Capítulo 1: Meaning of life
Amidst the rumbling of hospital machines, a quiet atmosphere filled Room 214 at Chunglim Hospital. Lying on a clean white bed was a young man named Kim Min-ho. His body appeared weak and pale, and his eyes reflected profound weariness. His life was tethered by a thin thread, facing Chrono Syndrome, a rare and deadly disease.
In sync with the ticking of the clock, Min-ho gazed with vacant eyes. Beautiful years of his life were vividly displayed in his mind, reminiscing about a past full of laughter, joy, and unfulfilled dreams. But now, it all felt like a lightning strike in broad daylight, bringing profound sadness and fear of loss.
Outside the window, the sky looked gloomy, mirroring his somber feelings. For a moment, he touched his pallid cheek and heard his feeble breaths.
"Perhaps today is the end of my life's journey," he murmured softly in his heart.
He felt trapped between two worlds: one calling him home and the other filled with a yearning to hold on.
As he pondered, the door to his room opened slowly, and a friendly nurse named Ji-eun walked in. She offered a warm smile, but concern lingered in her eyes as she saw Min-ho.
"How are you feeling today, Min-ho-ssi?" Ji-eun asked with empathy.
Min-ho managed a faint smile, "Just like yesterday, Ji-eun-ssi. It still feels difficult to breathe, but I'm trying to hold on."
Ji-eun approached his bed and checked the heart rate monitor beside him.
"We'll do our best to keep you comfortable, Min-ho-ssi. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything, alright?" she said lovingly.
"Thank you, Ji-eun-ssi," Min-ho replied in a soft voice. He appreciated Ji-eun's presence, always comforting him in these difficult moments.
The nurse left the room, leaving Min-ho to wrestle with his turbulent thoughts. He contemplated his short life, as if watching autumn leaves falling gracefully in the cool autumn breeze. But amidst his reflections, something caught his attention.
After nurse Ji-eun exited the room, a quietness returned to Room 214. Min-ho still lay weak on the bed, but his mind was now filled with various emotional whirlwinds. In that silence, he mused about his short life, feeling as if he were observing autumn leaves cascading in the gentle autumn wind.
His eyes softened as he recalled memories of his childhood, moments when all dreams seemed so clear and boundless. He remembered his mother's warm smile, always supporting him, and his father's gentle guidance, teaching him about the values of life. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he realized how much he yearned to spend more time with them, to see their faces, and feel the warmth of family.
However, in the midst of that nostalgic contemplation, something caught Min-ho's attention suddenly. In a corner of the room, a glimmering ray of light appeared. The light moved gently and alluringly, resembling the flickering flame that glows in the shimmering night. Min-ho felt as though the light possessed a magical charm, stirring an indescribable sense of curiosity within him.
He diverted his gaze from the silent hospital ceiling and fixed his eyes on the mesmerizing light. His heart raced faster as he tried to comprehend what was truly happening. Was this a product of the medicine's effects or perhaps a sign of his journey's end in this world?
Yet, the light grew clearer and more defined, taking the shape of an unusual silhouette amidst the darkness. Min-ho felt a chill run through his body, but he couldn't shake off the mounting curiosity. The longer he stared at the light, the stronger his fascination grew.
Finally, Min-ho decided to approach it with hesitant steps. Slowly, he reached for the blanket at the side of his bed and wrapped it around his frail body. With caution, he took steps towards the light, feeling as if his feet were heavy, as though a magnetic force was pulling him towards the source of the light.
The ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to slow in his ears as Min-ho came closer, very close. He could feel the warm vibrations emanating from the radiance, and a feeling of hope welled up within him. As his hand nearly touched the light, it seemed to welcome him, providing a comforting warmth amidst the cold.
The shimmering light remained visible from the corner of the room, captivating his fragile attention. Min-ho furrowed his brow, thinking it might just be a side effect of the medicine he had consumed. However, as he focused on the light, its form became even clearer.
A radiant figure stood by his bedside. Somehow, the body appeared transparent, glowing with a magical beauty.
"Who are you?" Min-ho asked, bewildered and fearful that this might be a sign of his impending end.
The figure smiled, emanating a soothing warmth. "I am Haneullim," they said gently yet full of tranquility.
"I have come to offer you something, Kim Min-ho."
Min-ho was taken aback to hear his own name spoken by this divine being. "An offer? What can you give me?" he asked hesitantly.
Haneullim extended their hand, and in the palm, there was a dazzling radiance. They touched Min-Ho's left eye gently.
"Do you know, time is something seemingly trivial yet profoundly significant in the order of human life," revealed Haneullim.
"What does that mean? Please explain what is truly happening?"
In the silent ambiance of the room, Haneullim stood before the bewildered Kim Min-Ho. Surrounded by the radiant glow, the deity smiled and said, "Min-Ho, life is a precious and beautiful gift. Time is an unpredictable stream, flowing like a river that cannot be stopped. Your power to manipulate time is a great test."
Min-Ho gazed at Haneullim with a mix of awe and confusion. "But, what is the true meaning of life and time? Why am I given this power? I'm afraid of making significant mistakes," he uttered, his voice filled with uncertainty.
Haneullim smiled gently, their eyes reflecting profound knowledge. "Life is an adventurous journey. Every second holds a new opportunity to create beautiful memories, to cherish and be blessed by the presence of loved ones. Time takes us through various phases, offering valuable lessons that cannot be bought with anything."
"However, your power also demands wisdom and a clear heart. When you take someone else's lifespan, you must reflect on the value of their life. And when you give life, you must consider the great responsibility that comes with it," continued Haneullim, their words brimming with infinite wisdom.
Min-Ho bit his lip, contemplating the deity's words with deep intensity.
"What does it mean if I only manipulate time to prolong my life? Is that truly a meaningful existence?" he whispered, seeking answers behind Haneullim's words.
Haneullim smiled empathetically. "Your life is your own, Kim Min-Ho. But know that the longer you stay in this world, the greater the consequences. Not just for yourself, but also for those whose lifespans you take. Each of your actions will influence the course of destiny and touch the threads of others' lives."
"It is indeed a weighty task you've given me, Deity," replied Min-Ho with a quivering voice, feeling the immense burden on his shoulders.
"I feel both bewildered and afraid that I won't be able to carry it out correctly."
Haneullim approached Min-Ho, placing a gentle hand on the young man's shoulder. "There's no need to fear, Kim Min-Ho. I know you have a good heart and sincere determination. Take time to reflect, discover the true meaning of your life, and the path you must tread. Your power is a test to see how far you are willing to face its consequences."
With the wise explanation from the deity, Min-Ho felt a sense of calmness, yet questions lingered. "Deity, is there perhaps another way? Can I refuse this power and accept it as the will of fate?"
Haneullim smiled, respecting Min-Ho's desire to seek the path he deemed right.
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