After Dark (Prompts)

Confidential Assignment - 27

Baek Jang-mi stared at the trees that were outside her window. For how long she had been staring out the window, she didn't know. Seated on the floor with her back leaning on her bed, she let her mind drift and remain unfocused. She purposely refused to concentrate because if she did, her thoughts would inevitably lead to Min Tae Gu.

She wiped the tear that fell down her cheek. This is another first for her.

So this is what it feels like to lose someone you love.

Jang-mi woke up to find herself in a strange room. Bolting up in bed, she wondered for a second if her recent memory was all a nightmare. Taking her phone to check, she confirmed that everything was real.

There was no message from Min Tae Gu and there was news of the explosion at the hotel.

She heard a door open but didn't bother to check and continued to stare at the scenery outside her window. If she was in enemy territory and they were going to kill her, so be it. If it was someone who would express concern, she didn't care either.

"You have to eat," the kind voice said. "It's been a day."

"Please just leave me alone," Jang-mi pleaded.

"Min Tae Gu provided this recipe. He said it's one of your favourites," Ha Chae Yoon shared, pushing the tray slowly.

Hearing this, Baek Jang-mi met the Inspector's eyes. "He... knew? He knew I would be here?"

Ha Chae Yoon nodded. "He wanted to make sure you were safe and then he was adamant that you would be fed well. Is the room warm enough for you? We could adjust the temperature if you wish."

Burying her head in her hands, Jang-mi whimpered, "He was so good to me. This is all my fault."

"Hey," Ha Chae Yoon said. "Don't blame yourself. You didn't want this. No one wanted this to happen."

When Baek Jang-mi said nothing, the Inspector continued, "I know it won't ease the hurt but we caught your entire group."

Jang-mi looked at her with her tear-streaked face. "Did you? Can I see the photos? Just to make sure they were all caught? And if you missed someone, can I find them and torture that one?"

"My husband has the photos. We're waiting for you to be emotionally ready," Ha Chae Yoon said kindly. Reminding Jang-mi of the food, Ha Chae Yoon asked, "Would you want some company?"

Shaking her head, Jang-mi asked to be left alone. "I promise I'll eat."

When the Inspector left, Jang-mi checked the food that was prepared for her. It did remind her of Min Tae Gu. It took a lot of effort but she ate, even just a little, not wanting the food to go to waste. "See? I'm being good. Can you bring Min Tae Gu back?" she asked the sky.

Soon, the heaviness in her heart made its presence known again and all Baek Jang-mi wanted to do was sleep. But she wanted to make sure that everyone was now in jail.

If there was one person who escaped, she would hunt them down and they better pray to all the gods they believed in because she was out for revenge.

*

Im Cheol-ryung watched his wife come out of Baek Jang-mi's room. "How is she?"

Ha Chae Yoon shook her head. "Broken." Gazing at her husband, she touched his face. "Can I ask you something? Please don't get mad at me."

The detective nodded and waited curiously.

"How..." Ha Chae Yoon was uncertain about how to ask. Although her husband's history was no secret to them, death remained a sensitive topic to anyone who experienced it first hand. "How did you get through that experience of losing someone you loved so deeply?"