I was able to save Suhee because of Mr. Park. Because he believed in me.
I didn't say much, but inside, I was thankful. I owed him more than I could explain.
Afterward, when our exchange of feelings was over, he came closer and said, "Let's go. Get in the car."
I didn't ask why. His voice indicated urgency. So I followed.
He drove in silence, eyes constantly checking the rearview. I noticed his arms were tense, as if we were expecting company.
Then, suddenly, there was another car behind us. It didn't feel right. The way it moved.
Before I could say anything, it swerved toward us.
Mr. Park turned the wheel sharply, clean, smooth. We stayed on the road. I barely had time to think.
Another car pulled up alongside us. Fast.
It looked like they were trying to pin us in.
But Mr. Park was faster. He braked, just enough, and the cars overshot us, nearly hitting each other.
We slipped through.
The whole thing felt quiet, surreal, like a dream you're aware of but can't stop.
We were still on the highway, but the moment an exit came up, he took it. No hesitation. The sound of the tires shifted briefly as we veered off, then settled again into the rhythm of the road.
They didn't follow.
We didn't speak.
Eventually, we pulled up outside their house. He turned the engine off and sat for a moment. Then he said, "Pack light. Just for a few days."
I looked at him. "Where are we going?
"My hometown," he said. "There's someone there. The only one who can help us."
To be continued...