Seoul Object Story

Under a gloomy gray sky, a delicate drizzle fell over the victims’ camp, where temporary container houses were crammed together.

The rain embraced those fleeing the desert, its touch almost comforting, though it bought no solace.

The relief camp in Gangseo-gu was soaked by the rain that persisted for days, a silent predator devouring the fragile peace of the camp.

The light from the streetlamps, struggling against the dark shroud of clouds, gave the rain-soaked streets a mysterious, shimmering glow.

A large woman covered in tattoos and a small girl entered a dimly lit hallway.

The tall woman, clad in a raincoat far too small for her, looked at the raindrops that danced on her palm, mesmerized by their delicate existence.

She lingered, as if possessed by something.

“Unnie?”

The woman’s trance broke at her sister’s call. She threw away the raindrops, wiped her hand, and took out a leaf, chewing it before placing another in her sister’s mouth.

“Ew, it’s bitter!” her younger sister complained, frowning her brow.

“If you don’t want to be possessed, keep chewing it and don’t swallow,” the tall woman instructed.

“Did you find something?”

“Yes, as expected. There must be a reason why these things keep happening only in Seoul, but I don’t know what it is.”

The tall woman gazed at the drizzle, which softly reflected the light, creating a wonderful scenery.

The asphalt reflected the light of the street lights, glittering as if dusted with jewels.

The weather forecast, which she had meticulously checked, indicated the rain would soon stop. But what she saw through her own eyes told her otherwise. Perhaps this rain would not stop until the entire Yangcheon-gu was submerged in water.

In the distance, she saw children chasing the raindrops.

The air, wet with rain, carried a fresh scent, and the sound of laughter echoed through the humid atmosphere.

Under a tarp roof, people were talking happily. The camp remained peaceful, unbothered just from the slight but persistent drizzle.

Splish-! Splash-!

Stamping her foot to the ground, the tall woman felt a bit of water pooling on the asphalt. It seemed to be around 10mm deep.

It was just a light drizzle, yet the drainage system was already failing.

“So, umm, Unnie. What will happen to Yangcheon-gu?”

“Hmm… Maybe in another week or so, the water level will rise to a noticeable level? Well, that’ll be just the start.”

“And then?”

“After that, it will just keep raining, and the ground will soon sink.”

“Then what about the people who live here? Can’t we stop it?”

“There is no way to stop it as humans. Now now, don’t worry, let’s go back.”

The girl nodded and squeezed the tall woman’s hand tightly. They left the camp, elegantly showered by the rain.