The Final Wish
p>Miho, who always pushed him like this, looked at him with a stern expression and said, "Lee Hwan, be careful with Mother. You must always be cautious."
p>Hwan smiled and answered, "I know," then waved it off once again. It seemed there was no chance of these two people getting along, no matter what. In the end, this case had come to a close like this. No, it couldn't even be called a case. Gwi Jamo Shim had merely helped the pitiful children. At that, Father Choi drew a troubled expression and hesitated.
p>Hwan felt a surge of curiosity and let out a soft chuckle. He could almost read his thoughts. "Is there something else you need from me?"
p>Father Choi nodded. "Unfortunately, though, the world today seems peaceful, but peace is just a lie. If anything, it's an era of chaos. Evil spirits are multiplying day by day. So, even now, there are those who need your help."
p>Hwan replied, "Please tell me. I'll do whatever I can."
p>Father Choi looked genuinely sorry, and Miho's expression showed she disliked the whole thing. "You just take orders and never give back."
p>Hwan murmured, "Well, I'm sorry about that. But we're trying our best. We're searching for the gwoeyi who abducted your mother, but we can't find them yet..."
p>Hwan's face darkened. "I see."
p>Father Choi placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I'll keep trying. Just... just wait a little longer."
p>Hwan nodded. "Yeah."
p>How else could he? He himself was searching for his mother, but he knew he couldn't do it alone. At least he needed Father Choi's help. So, despite the frustration and impatience, all he could do was wait.
p>Father Choi handed him new documents. The apologetic look was there, but circumstances were so dire that Hwan had no choice but to accept. "This time it might be quite dangerous. You must be careful."
p>Hwan headed home. This time, since it was a bit farther away, he had to pack for several days. After leaving the church and driving, it was already past three in the morning. It was Christmas Day. And it had been a long time since it snowed on Christmas.
p>Of course, looking back now, he couldn't recall many joyful memories of Christmas. His father was always busy, and his mother was the same. Most churches were like that. So, what Christmas memories did he have? Preparing the church, the time passing unnoticed, getting up from dawn for mass, welcoming people, holding more masses. Sometimes simple events inside the church. He remembered helping with the preparations. Had those days been even busier?
p>He remembered grumbling at the time. "This annoying task, do I really have to do it?" Now, thinking back, it was just an old memory, and the fact that he would never experience it again left a bitter taste. He gazed out the window at the city sparkling beyond the glass. The whole area was gradually turning white. The snow seemed unlikely to stop.
p>Suddenly, memories of clearing snow with his father in the morning flashed through. Yes, that was it. After clearing the snow, his mother always made warm coffee and cocoa. Such ordinary days had become special moments he could never enjoy again.
p>Hwan's car passed the national highway and entered the congestion area, speeding toward home. Because it was Christmas, the roads were a bit crowded. When he reached home, it was past four. The car stopped in the parking lot, and Hwan looked at the empty house, as always. The entire village was empty. No one lived here anymore. It had turned into a derelict village.
p>Of course, after what had happened. Who would want to move here? His gaze shifted backward. In the lower area stood the old church. Even now, the blackened walls, the ceiling with gaping holes, the chaotic interior—all the same as before. Every time he saw that sight, memories came flooding back. The fear, the pain, the despair he felt then replayed in his mind. He kept reliving the meaning of finding his kidnapped mother and the rage toward the entity that destroyed his family.
p>Suddenly, a warm energy emanated from behind his back, as if the sun had risen all at once. The chill faded, and a gentle warmth enveloped his back. Hwan turned around in surprise. A blinding white light was pouring down. He couldn't hide his startled expression as he looked at the light. Through the light, the sound of children's laughter reached him.
p>Hearing such innocent laughter, the anger that had surged inside Hwan seemed to vanish instantly. And through the light, he saw someone approaching. The figure was too distant and obscured by the light to make out clearly, but he could sense it was a noble and pure being.
p>Hwan faced the approaching woman. "You are..."
p>The woman bowed slightly. "You are Gwi Jamo Shim."
p>She said, "Thanks to you, the heart that had turned black could once again inscribe Buddha's mercy. Unbeknownst to me, resentment and hatred had been piling up, devouring my soul until I became an evil spirit. It was you who woke me from that. I came to express my gratitude."
p>Hwan replied, "That's good. You've regained your original appearance. Then, are you returning to your original place?"
p>She nodded. "Yes, but even though my mind wasn't clear, I've committed a new sin. I must receive punishment for it. That is, I must atone for my karma. After all, I couldn't hold back my rage and drew blood on my fingertips..."
p>She bowed. "Before I finish paying my karma, I wanted to meet you. Because of your help, I didn't commit greater sins here. I also wanted to express my gratitude. And because the help was so great, I have come to help you."
p>Hwan said, "I didn't come for help. I just had to do it..."
p>Gwi Jamo Shim smiled faintly and shook her head. Then she took one step closer and gently held his hand. Her touch was incredibly warm. The warmth flowing through it felt like... the sun. No, like a mother's hand.
p>Because of that, Hwan couldn't hold back the sudden tears welling up in his eyes. Her warmth stirred his longing for his mother.
p>Gwi Jamo Shim comforted him. "Poor child... The cruel fate that forces you to suffer. I pondered: how could I help you? What could possibly ease your pain even a little? Unfortunately, I don't know much about the entity you're chasing. Still, I heard you are looking for your mother, so I want to tell you one thing."
p>Hwan asked, "About my mother... Do you know where she is?"
p>She replied, "Ah, unfortunately not. I cannot tell you where she is. But there is one certainty: the mother you seek has not yet reached the afterlife."
p>Hwan's eyes widened like lanterns, and the tears streaming down grew thicker.
p>She said, "Unfortunately, this is all the help I can offer. I am sorry. It may not be much help."
p>Hwan replied, "No, it is a great help. Just knowing my mother is alive is more meaningful to me than I can say. Thank you."
p>Sobbing, he said as Gwi Jamo Shim nodded with a bitter smile and added, "I hope you achieve what you desire... and do not break even in the face of trials. Again, I am sorry that this is the only help I can offer."
p>Hwan said, "Thank you very much..."