behind the desk was watching him curiously and as soon as he finished the paperwork, he stood up and rushed to the counter.
"Take it, please. Take it now before I change my mind!"
She looked at him with a mixture of confusion and shock, but took the papers without any questions.
"Um, it'll take a while for me to review these, so why don't you go home? You can always call us for an update and we'll let you know when we decide what our next course of action is going to be. In the meantime, why don't you go take a nap, you don't look so great."
Yoonbum was sure she was right and barely managed a nod before shakily exiting the building. As soon as he stepped outside, he realized he was stranded. He had no way of getting a ride home, and he still wasn't strong enough to walk all the way back to his apartment. He completely forgot about what he had just done while he thought about what to do. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a public phone. He walked over and dug around in his pockets for money. Luckily enough, he found a few call's worth of change. He first called the doctor, who did not answer. He then called his landlady, who simply laughed and hung up when he asked her for a ride. Yoonbum began to feel worried. He didn't know anyone else who could get him home, and the sun was starting to set. He looked back at the building. He had often come here in an attempt to turn in his uncle, but he had never gathered the strength to do it. He walked around the back of the building to the parking lot, and saw no police cars. He guessed they were all out. He doubted one of the three officers would give him a ride, even if they had cars. The stress from the past few days was starting to catch up with him, and Yoonbum felt like he wanted to cry. He had only a few cents, not enough for a bus. The only other person he knew was Sangwoo. Of course, Yoonbum immediately dismissed this idea. But when he looked up at the sky, the sun was almost gone. He began to panic, and rushed to the front door of the police station. The lights were off and he was desperately trying to open the locked door when a man walked out. He looked at Yoonbum with disdain,
"Closed. Everyone's gone home."
"Please, officer, can you stay a little longer? I just have to get home. I don't want to stay out here at night."
The police station was in one of the most crime ridden parts of the city, which was convenient for officers, but not at all safe to be around. Yoonbum hadn't realized how much time had passed since he left the building. He had spent so much time thinking what to do almost an hour had passed.
"Certainly not. It's not my problem you forgot your bus pass. Get lost!"
Yoonbum felt defeated as the officer walked away without another word.