Turtle-6

©Jieun

“Jason, I don't ask these questions to just anyone. I used to ask my brother. After his passing, you’re the only one. Young used to say he could only talk to you on certain days—you know, when he was struggling. He said you never make him see things clearer, but rather, you give a whirl to his mind so everything looks and even feels dusty and foggy. He liked that. Not everyone has the courage to shake someone’s mind and perspective."

"They do; it’s just that they try not to engage."

"Why do you think that is?"

"No one has time for anyone else’s battles. Cute little whining or dramatic tragedy—whatever it is, they don’t engage. It’s not like they don’t know how to listen; they just don’t."

Jay nodded.

"Losing Young was both hurtful and gave me this anger and frustration. All those times I listened and cared, and he had to go like that."

"It feels like my life is giving me all this work, and it's way beyond my capability. But somehow, I manage to process it, and I get a little wiser every time. And I hate it so much. I want to stop being so wise. I don’t want to be wiser anymore. I just want to live life like others."

"What do you mean, 'others'?"

"Like normal people. Like all the people we see at the mall, the airport, and on the train."

"You mean the same people we see at general hospitals and funeral homes?"

"Yeah, but you know what I mean."

"I know what you mean. I’m just trying to look at it with a fair perspective. Are we really the only ones suffering?"