RECORDING 27

'Ahhh, hyung, not this again.'

[ laughs lightly, coughs ]

'It's weird, but I want to remember
this moment! You're finally out of
the hospital. Your limbs are better,
right?'

[ hums ]

'Yeah. We can finally travel like
I always wish we could.'

'Not without your mom's approval,
okay? How are you two doing?'

[ fixing mic, fumbling ]

'Eo. . . she's pretty great. She lets me
go out on my own- as long as it's
with you. Ah, I told her you liked
playing music, so. . I was wondering
if you could, hyung, teach me how to..'

[ imitates sound of piano with one
of Yoongi's tunes, laughs ]

'Of course you can. I will. We
can start with the basics. But first,
how does it feel to be out? Are you
happy? Grateful?'

'Mostly for you. Yeah. You never-'

[ holds mic near ]

'Hyung always visits me regularly.
That inspired me to get better. And
I'm so happy to be with him right
now.'

‘Although. ., I feel a bit uneasy about
coming home. I– I had a dream. . that
it was Mom who. . caused me this scar
on my chin. That she abused me.
W-What if t–that's not my imagination?
H-Hyung, I—I'm scared to go home.
C-Can't I stay with you?’

‘Gguk.’

‘I should shut this thing off. Let's talk
about this.’

‘O— Okay, hyung. . .’

‘I– I hope your Doctor doesn't hear
this, please. . .’

‘I'm sorry if it seemed like I forced
you to do this. I only wanted to save
this moment, but— oh well, I'm me and. . .’

[ scoffs at self ]

‘As usual, I messed this up for you.
I'm sorry I'm not cut out for a
hyung.’

‘Hyung, no. . . it's okay. Don't
blame yourself for my sake.’

[ Fumbling through recorder ]

‘I also dreamnt of Lisa. The same face,
the same Lisa that was reported on
T.V.’

‘Oh, yeah. You told me about that.
How did that happen?’

‘No. . . it's more than that.’

‘I liked her—’

[ End of Tape ]

[ posted SEPTEMBER 15 2018 ]