THE DEAD DON'T TALK

The next day, Sponge spent much of her time lying on her cot, groaning and feeling unwell. It was then that she recalled her commitment to Ji-Ho about attending the lantern festival. However, the idea of going with Vvh present, sitting on the floor with crossed legs, engrossed in the fire's glow, gave Sponge a sense of unease.

Nervously, Sponge approached Vvh, stumbling slightly and coughing. "So, I was thinking—" Sponge began, noticing Vvh turning her head towards her with a tilted expression. "There's a lantern festival later, and a friend invited me to join her," Sponge gestured with a smile as Vvh hummed in response. "At night? The snow grows heavier at night, and you're still unwell," Vvh remarked as Sponge coughed and sniffled simultaneously, struggling to speak.

"I can handle it, just for a short while, you know? It means a lot to her, and I did promise," Sponge frowned. Vvh stared at her silently before emitting a soft hum. "You make your own choices. I'm not here to guide you. I'm neither your mentor nor your mother," she said, turning back to the crackling flames.

Sponge blinked, briefly looking down before clearing her throat. "Right... Oh yes, I acquired this the other day. It's genuine gold, and I thought you might appreciate it," Sponge unclipped the hairpin from her hoodie pocket, approaching Vvh. Vvh turned her head towards Sponge, then glanced at the hairpin in Sponge's grasp.

"A hairpin?" Vvh inquired.

Sponge nodded, a faint smile on her face. Vvh gazed at it and responded, "I have my own. I have no use for it. You can have it if you wish." With that, Vvh turned away. Sponge frowned, blinked, suppressing the pang of disappointment in her chest, and secured the hairpin back onto her hoodie, clearing her throat awkwardly.

"Alright... Well, I'm going to head out. Perhaps you'll check out the lanterns later too?" Sponge tilted her head, wearing a hopeful smile.

Vvh neither turned nor responded.

Sponge sighed, nodding slightly as she left the shed.

—

"Spongeyyy!" Ji-Ho cheers, almost jumping at Sponge as she hugs the other tightly, who only laughs. "Hey—you're acting as if I've been gone for so many days," Sponge chuckled.

Ji-Ho only pouted, though there was a faint blush on her cheeks. "It certainly felt like it," she giggles, before tugging Sponge towards Seo-Jun, who was engrossed in fixing his lantern, then looked up to see Sponge and Ji-Ho approaching. "You again," Seo-Jun said, raising a brow at Ji-Ho, who flushed in response.

"I invited Spongey to join us," Ji-Ho smiles, as Sponge gives Seo-Jun a nod. "Hello," Sponge says, as Seo-Jun nods back before focusing on painting a red rose on his lantern. "He's making one for his parents," Ji-Ho says, answering the unspoken question in Sponge's mind as she observes him intently.

"Oh," Sponge murmurs, letting Ji-Ho lead him to the side where she was busy crafting three lanterns. "You have three," Sponge mumbles, as Ji-Ho sighs, nodding. "My mom, my little brother, and my little sister," Ji-Ho says as she touches one of the lanterns and lets out a small breath.

Sponge watches her, taking in the moment.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Sponge murmurs, placing a hand on Ji-Ho's shoulder, who smiles lightly. "It's just me and my dad now, and lately he's been struggling to keep both of us afloat... And... well, never mind. Will you help me set up the lanterns?" Ji-Ho turns to Sponge, who nods, walking up to a lantern adorned with a painted balloon.

"My brother passed away when he was just seven years old. It was so cold here, and he always longed to hold a balloon, but his illness kept him bedridden," Ji-Ho explains as she weaves something into her lantern, then shows the pattern to Sponge.

"A book," Sponge says, turning to Ji-Ho, who smiles sadly. "My mother was a teacher; she used to educate the children here for free, and... I suppose that might have contributed to her falling ill," she shrugs before picking up the last lantern, one with a quill. "My little sister loves writing poems. In fact, the only reason I knew Seo-Jun was because of the quills he sells. My sister often visits him for those, especially since the cold tends to freeze the ink," Ji-Ho explains.

