Page 26 of Scarbound

Chung-Hee gave a humorless smile. “If I wanted to harm him, I would have let him die.”

“So you want to punish him for what happened to your brother!”

Chung-Hee’s composure cracked. “I want to protect Noeul,” he said, his voice rising for the first time, “because it was my brother’s last wish.”

Silence.

Mrs. Jung slowly lifted her head. “What?” she whispered.

Chung-Hee buried his face in his hands. It was the first time he had shared his brother’s final wish.

“Haneul himself asked me to forgive him… and to protect him. Do you understand now?”

The Jung family sat in stunned silence.

“If that’s really true,” Ji-Woo said at last, “where were you all this time? Where were you when he was alone? When everyone pushed him away? When they pointed fingers at him as if he were the one to blame?” His voice cracked. “No. You’re lying. I’m the one who should support him, not you.”

“Tell us what you need,” Mr. Jung said quietly. He turned to his younger son. “Ji-Woo, we already lost Gong. Noeul is in terrible condition. I can’t lose you too.” He paused. “You’re only seventeen. If you give up everything to take care of your brother, what will become of your future?”

Ji-Woo’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re talking about my brother,” he whispered. “I’d give up everything for him.”

Mr. Jung looked back at Chung-Hee. “Tell me what you need.”

“Please sign these two forms. The first authorizes me to coordinate Noeul’s return to Korea on behalf of the family, transportation, hospital communication, whatever is necessary.”

Mr. Jung looked down at the second document. “And this?”

“My lawyers prepared it for the hospital. If his doctors determine that Noeul isn’t currently capable of making medical decisions for himself, they’ll need a family representative involved in his care. You’re his father.”

Chung-Hee kept his expression neutral. He had no intention of leaving that determination entirely to chance.

Ji-Woo shot to his feet. “No!”

He lunged forward and grabbed Chung-Hee by the collar. “You want to control him!”

Chung-Hee caught the teenager’s wrists and pushed him back. “Listen to me,” he said sharply. “I can’t declare your brother incapable, and neither can your father. His doctors decide that. But he just tried to end his life. I’m making sure we’re prepared for whatever they decide.”

He let his words sink in for a moment, then continued. “Your brother just attempted to end his life. Do you really believe he won’t try again?”

Ji-Woo froze.

“He left believing his death would lessen your pain. He told me he has been struggling with suicidal thoughts for over a year.”

“Do you think he’ll come back after this?” Chung-Hee continued. “No.” He placed the documents on the coffee table. “Call him. If Noeul tells you the truth and agrees to return, your father won’t need to sign these documents.”

A pause.

“But if he lies to you…” His voice dropped. “…you’ll soon be attending his funeral.”

Silence settled over the room.

Chung-Hee walked toward the door. Before opening it, he looked back. “I’ll return tonight. Let me know your decision by then.”

He rested his hand on the doorknob. “My flight leaves at five tomorrow morning.”

CHAPTER 9

The family tried calling Noeul repeatedly after Chung-Hee left, but there was no answer. Late in the afternoon, the call finally connected. Ji-Woo heard a woman’s voice and some movement on the other end before Noeul spoke.