He wasn't just diligent in his running practice. He also studied diligently, achieving the highest grades not only in his class but also in his school. This made his parents no longer oppose him as harshly as before.
In a running competition, the boy won first place again. He would take his medal and display it at his friend's grave.
Time passed. The boy had now graduated from high school as the top student with the highest grades. He enrolled in college, majoring in physical education. His parents initially strongly opposed his wishes.
However, the boy persisted in choosing his path because he didn't want to disappoint his older brother, who had supported him.
Time passed. He joined a running club. His excellent performance caught the attention of a professional running coach. Under his guidance, he won several short-distance running tournaments.
Over time, the boy became known among the ranks of short-distance runners. After participating in many official and unofficial competitions, he was finally selected to represent an international running competition.
It had been his longtime desire. He had finally realized his dream. Even though he only finished second, he was still happy. It wasn't easy being here.
But his happiness ended there.
One night, as he was about to return to his dormitory, something unexpected happened. A truck was speeding toward him.
The boy, who was walking on the side of the road, realized it too late. The truck sped up and hit him.
When he opened his eyes, he was in the hospital. He had been unconscious for two days.
When he tried to move his body, he couldn't feel his legs.
He immediately removed his blanket and found his legs in casts.
He tried to move his legs, but couldn't.
He tried again and again, but his legs wouldn't move at all.
He began screaming and hitting his legs.
He screamed loudly.
A scream filled with anger and sadness.
The boy began to scream and cry.
The nurse who heard him immediately calmed the boy and called a doctor.
The next morning, after the boy regained consciousness, he sat on the hospital bed with blank eyes.
"Your son's legs will take a very long time to heal and may never fully recover. Many of his bones and nerves are damaged. Even if he can walk someday, he may not be able to walk as well as before." The doctor said to the boy's parents.
Hearing that, the boy's heart was ruined even more.
Why my leg? Why?
Wouldn't I be better off dead?
His eyes were blank, full of despair.
A week passed. The nurse pushed the boy's wheelchair and took him to the hospital garden.
There was no life in his eyes.
At night, the boy woke up. He threw himself off the bed and crawled to his wheelchair. Unbeknownst to anyone, the boy rode his wheelchair out of the hospital.
Because he couldn't get to the roof of the building, he thought about going and killing himself somewhere else.
His facial expression was twisted with frustration. Tears could no longer flow from his eyes.
Suddenly, for a moment, the boy lost all will.
His heart became empty.
He stopped in a park near the hospital.
As he was daydreaming, he heard a sound.
The sound of music not far away. The boy dazedly went towards the source of the sound. His empty eyes slowly regained their light.
At that moment, he saw someone. A girl dancing ballet under the moonlight. Wearing an elegant white dress and her hair neatly curled.
The girl danced with her eyes closed. Her movements were so soft and graceful. Every movement was in rhythm with the music being played. She danced in her own world.
The boy was silent. He was captivated by the sight he saw. His eyes focused on the girl's dance.
In the cold night, the light of life returned to the boy's eyes. The music had stopped, the girl's dance was over.
When the girl opened her eyes, she stretched out both hands. Her hands groped for air as she walked. She took careful steps.
Her hands searched for the tape recorder in front of her. When she found it, she smiled.
The boy studied her. He realized her eyes were focused on nothing.
She couldn't see.
"Ah." The boy made a sound involuntarily.
The girl immediately turned her head to look for the source of the sound.
"Excuse me, is anyone here?" The girl asked in a soft voice.
"I-I apologize. I didn't mean to startle you." The boy spoke a little hastily.
"No. It's okay. I apologize if I disturbed you." The girl said politely.
"N-no. I-it's uh..." The boy spoke haltingly.
The girl tilted her head slightly.
"That..." The boy caught his breath.
"Your ballet was beautiful." The boy said enthusiastically.
The girl was taken aback. After a moment of silence, she smiled.
"Thank you for the compliment." Her smile was sweet.
"It was... truly beautiful." The boy's voice began to fade, feeling shy.
"Are you going to perform?" The boy asked.
The girl's smile dropped slightly. She sat down on her knees.
"It would be wonderful if I could perform." The girl said, rubbing her left eye.
"As you can see, I can't see." The girl spoke with a slightly forced smile, pointing to her eye.
"I apologize." The boy said in a regretful voice.
The girl smiled and shook her head.
"No, you don't need to apologize."
"However, I'm glad you enjoyed my dance."
"It's been a long time since I've heard such praise." There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I don't understand ballet. And to be honest, this is my first time seeing it live. But it was truly beautiful." The boy said frankly.
The girl chuckled.
"Thank you." The girl nodded.
"By the way... are you going to perform here again?" The boy asked.
"I'm a little embarrassed to call it a performance." The girl replied awkwardly.
"Would you like to see it?"
"Sure. Of course I'll see it." The boy replied enthusiastically.
"Then see you tomorrow." The girl smiled, stood up, and straightened her walking stick.