7 years later
The 'Whispering Walls' art gallery was a sight to behold, its grand foyer adorned with intricate details and a warm glow from the soft lighting. Patrons of all ages wandered around the various displays, their eyes drawn to the vibrant colours and thought-provoking pieces that lined the walls.
The chatter in the air created a pleasant hum, as each person took in the gallery's exhibits from their unique perspective. Some were deep in contemplation, while others couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship and skill of the artists. Each piece told a story, sparking curiosity and imagination in all who beheld it.
In the centre of the exhibit was a large painting, vibrant and vividly detailed. It depicted several figures standing together, the unmistakable forms of Jae, Jia, Jackson, Bella, Daniel, Daisy, Sarah, Samuel, Max, Leo, Gale and that silver horse prominently featured.
As people passed by, their steps would often pause to admire the artwork. Some stood silently, studying each line and brushstroke with an air of quiet appreciation. Others pointed excitedly, commenting on the way the subjects were captured in such a vibrant and realistic manner.
In contrast to the first painting, a second work of art caught the eye. Here, the focus was on the back of a young man, his form clad in a dark outfit and topped off with striking black wings. His hair was a light brown shade, accentuating his mysterious appearance. But what truly set this painting apart was the upside-down figure painted behind him. It was a second young man, his white attire and long onyx black hair serving as inverse mirrors to the first, complete with gleaming white wings.
At first glance, it may have seemed like a simple reflection, but closer scrutiny revealed the deeper symbolism. The two figures, back to back yet flipped in terms of colour and pose, suggested a deeper connection between them. Their opposing colours, with the first figure in dark tones and the second in white, seemed to hint at a battle between light and darkness or perhaps the duality of human nature.
A mother and her young son stood before the painting, gazing at it intently.
The little boy, his curiosity piqued, looked up at his mother and asked, "Mamma, does this painting mean that black wings are supposed to symbolise evil, and white wings are supposed to symbolise good?"
The mother chuckled at her son's question and leaned down slightly, responding tenderly, "No, not always. Sometimes, black and white can represent darkness and light within a human emotion or life rather than just evil and good. This painting illustrates that."
As she spoke, she tousled the boy's hair affectionately. The boy listened carefully, his expression turning pensive as he considered her words. After a moment, he flashed a small smile and nodded, looking back up at the painting as if re-evaluating it through a new lens.
Amid the various paintings, another painting also caught people's eyes. A picture of a girl painting outside in the rain, with a boy with messy light brown hair standing behind her, gently holding an umbrella over her head. Despite the fact that the boy was also getting wet from the rain, his presence felt palpable, as if he was both there and not there at the same time.
The details of the painting were vivid and lifelike, with the girl's focus on her art and the boy's protective stance creating a sense of intimacy and connection between the two.
However, it was the boy's faded appearance that truly caught the viewers' attention. His features were hazy and indistinct, as if the artist had intentionally made him appear unmoored from reality itself. The juxtaposition between the sharp, detailed girl and the faint, shadowy boy was striking. It gave the painting a sense of dream-like quality, as if the boy was a figment of the girl's imagination or a guardian angel watching over her.
As the patrons wandered the gallery, another painting drew attention from a different crowd. Standing before this piece were mostly adults, their expressions sombre as they took in the details.
The forest landscape was painted in a richly textured way, but what truly stood out was the use of deep red - a colour that could only suggest one thing: blood. Was this a historical scene, steeped in violence and bloodshed? Or was there another meaning to the crimson paint?
For them they didn't know whether it was an actual event or a metaphorical representation, one thing was clear: the image had impacted viewers deeply, judging by the sombre yet contemplative expressions on their faces. Some stood quietly, lost in thought, while others murmured to one another, speculating on the meaning of the bloody forest.
As people moved through the gallery, they continued to absorb the artwork, pausing to appreciate each piece in their own way.
A family studied one painting together, pointing at the various details and chattering amongst themselves.
A few friends stood at another, giggling as they discussed in a playful manner which one they would like to purchase if possible.