"They all sound like wonderful people," Sponge remarks as Ji-Ho hums, nodding excitedly. "Yeah, how about you, do you plan to get lanterns?" she asks. Sponge frowns, gazing at the lanterns before softly shaking her head. "No, I don't think so," Sponge says, forcing a smile as Ji-Ho frowns, nodding in understanding. "Well... oh yeah! I got you these!" She ducks under the table, retrieving a pair of black winter gloves. Sponge stares at them and blushes. "Oh—wow, you really didn't have to," Sponge says, grabbing the gloves and feeling the soft cotton between her fingers.

"How can I repay you? But thank you," Sponge says, quickly slipping them on, the biting cold no longer nipping at her fingertips. Ji-Ho giggles. "You don't need to repay me. I just noticed that you hadn't bought yourself gloves yet. Repay me by avoiding any frostbites," she says as Sponge chuckles.

"Thank you, I love it, it's warm," Sponge murmurs, a small smile playing on her lips. Behind them, they hear Seo-Jun approaching. "The festival is about to start, you lovebirds," Seo-Jun grumbles, prompting Ji-Ho to flush and quickly grab one of the lanterns, while Sponge takes hold of two, following them as they exit the store and head towards the gathering crowd on the gravel road.

"So, everyone will just light them and then let them fly?" Sponge asks as she crouches down, with Ji-Ho and Seo-Jun following suit, producing a match. "Uh-huh," Ji-Ho confirms as Sponge looks up, the snow now much calmer than before, observing as others release their illuminated lanterns into the sky, unaffected by the falling snow. "Wow," Sponge breathes out, marveling at the sight of more lanterns taking flight.

"Here, you can hold one of the lanterns while I release the others," Ji-Ho instructs, handing Sponge the lantern with the balloon design. Standing up, Sponge takes the lantern as Ji-Ho slowly lets go of one, watching it ascend into the air, a hint of longing in her expression. Sponge gazes at her, noticing the mistiness in Ji-Ho's eyes.

Ji-Ho then releases the other lantern, letting out a soft breath. She gazes at it wistfully before turning to Sponge, extending her hand and gesturing for Sponge to pass the lantern to her. "Wait—how about you release this one?" she suggests. Sponge looks surprised. "Me? But this is for your sister. Shouldn't you be the one to let it go?" Sponge asks, to which Ji-Ho shakes her head.

"It's fine. I think my sister would have liked you—please, I want you to do it," Ji-Ho says, indicating the two drifting lanterns in the sky. Sponge slowly releases her grip, her now warm fingers loosening as the lantern drifts away. "She would have been happy to meet you, I think. My sister always loved meeting new people," Ji-Ho murmurs as Sponge watches the lantern float off, feeling a strange hollowness in her chest.

"Spongey?" Ji-Ho places a hand on Sponge's shoulder, startling her as she turns to Ji-Ho in surprise.

"Do you want to sit on the side? We can watch others release their lanterns without blocking the way," Ji-Ho suggests as Sponge nods silently. They walk side by side towards one of the stone benches. It barely accommodates them both, so they huddle together to keep warm while observing more lanterns ascend into the sky. The scene fills the sky lightly, with the lanterns prevailing over the snowfall.

"Sponge, do you like it here?" Ji-Ho suddenly asks, prompting Sponge to make a confused noise. "Why?" Sponge inquires.

"Nothing... It's nice to meet you. I'm glad I spoke to you a few days ago," Ji-Ho says, rubbing her hands together for warmth. Sponge extends her hands, watching as Ji-Ho's eyes widen before she places her hands in Sponge's, feeling the warmth as Sponge holds them tightly. "Why are you speaking as if you're about to leave?" Sponge asks, a small grin on her face.

Ji-Ho gazes at their intertwined hands before chuckling softly, "Is it wrong to express that?" she questions.

Sponge shakes her head, "No, not really," before placing her hand over Ji-Ho's, rubbing them together to generate warmth.

Ji-Ho sighs, "Where's your father?" Sponge asks, causing Ji-Ho to freeze.

"He's... busy with work. He's been working so hard that he hasn't had time to join me at the lantern festival," she says with a sad smile, lowering her gaze.

Sponge frowns, "I see. I'm sure he wishes he could be here with you right now," offering a small smile to Ji-Ho, who responds with a half-hearted shrug. "Of course he does... He cares so much about me that he works tirelessly. I worry about him," Ji-Ho admits.

They both fell silent, the sounds of other people and children surrounding them.

"You know, back then, I dreamed of leaving this land," Ji-Ho begins. "To live somewhere where the sun is warm, where I could cultivate crops without the fear of snow destroying them."

