There are events in life I remember clearly. Being sentenced to jail and experiencing anxiety, fear and failure, I will never forget. At the airport, waiting in line to check in was another of those times. The need for medication to control the stress was taking its toll. Dressed in my suit and tie I looked calm but inside I was slowing tearing myself apart.

When my turn came, I handed my passport and ticket over without a word. Checked in and given my boarding pass was a surreal moment.

Through security with no issue I was sure I would kill someone if they looked at me the wrong way. At the departure gate I stood looking out the window, watching the plane get ready. Silently, I gave the life I was leaving behind a final farewell. I would never come back. There was nothing for me in Australia. My family had long since given up on me. With no friends or lover I had become a loner.

My life meaningless.

A waste of air.

I lived for Lee's sake and for as long as he needed me I would continue to live.

At hearing the final call for my flight, when boarding the plane and taking off, during these moments I waited for someone to stop me from going. But it never occurred and soon exhaustion overcame me and I slept most of the flight over.

On my arrival at Seoul airport, I did not disembark until the plane was empty.

Ken waited for me at the gate. We greeted each other with bows and he escorted me to the baggage carousel.

"Your flight comfortable?" Ken asked.

"Yes, thank you."

"It's late but we can go to the hospital before I take you back to the apartment arranged for you."

"Yes, please. Thank you."

Not until we were in the car and on the road did Ken speak again.

"Mr. Lee's health is improving and there has been progress on his physical condition."

"That's pleasing to hear. Does he know I am here?"

"He has been informed."

"Thank you."

"The next two days are yours if you want to spend time with Mr. Lee before your services are required this Friday afternoon and evening."

"Yes. You will brief me before Friday as to the nature of my employment?"

"I will come for you Friday morning and go over the requirements of your position."

"Good, thank you."

The rest of the drive was silent. It took an hour through traffic to get to the hospital and nearing eight pm when we arrived. I dozed on the drive unaware we had arrived until Ken tapped my shoulder.

"We are at the hospital. Do you want me to come in with you?"

"No, I will be fine."

"Then I will wait here until your return. Take your time."

I went to leave the car, paused, and said, "I need my small case from the boot."

"Of course."

Ken opened the boot, and I pulled out my bag.

"Ken, can I ask you why you are doing this for me. My situation with Lee is... considered unnatural."

"You have proven to be a very loyal and trustworthy man, Cody. Our organisation regards loyalty highly. A person of your nature we are always interested in. With discretion needed for the work you will be involved in any flaws you have will be overlooked so long as you remain loyal."

It was as I thought. Keep my mouth shut and do as told. I nodded and pulling the handle out from my bag, wheeled it in to the hospital.

At the reception desk, I informed the receptionist who I was and who I wanted to see. They had been expecting me as a nurse escorted me to an office where I met the doctor looking after Lee.

"Thank you for coming Mr. Sheldon." The doctor greeted me in broken English.

"You need not speak English, I speak fluent Korean."

The doctor nodded and continued our conversation in Korean.

"Welcome. I have Mr. Lee's reports here for you."

"How is his mental state and therapy?"

I took the folder offered but did not look through it.

"His metal state improved once moved to this facility. We are reducing his medication and monitoring his emotional state. He is eager to do his best so he might one day leave. He is determined."

"Yes, I remember him always being so."

"Good, good. As for his physical state, he is responding well with treatment. His right leg received the majority of the damage and when he is walking again, he will need a walking stick for assistance. His left leg damaged less but will still need constant stimulation to support his right leg."

"I see. So he will walk again?"

"I believe so. He wants to succeed which has helped us to provide the best treatment for his rehabilitation."

"How long before he can walk again?"

"Delays in his therapy have set him back but with hard work six to eight months."

Relief washed over me hearing Lee would walk again. Six to eight months was nothing. I waited over two years to see Lee.

"Then I will do what is necessary to help with Lee's recovery."

"I am pleased he has someone here for him."

"Did he not have friends to offer support? He had a girlfriend?"

"There is no one who knows Mr. Lee and his girlfriend died in the car crash."

"I didn't know."

I knew nothing.