A lone man stood before another, quietly contemplating the meaning and symbolism of the work.
In this way, each visitor explored the gallery at their own pace, marvelling at the creativity and skill of the featured artists.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
The sleek black car halted outside Daegu's cold, imposing prison building. A man in a black suit emerged from the driver's seat, giving off a distinct bodyguard aura.
Immediately, he opened the back door, and out stepped Jia.
Without a moment's hesitation, she extended her hands towards the back seat, waiting for the next person to emerge. With the help of her hands, a young boy, no older than six, exited the car.
No doubt he was her son.
He inherited his mother's honey eyes and his father Jae's light brown hair, but it was clear that mostly he got his father's features and he was as beautiful as a little angel.
After helping her son out, Jia stood waiting by the car, holding his hand protectively.
The bodyguard had now moved to the other side of the car and stood guarding the perimeter.
The little boy looked around, taking in the surroundings with wide, innocent eyes.
Jia's gaze lingered on the gate of the prison building, her expression devoid of happiness.
Even as the prospect of Jae's release from prison after seven long years had finally arrived–because during these years not much evidence was found against him which could force him to stay in prison for more than 7 years–but Jia had information that some unknown person had a big hand in the release of Jae, about whom even Jae didn't know, despite this, her face wore no hint of joy.
Instead, her features seemed almost frozen in a solemn stoicism, as if she'd forgotten how to express happiness altogether.
Jia's young son, still clinging to her hand, looked around with a sense of disappointment at their surroundings.
In his cute voice, he expressed his frustration, saying, "This place is so terrible! I'm glad dad is finally getting out of here, and he'll be with us now."
Jia looked down at her son, running her hand through his hair as she replied, "Yes, Erez. Now your dad will be with us all the time."
Her voice was gentle as she sought to comfort her son. Even as her own face betrayed no emotion, the love she felt for her child was clear in the way she spoke to him.
Jia's gaze suddenly shifted to another black car in the distance, where a young man stood leaning his back against the car door with his arms crossed. Although he looked to be around 17 or 18 years old, what immediately caught Jia's attention was the similarity of his deep, dark oceanic blue eyes to Gale's. Same onyx black hair but shorter compared to Gale's, And his face was handsome and strikingly regal.
As Jia studied the boy, she couldn't shake the feeling that something about him was familiar. It was as if she had seen those features before but something was distinctly different about him. But seeing him she could tell that he was not Gale because he didn't look even a little bit of Japanese or Korean that Gale had in some features of his face which gave Gale the appearance of a mix of American and Asian.
But an air of mystery and power emanated from the boy. And she was also wondering what that boy was doing outside the prison structure.
At that very moment the young man looked up, his gaze locked onto Jia's, creating an intense eye contact between them.
However, Jia quickly averted her eyes, almost as if she didn't want him to stare any longer. In the same instant, the boy hopped into his car and drove away, leaving Jia with an uneasy feeling. She couldn't quite put her finger on why, but there was something about the boy that struck her as both familiar and suspicious.
Suddenly grabbing her attention, the prison gate swung open, and out stepped Jae, his face expressionless. But his eyes were heavy with pain and exhaustion.
Jae quickly scanned his surroundings, and as his eyes landed on Jia holding their son, Erez, a wave of desperation washed over him.
Without a word, he started walking quickly towards them. Not missing a beat, Jia did the same, heading in Jae's direction while holding their son's hand.
Erez's eyes sparkled with excitement as he saw his father approaching. In an instant, Jae picked up his son, holding him close with a mix of longing, affection, and desperation. He planted a kiss on the boy's forehead.
Erez looked at his dad with admiration and said, "Dad, you look so handsome from close."
Jae smiled faintly, touched by his son's words, but he remained quiet, as if lost for words.
In a swift move, Jae shifted his gaze to look at Jia. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her as he pressed a firm kiss onto her forehead. All the while, Erez remained safely cradled in his arms.
Jia met Jae's gaze, her eyes reflecting concern and empathy. "It must have been difficult being confined in this cage, you must have felt like a puppet." she said softly.
