RECORDING 38

Hey. It's me, Kate.

[ giggles ]

It's a surprise I made for Yoongi. I brought his recorder today. That way, he doesn't forget to update you about his condition.

[ recorder's been hidden, muffled voices are heard ]

KATE: Oh, good morning, Mrs. Min. . .

MRS. MIN:

KATE: [ sits down ] How is he feeling. . ?

MRS. MIN: The stupid old driver was trying to demand money from us, even when he was obviously the one at fault.

KATE: Did you tell him that? He doesn't have the right to–

MRS. MIN: I DID! He didn't pay a single won for Yoongi. Karma will get him, I promise that.

KATE: I'm really sorry that this had to happen to him. Of all people. . . but I promise I'm taking responsibility and take care of him. . .

MRS. MIN:

KATE: Where's Mr. Min, may I ask?

MRS. MIN: Outside. Smoking. I better get to him. I'm lending him to you for now.

KATE: Ah, thank you.

[ door softly closing ]
[ recorder being taken out from bag ]

KATE: [ whispers ] Hey, Yoongi. I'm waiting for you to wake up. I brought your recorder... I thought, maybe you'd want to be alone with it and say something. . . maybe you can tell it easier if I wasn't around. I'll come back in a few minutes. [ kiss ]

[ recorder left on ]
[ shifting in bed ]
[ yawns, groans ]

YOONGI: What's this? This feels familiar. . .? Fuck. I really don't— oh. Okay, Kate must've brought this. [ chuckles ] I'm sure you must've heard my condition by now. . . that's right. I'm in the hospital. Apparently, I've been in a coma for four days. . . I just woke up yesterday, so excuse the grogginess of my voice. I'm still a bit shaky. . . .

[ pauses, silence ]

YOONGI: I– I'm blind.

[ sound of air-conditioning taking over the silent air ]

YOONGI: It's still so hard to admit this. Damn. If I hadn't been so stupid. If. . If I didn't go on to that stupid dinner with my family. . maybe things would've been different. I hate this. I hate this so much. I've always been a burden to my family, I just know it. And now. . . , it's gotten worse. Fuck. I'm blind. I have broken bones all over my body. And shit. Kate. Even Kate. Her family doesn't like me. Why– Why would she think she can take care of me, hand and foot. . ?

[ door slowly opens ]

KATE: Because I can.

YOONGI: Kate?

[ sound of bed shifting ]

KATE: Yoongi. . [ muffled sniffles ] . please, don't ever think you've become a burden to anyone. . . you're not. . . [ gasps ] I love you. Your parents love you. . . Jin came over. . . we're all here for you. . .

YOONGI: Kate. You don't get it. [ sniffles, sobs, voice shaking ] Y– You're not the one in my place; blind, helpless, needs assistance and— and worst of all—

KATE: Don't say it—

YOONGI: I— I can't. . . make music anymore.

[ recorder's muffled ]
[ bed is shifting again, making it easier for the device to record their voices ]

KATE: There is still hope, you know? The nurses told me themselves. Y– You can either go through therapy sessions, rehabilitation—

YOONGI: No, don't say that. In fact, stop. . . trying to make me feel better because it won't.

KATE:

[ crying goes on for another good 30 minutes ]
[ It came to a stop ]

YOONGI: . . Kate

KATE: Yes, Yoongs?

YOONGI: I need some time alone.

KATE: Should I take the recorder back. . ?

YOONGI: Leave it to me. Put it in my hand.

KATE: I'll come back. . . do you want anything . . ?

YOONGI: N– No.

KATE: Okay. . [ door softly closing ]

YOONGI: This is harder to do than to say it in front of this thing. But. . if I don't do something, it's only going to break my heart. Hers, too.

[ scratching, tapping on recorder ]

YOONGI: I. . I'm letting her down easy. She won't be able to handle me. Not in this state. Not ever. There's no more hope left for me. Might as well. . give her a chance to live hers to the fullest.

MRS. MIN: Yoongi. . ? Who are you talking to—

[ End of Tape ]

[ posted DECEMBER 19 2018 ]