"Eighteen years of my life—I've spent here, and I yearn to see more than just snow and death. Is it selfish of me to desire that?" Ji-Ho murmurs, her gaze dropping.

"No... It's not selfish to long for something you haven't experienced," Sponge responds. Ji-Ho looks up and smiles. "Of course you would say that. What countries have you already visited, Spongey?" Ji-Ho smirks.

"Trust me, I haven't seen much yet. Don't place too much trust in me when it comes to other countries," Sponge replies, observing as Ji-Ho giggles. "I would trust you regardless," she states.

"I want to try fishing. Everything here is frozen; there's no river without ice. So if I leave here, I want to fish," Ji-Ho expresses. "With you, if you're willing. You seem like a good angler."

Sponge snorts, "Can I tell you something?" she asks.

"Anything," Ji-Ho hums.

Sponge leans in, "I hate eating fish," before bursting into laughter as Ji-Ho gapes at her. "Seriously?" Ji-Ho questions, surprised.

Sponge nods, giggling as Ji-Ho lets out an offended gasp. "I never would have guessed you didn't like fish!"

Sponge simply shrugs, chuckling.

"Still, would you fish with me if I asked?" Ji-Ho tilts her head. Sponge shrugs, a small smile on her face. "I didn't say I can't fish—just that I don't enjoy eating them. Of course, I can fish with you," Sponge rolls her eyes playfully as Ji-Ho giggles.

"Of course, you're just so kind, Spongey. It's not everyday that someone is willing to offer such kindness," Ji-Ho sighs, scratching her cheek as Sponge hums in response. "Here, it's challenging to find kindness when everyone is already enduring hardship. Death all around, sickness spreading... You're like a breath of fresh air to me," Ji-Ho adds, her face flushing slightly as Sponge hums in acknowledgment.

"Don't you ever consider it?" Sponge asks.

"What?" Ji-Ho raises her gaze, looking at Sponge.

"Leaving this place," Sponge murmurs.

"I—," Ji-Ho freezes. "I can assist you and your father in leaving this place. If you want, we can help you reach the south," Sponge suggests. Ji-Ho simply shakes her head. "N-No... it's too late for me," Ji-Ho withdraws her hands from Sponge, prompting an odd look from Sponge. "Late? What do you mean?" Sponge questions, almost scratching her head, until she hears someone calling for Ji-Ho. "Ji-Ho," a low voice calls, approaching them, breath visible in the cold air as Ji-Ho stands up, alert. "Dad! You're here! I thought—" Ji-Ho stammers as the man embraces her tightly. "Of course I came," the man says, planting a kiss on her forehead, leading Ji-Ho to laugh.

Sponge watches with a small smile on her face. Ji-Ho then turns to Sponge, letting out an excited giggle. "Oh Dad! I want you to meet Spongey. Spongey, this is my dad," Ji-Ho introduces enthusiastically as Sponge rises to her feet, stumbling slightly. "Sun-Ho," Sun-Ho greets as they shake hands. Sponge smiles. "Ji-Ho, I know I'm late. I'm sorry," Sun-Ho apologizes, placing his hand on Ji-Ho's shoulder as she laughs. "You're here, and that's what matters," Ji-Ho murmurs, embracing her father once more.

—

Sponge arrives home, sniffing and almost shivering, to find Vvh meditating in front of the fireplace—she hadn't moved since earlier.

"I'm home—oh hey... you haven't moved from there, huh?" Sponge murmurs, scratching her cheek as Vvh turns towards her, nodding slightly.

"Have you eaten yet?" Sponge asks, slowly approaching Vvh and lowering herself to the floor, coughing slightly.

"You must rest, you're still sick," Vvh advises, her hands clasped together as she gazes at the fire.

"Yeah, you're right... you didn't come to the lantern festival. It was beautiful," Sponge mumbles, but Vvh remains silent.

Sponge retrieves her journal, flipping through its pages, rereading some entries before eventually closing it and yawning.

"Are you going to sleep?" Sponge inquires, looking at Vvh, who remains unmoved.

Waiting for a response, Sponge continues, "I might go to sleep. I'll just wake up early tomorrow for breakfast, I suppose..." She twirls her thumb in thought. Vvh offers no reply as Sponge sighs, standing up, and walking to her corner to prepare her cot.