Hearing her, Jae responded with a slight, bitter smile, his answer heavy with meaning.
"The real cage is fate, and we all are its puppets."
Jia's heart ached as she heard the pain in Jae's words. Both their eyes mirrored each other, filled with the same deep, shared pain.
Despite being reunited, the memories and scars of the years still lingered, casting a shadow over their reunion.
Erez abruptly broke the intense eye contact between them, speaking up directly, "Let me know when the staring contest ends. I'd like to go home before midnight."
Jae and Jia both turned their attention to Erez, equally touched and amused by his straightforwardness and savage nature. They chuckled affectionately, amused by his innocent yet bold remark.
Jia gently cupped Erez's cheek and said, "Yes. Let's get going."
With that, Jae and Jia buckled Erez into the car, then quickly got in themselves along with the bodyguard. In no time, they drove away from the prison, leaving behind the cold, imposing structure.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
1 year passed.
Jae, Jia, and little Erez were walking down the bustling city street, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Erez was giggling with excitement as his parents pointed out things of interest to him. They walked side by side, Erez in the middle, with Jae and Jia occasionally exchanging warm smiles as they enjoyed their time together.
The street was lined with a mix of small shops and cafes, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Some people hurried to their destinations while others lazily strolled, creating a dynamic mix of movement and ease.
As Erez walked between his parents, he couldn't help but take in every detail of their environment. He pointed at things that caught his eye, curious about everything he saw. Jae and Jia gently held his hands, reassuring him that they were there to guide and protect him just like they always had. Their footsteps echoed on the cobblestone street, creating a rhythm that seemed to match the beat of their hearts.
However, Jae was physically present on the street with Jia and Erez, but his thoughts were elsewhere. His mind was preoccupied with memories and conversations of the past. In particular, the words exchanged between him and Gale echoed in his mind.
"Why do you feel the need to alter anything when it appears that you are already enjoying the full measure of both positive and negative aspects of your current circumstances?"
"Because, no matter how good your intentions are, if you do something that is unacceptable for the entire world, your end will be excruciating."
Jae recalled their conversation vividly, especially the ominous warning Gale had given. He couldn't shake off the feeling that Gale's warning held deeper meaning.
"Do you mean death?"
"No, there are multiple ends in life, and the death of bodily existence is merely the end of the physical form, not of the eternal soul or spirit."
As Jae replayed the conversation In his mind, the true significance of Gale's words became clear to him. He now understood that death was not the only kind of end. Instead, death of the soul, even while the physical form remained alive, was a far worse outcome.
Gale had warned him about this path because he knew the dire consequences that would follow. The realisation hit Jae like a bolt of lightning, and he felt a newfound sense of dread course through him.
It wasn't the first time he had felt dread after being hit with this realisation. He had felt it countless times whenever he recalled every conversation he had with Gale in the past, but each time the realisation hit him as if it were the first time.
Jae's thoughts were interrupted as Erez suddenly stopped, turning to him with a mix of curiosity and annoyance.
"Dad, I don't understand, is the straight face permanent, or can it turn off sometimes? Like you're on silent mode all day. And seriously, what are those big arms for if not me?" Erez complained.
Jae chuckled at his son's observation, then without replying, simply lifted Erez into his arms. Jia stood quietly watching the father-son interaction, a soft smile on her face.
Erez's eyes suddenly fixated on a self-photo studio in front of them, forgetting about anything else. He immediately pointed towards it excitedly and urgently said, "I want to go there, let's go, let's go quickly!"
In response to Erez's demand, Jia and Jae hurried towards the self-photo studio.
The trio quickly entered the self photobooth, with Erez still snuggly in Jae's arms. They were all ready to get their photos taken.
However, Erez noticed that neither Jae nor Jia was smiling, so he quickly piped up. "Mom, Dad, smile and do lots of poses!"
At once, Jia and Jae forced a smile onto their faces, and as they did, several pictures began to click automatically. Erez was quickly suggesting different poses, and Jia and Jae, despite their pain, tried to enjoy the moment.
