26
1012 Words
I took a step back.
My instincts told me one thing. Run.
"Sorry, mister president. I choose my life."
I run towards the glass windows and jump head first.
I land on the grass and make a run for it. The guards shot me one by one but I dodged the bullets.
I have thoughts racing on my mind. But I need to get out of here first.
I successfully got out and ran off. My legs still aren't feeling a thing.
I hid at the back of a hospital.
I realize what I've done now. Soon every one will be notified about me. And I will be wanted. Lily is not safe anymore. I will need to hide more. I can't move freely-
I crouch down as my head just got clouded with thoughts. I'm so pissed at myself. How can I be so stupid?
I stay there for a while. Trying to figure things out. I know I need to hide, but the farm would be too dangerous for Lily and Taeyong. I gotta go somewhere else.
I go to the parking lot and steal a car. I speed out and head to an abandoned building. I don't know. Something about abandoned buildings make me feel like home.
I sat at the ground in one of the rooms. My head was bowed low and my back was against the cold concrete. It was already night time.
I feel so ashamed of myself. I thought I was smart. Yet I just made a decision that put us more in risk.
Now I can't stah anywhere for long. I'll be wanted for life.
Should I have just chosen to go back? Maybe that would do it.
no. I have Already made a choice.
I call Ji wan using my burner phone.
He picks up after a while.
"Ji wan."
"Liua? What's wrong? Are you hurt?"
"I'm so dumb."
"What happened? Tell me. Where are you, I'll pick you up."
"No don't. I'll only bring you danger. Stay away from me. Take care."
I hang up. He called me after that but I didn't answer.
I then called Taeyong.
"How's Lily?"
"She's fine. What about you?"
"I'm not fine... I- I probably won't be able to go back there for a while. Please take care of her for me."
"Okay, I will."
The night passed on with me trying to figure things out.
I texted Doctor Jung. He didn't reply. I called but he didn't pick up.
I feel like he's the only one who can help but I can't even talk to him. I know he might just be busy or somewhere else. I shouldn't think bad of it.
Early morning came. It was cold.
I still don't know where to go. Or what to do.
I feel lost. So so lost. I feel like as if I'm in this pool of water and I was once on top floating like nothing can sink me, but now I'm stuck at the bottom. And there's only two options for me. Rise back up, or die.
I refuse to die. But then what? Am I just going to sit here and go hopping from place to place as I try to run from those who want to kill me?
I go outside and try to find directions. I made up my mind that I would return to the farm.
It would endanger them, but it would be safer for me. If the police or the guards do try to catch me there then I'll have to fight.
On my way to the farm, I see a sign for Busan.
I remember Ji wan. And I know they probably still haven't notified everyone. So I can still see him for a short time.
I barge at his office. I stood there just acting normal. Though I don't look normal.
After his patient leaves. He closes the clinic and drags me inside.
He saw I had some wounds but none of them were fresh. Still he took his time to dab some ointment in there.
He asked me about it. And I told him.
The next thing I knew was me being in his car and we were driving to somewhere. He told me he has another house somewhere.
We drive to a remote area near the sea this time. Unlike the farm this area had more salty breeze just like where the shop was located.
We arrive in front of this huge house. We went inside.
I was feeling skeptical about this house but I cancelled it off since I knew I can trust Ji wan.
"Will this be okay?"
"Yes, I don't really know how to thank you anymore."
"Don't worry. It's fine."
He smiles.
He turns around and leaves the room to give me some space.
I lay down and and relax. But there's this unsettling feeling about this.
I took a bath since Ji wan gave me new clothes.
That night I was talking with him. And I told him a lot about my problems and all that's going on.
"I'm afraid I can't fight everyone. That I would lose one day to this big match."
"You need to grow stronger."
"How?"
"I will help you. I can."
"In what way? Tell me."
"Just trust me."
A day passed and I know I can't stay longer. I bid him goodbye.
"You'll come back right?"
"I'll try."
I was then on my way to the farm.
As I travelled, I wondered what was Ji wan planning. Then all that Taeyong told me about him came to mind.
I trusted that he won't turn back at me. So I shun off the thoughts.
I arrived at the farm. Where Taeyong greeted me.
"You're alive!"
He cheered.
"Barely."
Lily soon comes running as Taeyong calls her down.
I kneel down and hug her. The only reason why I took a bath was that I knew I needed to hug my beautiful daughter.
"Did... you save... the world?"
Lily asks me. This toddler sure is smart.
- Writer
