Read Two Sides, Two Girls, One War. :: Cho-Hee: Bombs

I screamed and ran away, toward nowhere. I made a huge mistake. That meant I was seperated from Han-Jae, and I might not find him again. I yelled, "Han-Jae! Han-Jae! HAN-JAE!!! Where are you?!!" I ran around blindlessly, crying and yelling earnestly. I heard a loud coughing and a quiet voice say, "Here. Cho-Hee. I'm here." I rushed toward the voice, and a hand grabbed my leg. I looked down to find Han-Jae covered in ash and blood streaming out of his leg. He murmured, "Shelters. That way." he said, pointing to the left. I helped him forward, crying still. A young woman hurried over to us, and took Han-Jae's weight so I could go faster. I hurried forward and found an open shelter with two men motioning everyone in. We dived in and immidiatly somebody gave the lady and me a blanket, and some people tended to Han-Jae. A lady helping with Han-Jae's wound shouted, "Who's brother or child is this? Please come here!" I rushed over and asked, "What's wrong? Will he be okay?" "We are not sure. It seems as if the shrapnel came right to him. He took a direct hit. A couple pieces were in his leg, which made him bleed. He also has a broken leg, and has ash in his lungs. I don't know if he'll survive. But pray that he will." I cried more, which made her hug me and pat my back. I crawled over to Han-Jae and prayed. "Han-Jae? Are you okay? Please say something. Please. Please." He stayed silent. I put my hand on his heart to check his heartbeat. Thump. Thump. Thump. I was so relieved. He was alive. For now. I went back to the lady that had helped me. "Uh, Ma'am? Thank you for helping me." She smiled and replied, "Of course. What's your name?" "Cho-Hee. What about yours?" "Hmm...you can call me Ms. Kim." "Okay." I got sleepy though, and fell asleep. The next morning, Han-Jae's eyes were open a little, and when he saw me he smiled. "Cho-Hee. I want to die. Please, don't protest. I have lived a plentiful life. I'm ready to move on. Who knows, maybe I will be reborn and we can meet again. But I know my life has ended. Thank you." "For what? I'm the one who made you go with me on this walk. I made you die. I practically killed you!" "Yes, maybe. But I have lived long enough to have two younger sisters who will grow up to be amazing. I know I will die. Tell mom I love her. Tell that to So-Ra too. I love you too." I leaned over and hugged him. He hugged me back. Then his body went limp. His chest stopped. His arms fell off of me. But I kept hugging him. That day, I vowed that I would get my revenge. Revenge for Han-Jae. The bombs had ended so we went home. Ms. Kim helped me with the stretcher carrying his body. Mom was outside and when she saw Han-Jae on the stretcher, she yelled and ran toward us. Her face was desperate. She asked, "What happened to Han-Jae? Tell me he is okay. Tell me!" I replied, "He is dead mother. A bomb killed him." "No. No. NO! This is not happening. Please tell me. NOOO!!" "Mother, please. He asked for me to tell you that he loves you. He said he was ready to pass on. We have to respect that mom. Please. Please don't make it harder for me and him." She looked sad, but took the body out of the stretcher and hugged it one more time. She went inside and wore her mourning clothes. White, of course. In Korea, white is the color of mourning. Dad came outside and we talked a bit, but he seemed more in control. He dug a hole, and placed him down. We hugged him each, and kissed his cheeks. He had a little smile on his face, like he was having a good time in heaven. He certaintly deserved it. Then we covered him up with dirt, and planted a Sharon tree, the tree of Korea. We said a few words, and mom cried so much. Dad did too. And so did I. I went to the river to cry and think some more, then found a bottle floating from the stream. I picked it up. It seemed new. I saw a little piece of paper, and I read what it said.

Hello. I am Ara. I am in Kaesong. I have to get to your side. I can't stay here anymore. I hope you can help me. I am twelve years old and I am not a soldier. I am not lying. Thank you.

From, Ara.