Short story collection [multi-angle]

Border [★★★☆☆]

W.Li Tie








In a gloomy, desolate space where a still air flowed, Wheein was wary of someone. A being who must hate, loathe, and be angry, Wheein hid her trembling hands. Bruises and cut marks were visible everywhere, so much so that there was no place that wasn't injured. It was dark and cold. Furthermore, there wasn't even a human reaching out. It was scary to be left shivering alone in such darkness. But she didn't want human help. It was always nothing more than lies and sweet talk. What greeted Wheein wasn't a warm hand, but a rough hand that harmed her. It would be better not to live at all. Treated inhumanly, in a place where no human could live, starving like a rat, Wheein leaned her head against the wall, overcome with fear. Her head ached so much. The loneliness of being trapped in this bitter winter, nursing such painful wounds alone, brought tears to her eyes. But, I had suppressed my emotions for so long, I didn't know how to cry, I didn't know why I had to cry, the pain was so intense that my emotions were rotting and festering. Then, a door opened, allowing me to see at least a ray of light.



“What are you looking at like that?”



“..”



“Hey, you think we’re easy? Answer me.”



“I have nothing to say...”



"this-."



Those people kicked and slapped her. She couldn't even respond, and she couldn't escape from this deep, dark place. Wheein burst out laughing at her own misery. For some reason, she couldn't help but laugh out loud, and her kicks grew even more absurd. Seriously, I'm crazy. I have no choice but to take all the insults, criticism, and abuse that comes my way. Since it had to be this way, someone suddenly walked up to them, looked at them with wide eyes, and warned them.



“Hey, can’t you stop?”



“Hah.. Do you trust him? I told you he’s really trash?”



“Who are you to hurt and injure me?”



“Hey, I wasn’t going to do that because you’re older than me, but you can’t-.”



"Yeah, do whatever you want. There's no reason to deal with those bugs who are hunting down one person and turning them into witches right now."



"what-?"



“Shut your mouths and go away, you little bitches-.”



Byul surrounded Wheein, threatening them both. Wheein relaxed at the warmth she felt for the first time in a long time, no—for the first time. Watching the two flee after hearing Byul's warning, Byul gently embraced Wheein. Wheein felt her own cold body and heart melt under his gentle touch. However, she decided not to trust people. Wheein pushed Byul away. Byul looked at Wheein with concern, flustered.



“Go away.. I don’t trust people like you-.”



“Believe me... I’m not that kind of person-.”



“Why did you come here all of a sudden?”



“Just. Someone who likes you.”



"I don't need anything else. I'll just trust myself. All humans are the same. I'm like that too, but at least I don't attack one person like you do."



“I know you’re scared.”



“I’m not scared. I’m more scared of you reaching out to me right now.”



"please-.."



“You... When did you say you liked me and loved me..? When I needed you, who were you to go to? You hung out with those scumbags, and now you want to save me and become a hero? I... believed in you until the very end-..”



"...sorry."



"No-. Don't be sorry. It's useless. I don't need you, or anyone around you, anymore. So don't be sorry. Or I'll make you die of regret."



“..Do you hate me that much?”



"Yeah, I hate you. I fucking hate you. You're the reason I ended up like this. If it's my fault once, you've done more than ten to me. So, don't come near me anymore. You're the reason I've become like this."



Wheein stepped out into the world on legs that felt like they weren't even using strength. She sighed, weary of the world, as she passed along the road.





At that moment, a large truck was rushing towards Wheein.