He sat on the floor, lifeless, staring into nothing. He didn't want to move.

The knocking continued.

He covered his ears, trying to block out the sound, but it didn't stop.

"I know, you're in there, my son. Please... open the door," his father said.

Jaeboem's expression hardened.

"You are not my father!"

"Please... come back with us. Let's live together as a family," his father pleaded.

"Family?" Jaeboem let out a hollow laugh. "Who are you calling family?"

"I've made many mistakes. I know that. But if you're willing to forgive me... I'll try my best to be a good father. Please... come out."

"I don't need a father, and I don't need a family," Jaeboem replied, his voice trembling with anger. "Go live with your wife and your children."

"Please don't say—"

"All my life, you were never there for us!" Jaeboem shouted. "You were never my father—then, now or ever. So leave... or I'll call the police."

Silence.

Then, footsteps faded away.

Jaeboem slowly looked across his room.

A photo sat on the table.

"...Mom..." His lips trembled.

"Why did you leave me...? His vision blurred—

"Jaeboem, open your mouth—say ah."

"I'm not a kid anymore," he mumbled.

She laughed softly and gently fed him anyway. "You'll always be my baby."

The memory faded.

Tears streamed down his face.

Another memory surfaced—

"Eat something before you go," she said, placing food on the table.

"I'm not hungry," he replied coldly, grabbing his bag.

She forced a small smile, "Then at least take thud with you."

He didn't look back as he walked out. A faint sound echoed—

Cough...cough...

"...Mom?"

"I'm fine," she said quickly, wiping her mouth. "Just a little tired."

He hesitated... then looked away.

"I'm going out."

Back to the present.

"I didn't even know you were suffering all alone..." his voice broke.

"I'm sirry... I'm sorry for being a bad son... You worked so hard for me... and I didn't realize that you were sick."

He cried hard. His whole body was shaking.

His phone rang. He ignored it.

A message appeared.

"I know you're having a hard time, but I'm here for you. I want to see you, talk to you. Please come to the xx cafe. I'll wait for you... no matter how long it takes."

Jaeboem stared at the screen.

Slowly, he stood up and grabbed his jacket. His steps were unsteady as he walked outside.

On the street, he suddenly froze.

A woman. She looked similar to his mother.

"M...Mom?"

He started running toward her.

The traffic light was green. The woman stepped onto the road.

Then—

A car speeds towards her.

Jaeboem's eyes widened.

"Watch out!"

He ran towards her and pushed her out of the way.

CRASH.

Pain shot through his body as he hit the ground.

A crowd gathered. 

Blood spread beneath him.

"Are... you okay... m-mom...?" he whispered weakly. His vision blurred.

"Why... am I so sleepy...?"

His eyes slowly closed.

"His condition is critical. Prepare the operating room!" the doctor shouted.

Machines beeped rapidly.

"Charge the defibrillator!"

"Clear!"

His body jolted.

Again.

And again.

The sound echoed—

Then.

A flatline.

"...Time of death, 10:36 PM."