Lemon

by Kwon Yeo-Sun

Gradually, we managed to return to our rightful place, our emotions numbed by the strain and struggle of our looming college entrance exam. We told ourselves: Some of us had to go, that’s all. One had an accident, one went abroad, one transferred schools, one dropped out, but we’re still here, aren’t we? Ah, this is killing us. Nothing’s changed. What kind of life is this? Is this living?

After living a mundane, dull life, where a trivial incident like this was cause enough for him to become angry, he died.

I cried, not knowing who I was supposed to become. I tore off some toilet paper and wiped my tears. Like those who had no idea their youth was gone, I’d lost myself without realizing it.