But in their minds, Jia and Jae's voices echoed with pain and resignation, each contemplating the depth of their situation.
Jae's voice spoke, filled with an aching realisation: 'Was this truly all there was?.....I spent my whole life yearning for people who had no blood ties to me.'
While Jia's voice, heavy with sadness and sorrow, 'Erez came into my life like a ray of light, but I can't seem to enjoy it. Is everything destined to remain this way forever?'
Both Jia and Jae were struggling internally, battling their own feelings of regret, sadness, and resignation. They found themselves torn between wanting to enjoy the happiness Erez brought into their lives and struggling to fully embrace it due to the scars of the past.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
Max stood on the ledge of the bridge, his back facing the railing. He held onto the railing, his gaze fixed on the vast evening sky above. His expression was stoic, devoid of any emotion. However, his eyes told a different story. They spoke of pain, memories, longing, regret, and resignation.
The breeze gently rustled his dark blonde hair as he stood there, lost in thought, letting the wind and the silence around him become companions to his inner turmoil.
The bridge was relatively empty, with very few vehicles passing by. The only sound that could be heard was the soft murmur of the river flowing deep below.
As he continued to gaze at the sky, his mind swirled with memories and conversation of his and Leo.
"When would you like to die?"
"I would want to die when I no longer have a purpose to live or a reason to carry on. And right now, I'm living because I have both."
The cool breeze served as a gentle reminder of the passage of time.
Max turned around, his back now facing the river below the bridge.
He loosened his grip on the railing and released himself.
As he was falling, everything around him seemed to slow down. His heart raced as he surrendered himself to gravity, his body gracefully descending.
With the wind rushing past him, Max's lips curled into a bitter smile. It was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He slowly closed his eyes.
The sound of the wind in his ears became a distant hum, and the world around him faded into the background. Despite the precarious situation, Max's face held a mixture of acceptance and peace.
The river rushed up to meet him, its depths waiting patiently to embrace him. The sound of the water grew louder and just as it seemed he would come into contact with the water, time seemed to snap back into focus, speeding up once more.
The crash of Max's body against the water echoed through the air, creating a splash that sent ripples through the surface. Max's body disappeared into the water, swallowed by the depths below.
And just as quickly as it had happened, the river returned to its normal, placid state, silently hiding the secrets that lay beneath its surface.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting golden hues across the sky and glistening on the ocean's surface.
Jae and Jia sat on the beach, with Jia nestled snugly in the space between Jae's legs. The two of them faced the sunset, watching as the light danced on the water, creating a beautiful display of colours. Jae's arms encircled Jia, his chin resting lightly on her shoulder.
They remained quiet, lost in the beauty of the scene before them. The soft sound of waves lapping against the shore and few birds noise provided a gentle backdrop to the peaceful moment. Jae's fingers gently traced circles on Jia's arm, a small gesture of wordless affection.
The beach was completely empty except for the two of them; there was not a single person in sight. The only other presence on the beach were some birds, flying low over the water and occasionally landing in the sand before taking off again.
The tranquil setting allowed the two of them to feel completely secluded, as if they were the only two people in the world.
As they were lost in their own little world, enjoying the solitude of the beach, when suddenly they heard voices calling out in the distance.
Gale's voice called out "Martin!" and then Sarah followed, shouting "Jia!"
Both Jae and Jia turned their heads towards the source of the sound and saw their friends and family approaching them, smiling and waving.
Gale and Sarah were at the front of the group, followed by Samuel, Daisy, Jackson, Daniel, Bella and Leo. They were all still a distance away, but their voices carried clearly and they were waving enthusiastically.
Jae and Jia exchanged a look, both surprised and amused at their arrival. Suddenly a grin spread across Jia's face and she suddenly gave Jae a playful push before darting off in their direction.
Jae chuckled at her move and immediately got to his feet and followed suit, his competitive spirit igniting as they raced to see who would reach their friends first.
Jia, her laughter carrying through the air, dodged Jae's attempts to grab her, her eyes focused on being the first one to reach their friends.