"Good night, Vvh," Sponge yawns, curling up on her side.

—

January 4 of XXXX, Korean Territory (The North)

I am still unwell, my hand trembling from the cold that pervades these lands. Vvh has been coming and going, yet she has not disclosed her activities to me. I believed she had, given our discussion about the bounty she declined, but now I am uncertain.

Vvh is an enigma, and I wish she would open up more to me. I like to think I am a good listener (I promise!)

Anyway, I will soon meet with Ji-Ho again. I plan to ask her to show me around the town, as there are many aspects of their community and the North that remain unfamiliar to me. It appears that the snow here persists even beyond March, a fact that surprises me as I had assumed it would eventually cease.

I had always assumed that the snow in this region would eventually come to an end. There seems to be no scientific explanation for this; perhaps it is rooted in magic. Maybe I'll bring this up with Ji-Ho...

Signing out,

S.

—

January 5 of XXXX, Korean Territory (The North)

Ji-Ho mentioned the Gods punishing the North while favoring the South—a perspective that caught my attention. I didn't expect Ji-Ho to have such beliefs, although her love for the lantern festival should have hinted otherwise.

There's a lot of interesting things in town. The street games, for instance, caught my eye. I was invited to join one of them; Ji-Ho was asked as well but declined. I ended up being bested by children... but it was all in good fun! Despite the worsening snow, I still enjoyed my day.

I noticed Ji-Ho coughing once again. She advised me to explore the food stalls before walking away. When I tried to locate her, she was seated on a bench, coughing. I'm quite concerned for her well-being but hesitant to intrude, and I understand that some matters are best left unspoken.

I can't shake the feeling that Ji-Ho is similar to Vvh. Both are reticent about sharing their troubles, leaving me to grapple with uncertainties alone.

Signing out,

S.

—

January 6 of XXXX, Korean Territory (The North)

The snow appears to be worse than ever. Vvh informed me that we are unable to depart due to the snow, and that Cecil would likely not survive the journey unless we are willing to endanger her life. I am fine with staying put—although I sense Vvh is concerned about my well-being. My persistent cough persists and seems to have worsened.

Vvh has diligently tended to the fireplace for days now, a fact for which I should express gratitude. It turns out that all those hours she spends in front of it are dedicated to maintaining the warmth of the shed... Perhaps she does possess a compassionate side, unless I am once again jumping to conclusions, a scenario that would not be surprising. Nevertheless, she effectively keeps the shed cozy, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Signing out,

S.

—

Sponge sighs, closing her journal, and squints towards where Vvh sits in front of the fireplace, gazing into its crackling flames. Slowly, Sponge rises, walks over to the other woman, and settles beside her, coughing softly. "Hi," Sponge murmurs, noticing Vvh's slight head tilt and nod before her gaze returns to the fire.

The shed falls into a hushed stillness, broken only by the crackling of the flames and the wind outside assaulting the windows and doors, causing the walls to rattle. "The snow here is peculiar," Sponge observes, turning to the frosted windows, a slight shiver running through her as Vvh hums in agreement.

"The North is a cursed land, Sponge," Vvh remarks, taking Sponge's wrist and gently pulling her closer to the fire. "Warm yourself and avoid venturing out," Vvh advises as Sponge looks down, feeling grateful for the fire's warmth, though she avoids staring at it for too long.

"Why—a cursed land?" Sponge inquires, turning to Vvh.

Vvh simply hums, tilting her head down, hands clasped together, her gaze briefly landing on Sponge's gloved hands. "You've acquired your own gloves, clever move. I was waiting for you to do so," Vvh notes as Sponge glances at her hands. "Oh—this? It's a gift from someone I met in town, she gave it to me..." Sponge smiles, rubbing her hands together.

Vvh raises her gaze and regards Sponge.

"Hey," Sponge speaks up, facing Vvh. "Is there truly no hope for me to become your apprentice? I've been struggling with your tests..." she admits, scratching her head.

Vvh only tilts her head, "You did pass your first test, did you not?" Vvh points out as Sponge pouts.

"Yeah... But still, do my failures outweigh my successes? I've stumbled more than I've succeeded," Sponge sighs, massaging her forehead. "Patience, Sponge," Vvh exhales, turning back to the fire.

Sponge snorts, "I've never been the most patient person, but alright, I'll give it a shot," she says with a chuckle.