Two Noble Birds: 1

I began living with that 'dirty' dog one day...the one most people find repulsive.

Just by looking beyond the world of the wealthy—my mind reaches the extreme limits of contempt. Breaking through those limits, I had become a contempt-riddled, personality-less person in the eyes of what is called family bonds. Everyone seems to be saying something or other to me with attacking gazes—that unbearable mockery corners me at every moment.

A person who doesn't even exist in this world—I continue to think of him as my certain refuge. Yet, is there truly no one...who knows of my condition?

No, there isn't.
And then...
What awaited me was beyond even my imagination.

So many things that happen in our society—we simply avoid them, whether willingly or unwillingly.

This story is nothing ordinary—I had written and sent some parts of it to a close friend...merely seeking slight approval—that is, if this reality seemed like a story to him...therein lay my success.

Actually, if you can complete reading the first part with keen discernment—only then will you feel...this isn't merely a story, but a fragment of harsh reality.

In winter, very early in the morning, you won't see many people on the streets of this city—quite an advantage, you know!

People frighten me; I feel comfortable maintaining distance from them. Yet, no one has ever grasped this aspect of me—not even those close to me or my family...no one.

Family members are generally not the kind who understand hearts. There's no greater fortune than finding someone who truly understands hearts or is genuinely close. I wasn't born with such fortune.

Very early in the morning...perhaps in the final hours of night, my sleep would break and I would go out walking on the streets. Within some time after dawn's light appeared, I would return, and it was mainly during this time that I did my writing work. Then again, routinely in the afternoon, I would go out somewhat aimlessly...to some uncertain destination.

I have wanted to escape my entire life. If I could have decided on a place to flee to, you wouldn't recognize me today. Though you don't really recognize me anyway. In this world, none of us truly know each other.

Initially, going out to walk in the fierce afternoon sun—I quite liked this habit. On the way back, I would also bring along some necessary food.

But...gradually, I changed that habit too. Because it seems to me—this time isn't particularly convenient for me.

These days, when daylight touches my body, I can't bear it. I gradually pushed myself toward a solitary psychological catastrophe. I would keep myself confined to my room almost all day.

I have walked alone on streets for great distances, yet no one has ever blocked the path of a wretch like me. Often a dog would stand blocking my way—its condition somewhat like my own.

With garbage scraps lying around the street corner, no one pays much attention to that spot. I saw that, seizing the opportunity, the dog had taken shelter there. Some people were throwing stones from nearby. Such is people's work—such worthless deeds!

I noticed quite an expression of annoyance on the face of a man who was muttering angrily. Suddenly he came up to me and demanded to know—what are you looking at...eh? I mean that...that wretched dog I was talking about. There! Can't you hear or what?

(End of Part One)