This piece of pseudo-novel is originated from 2018's Korean Scholastic Aptitude Test - or should I say, University Entrance Exam - English Part Listening Section question no.5. full text is given above.
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To explain what my job would be a simple thing - although not as simple as it is in real: arrive, extinguish, rescue, and facing all the criticism by some people who definitely doesn't seem to appreciate us.
Let me change what I just mentioned a little bit, although our main duty is to extinguish - I tend to say this way because 'fighting fire' is too mainstream - but aside from that, we are supposed to be on the places which is 'disastrous'. Y'know, such as flood or something else...
-or sometimes, when things are going somewhat far from normal, even to a school that needs some educations.
This time was such time. This time my destination was a humbled high school and I came here for a demonstration - yeah, I'm being educational. Look on my work, ye teenagers, and admire my capability!
-and I was without knowing that it would be a horrible failure.
*
The plan was simple. There is a set of fire, extinguish it, and lead them to another prepared container-set, a humbled replica of a fire scene, and teach them what to do in the situation of fire. Very simple, ordinary plan it was.
I will not mention about the extinguishing demonstration 'cause that was not my part. But I hope you don't get this as I'm jealous or something.(the scene was quite a view though, the water hose would definitely be attractive for kids)
Anyway, after all that and they called my name. It was now my turn to lead them. Well, They were already informed of basic what-to-dos, so it was not my job to teach them from 0 to 10. It might sound little weird, but roughly, all I gotta do was just to keep my eyes on them.
And this is where the unfortunate things have happened. First of all, the set was long abandoned without any care. Second, there was a problem with lighting system. Third, I was dumb enough to not check any of it out. I can't recall exactly why I was so lazy by then. Maybe I felt somewhat relieved.
To detail the lighting problem I told about, there was a short circuit happened somewhere in the lamps, and of course for the cliche, it caused a spark which accidently grown up to fire. Hopefully nobody has gone bad since I, no, we were there, but the entire container has been scorched.
And here it is. Me made my day with a shameful mistake - not even only shameful but a huge waste of budgets. Now I will have to face against many troubles now on. I am doomed.
*
On my way back to the fire truck somebody came to me. A girl, who seemed to have something to say. To bring a novel-ly expression, I could see a gleaming curiosity and passion in her eyes.
"Mr. Thomson. Thank you for your demonstration. I learned a lot today."
She must have confused me with another one who took the extinguishing part. I knew it 'cause it seemed she's only attracted of wielding the water hose.
"Glad to hear that. Everyone should know what to do in emergencies."
I answered lamely. I wanted to be rid of her attention. Y'know, sometimes people want to be alone. But at the same time I felt proud of me making up such examplarily stereotypic answer in an instant. Maybe I am good at making words; that was the only relieving thought.
"Right, right. Can I ask you some questions? I'm thinking of getting a job in your field after graduation."
Didn't want to proceed further with her conversing, but the last sentence has, well, took my attention. It is hard to find someone who wants to be a firefighter these days, especially for a girl. I couldn't possibly know she was just a lip-servicing or it was really her intent, but still she got me into the conversing. "Sure. Go ahead." - I said with a changed tone.
"Fighting fires is your main duty. But what other things do you do?"
Unexpected question it was. But so that it caught my mind.
"One thing we do is search for and rescue people during natural disasters like floods." - A fact many people usually forgets.
"Wonderful. I'd love to learn more."
This girl must be really ardent than I thought. At this rate I fully changed my tone, and eventually found myself being more enthusiastic than she is.
"Well, we provide a job experience program for high schoolers on weekday afternoons at our fire station."
"Really? I think I have time after school. What would I do there?"
"You'll practice how to use various equipment for extinguishing fires. You can also check out the fire trucks."
Fire station, a fresh new participation is coming! From this particular moment I almost forgot that I have to face my angry colleagues. I was nearly excited already. To bring a novel-ly expression again: I was finding joy lending a hand to a little sheep that desires knowing.
"Sounds great. How do I sign up?"
"Your teacher has some pamphlets, so you can ask her. "
Now it came out of my hands. I left further instructions to a teacher I haven't even shared a word, and left the place with enlightened footsteps. Though I will now have to stand against the upcoming danger that awaits me in the station, I felt so much relieved. Now I know this was not only some unusual day, but unique as well.