The two of them ran and dodged each other, their playful competition turning into a game of tag. Jae was also determined to reach their friends first, but Jia was proving to be a tough opponent, with her quick movements and agility.
The air caught Jia's hair, causing it to fly free and dance around her face as she dodged and laughed.
The group of friends ahead of them was also laughing and running towards Jae and Jia, but to the two of them, it seemed as if they were in their own little world.
Jae lunged at Jia in an attempt to grab her and gain the upper hand. Jia, however, was too quick and darted out of his reach, sticking her tongue out at him in a mockery before continuing to run.
As the two of them continued their lively race, their laughter and the sounds of the ocean provided a merry soundtrack to their playful antics.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
The night was in its full swing and the large clock tower stood tall against the backdrop of the city. At the very top of the tower, a young man with dark deep blue oceanic eyes and medium sized onyx black hair stood with his hands buried in his pockets, seeming eerily unconcerned with the dangers that came with being so high up. He was the same man Jia saw outside the prison.
His young companion, 7 years old Erez, son of Jae and Jia, clung to his side, his one small hand gripping the young man's pant's fabric for support while his other hand was clutching a big teddy bear. Both the boys' facial features for some reason seemed slightly similar.
The city sprawled out below them in all its glittering glory, the lights twinkling like stars in the night. The wind whipped around the pair, tousling their hair and clothing. The height of the tower only served to highlight their fearless demeanour.
The young man's expression was stoic, his eyes fixated on the cityscape below, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, while Erez looked at the night city in admiration.
Though the situation was undeniably perilous, the young man's calm demeanour seemed to suggest that he had been in this position many times before, his lack of fear only adding to the feeling of mystery surrounding him.
As the minutes ticked by, neither one of them moved from their spot at the edge of the clock tower, their faces illuminated by the city below.
The only sound that could be heard was the soft hum of the night breeze and the distant murmur of the city's nightlife.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
Fate
I can change myself but you can't,
You can't see me but I'm always on your front.
You have a pen but you can't write,
If you have bad intentions I can snatch your pride.
Pain's scars, haunting memories,
No end to the suffering, no solace that it teaches.
You had the chance but you didn't use,
You chose the path of the abuse.
You'll always regret about decisions you made,
All those occupations you chose were badly paid.
Love's glow, a fleeting, fragile flame,
In the darkness of my game.
I can change myself but you can't,
You can't see me but I'm always on your front.
You have a pen but you can't write,
If you have bad intentions I can snatch your pride.
Your love deep, yet never expressed,
The words were always stuck in your throats, forever suppressed.
Future's promise, a flicker of hope,
Yet the shadows of the past, their grip forever to cope.
In the legacy of blood, pain, and sacrifice,
Unending revenge cycles, forever in the vice.
All those blood you saw with your eyes,
That was the thing I gave you in the name of Price.
You think your sins are a tiny size?
I showed you the consequences for refusing the words of a man named wise.
In the face of pain, you made them sacrifice,
Fighting for love, for life, for the chance to make it through this strife.
In the quiet moments, you dream of peace,
Your love, like a flame, still burning, yet still it can't cease.
In the dark of night, the past still calls,
The endless circles of regret, the endless loops that you fall.
My presence vague and undefined,
Your struggles to defy my control, an action undefined.
No matter how much you try to fight,
My grip, a constant tight.
I can change myself but you can't,
You can't see me but I'm always on your front.
You have a pen but you can't write,
If you have bad intentions I can snatch the peace from your sight.
●◇◇◇◇◇◇●
THE END
𝐂𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐓
ᴮʸ ᴵʳᵉⁿxᶜʰᵃᵒˢ
ᴹᵒˢᵗˡʸ ⁿᵃʳʳᵃᵗᵉᵈ ᵗʰʳᵒᵘᵍʰ ᴶⁱᵗᵒᵏᵘ ᴶᵃᵉ'ˢ ⁱⁿᶠᵒʳᵐᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿ ᵃⁿᵈ ˡᵉⁿˢ