BEWITCHED SHIP (JenLisa) [EDITING]

Chapter 14: Confession Part 1

L I S A

We had just arrived at the small village where I regularly send my team on night patrols to keep the area safe from any possible threats.

"Let's park here," I said to Wendy, who was behind the wheel. As we stepped out of the truck, a group of children quickly gathered, their faces lighting up at the sight of us.

"Ar vis dar prisimeni mane? (Do you still remember me?) I asked with a smile.

"Ogi!" (Yes!)  they shouted in unison, their eyes bright with recognition and excitement.

"Gerai (Good)," I replied, smiling warmly back. Just then, I heard footsteps approaching, and the medical team joined us, their friendly smiles instantly easing the children's curiosity.

"Everyone, these are the doctors who came to check on you today," I told them, using words they would all understand.

"It's not the first time visitors have come here to help, so you can trust them, okay?" I added, watching as the children nodded eagerly, their enthusiastic "Yes!" filling the air.

We shared a quick smile, and I looked back at the doctors as they began preparing their equipment, ready to start their important work.

"You can start now, just call me if you need anything, Dang-yeol." I gave a firm salute, watching as the medical team moved into action, their quiet efficiency spreading like ripples across the tense air.

Seulgi was standing a few meters away, deep in conversation with one of the villagers. I waited, observing the way her posture softened as she listened to the villager's concerns. After a moment, she seemed to finish and turned, appearing by my side almost without my noticing.

"Captain," she greeted me, her voice quiet but resolute.

"You can head out first. I'll handle it from here," I replied, meeting her grateful nod with a small, reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Captain. I'll see you when you're back at the quarters, Dang-yeol." She gave a quick salute, which I returned, and then she walked toward the dusty vehicle waiting for her, where another soldier sat at attention. 

Only when she was out of sight did I shift my gaze back to the village.

The homes here were nothing more than tents, held together by sticks and hope. The previous year, volunteers had laid plans to build sturdy homes for the villagers, something that would bring a sense of security and permanence. 

But those dreams had been torn down by the same force that haunted us all—a brutal war, breaking lives and scattering futures in its wake.

We'd lost so many, and innocent villagers paid the price alongside the soldiers who came to help. Those memories haunted the air, pressing heavily on each of us as we tried to protect what was left. 

That's why we moved cautiously now, doing everything we could to prevent any more tragic losses. We couldn't afford to lose anyone else. 

Not again.

....

An hour passed, and with the check-ups complete, we began packing up, ready to call it a day.

The medical team was busy loading their equipment onto the truck with help from the soldiers. I made my way over to the village leader, letting him know we'd be back soon. He nodded in gratitude, and I gave him a final goodbye before heading toward the waiting truck. 

The team was already starting to settle into their seats, but I paused to make sure everyone was secure before we departed. As I watched, Jennie glanced up and caught my eye from where she stood.