episode_0113

Recovery (6) ― One Mind Salvation Church ‘Paradise’

Clear sky.

Warm sunshine.

Cool wind.

Chirping like birds that have built a nest in paradise, avoiding a city full of only death.

A sweet, golden smell wafted from the tents spread out on the long road leading to the square.

“Crackling―!”

“Haeun! While running like that, I fell and ah- did you do it?”

“Mom! come fast! If you go a little further over there, there’s Cloud Cotton Candy! Pink cotton candy!”

The mother shook her head as if she couldn’t stop the child’s smile, which bloomed like a forsythia, and then she smiled like a camellia flower herself.

“It won’t work! Mom has to eat all of Ha-eun’s cotton candy! Wow!”

“Crackling! No~ I have to eat more than my mom~!”

A female believer, who had been watching the untimely chase between mother and daughter with a happy smile, turned her head to the sound of sizzling meat splashing.

When she saw the snacks in the tent, she ran towards them with sparkling eyes.

“Brother! Please give me a chicken skewer!”

“Of course, sister. What level of spiciness would you like?”

“Wow! Can you decide that too?”

“The grace of the leader makes everything possible.”

“Aaaah― Please do step 3 for me!”

Behind Shindo, who was gulping and looking at the chicken skewers covered in sauce, boys holding something in both hands ran down the sidewalk.

“Hey! Give me my slushie!”

“I don’t like it~ I’ll give it to you if you get to the square faster than me!”

“Mr. Ai! Then I can eat all your butter squid!”

“Ugh! That’s against the rules! I left it to you for a little while! Are you a non-believer?”

“Ebebe― Are you an idiot! Non-believers cannot even enter paradise when the religious leader strikes down a thunderbolt!”

“Mr. Lee! I know it too!”

Two little children suddenly blush and giggle at each other.

A middle-aged male believer who was watching this bowed slightly and smiled.

“Why are our little brothers suddenly acting like this?”

“That brother cursed at me and called me a non-believer!”

“No! That brother ran away with my slushie first!”

The male believer looked longingly at the little children who were fighting for an insignificant reason for a while.

Soon, Shindo, who was smiling brighter, gathered the two children with his legs.

“If our little brothers are fighting like this, the leader might be like this?”

The two little children raised their heads in surprise at Shindo’s words.

In their gaze, a stone statue of the religious leader was seen looking down at them.

The male believer looked at them as if they were cute as their expressions suddenly darkened, then lowered his voice in a solemn tone.

“You are aware of what the leader said that brothers of the Salvation Church should not fight with each other, right?”

““… … Yes.””

“Then, shall we reconcile by saying ‘Brother, I’m sorry’?”

““Yes.””

Brother, I’m sorry—

They bowed their heads to each other cutely and handed the butter squid and slushy back to the other person.

The male believer smiled brightly and patted their backs as they smiled shyly as they were handed their snacks.

“Yes. On days like today where you are extremely happy, you should smile brightly rather than fight.”

pop-! pop-!

Makeshift fireworks soar above their heads.

Everyone turned their heads upward as small fireworks lit up the sky in the square.

A mother and daughter running towards the cloud cotton candy.

A female believer eating delicious chicken skewers.

Little flames flashed in everyone’s eyes as the little brothers enjoyed butter squid and slush.

A middle-aged believer who was looking at the scene in a dazed way whispered softly.

“Today is a festival.”

I thought it would never come again.

A festival of humans.

“Now! Should we go to the square quickly?”

““Yes!””

The eyes of the crowd walking forward again were turned to the wide square.

Chairs arranged in an orderly manner and a large screen in the center.

The believers who had already occupied the front seats stared at the podium with the screen spread out with excitement.

The moment I had been waiting for a week ago was right around the corner.

Following the announcement from the temple, men and women gathered in the square and met each other’s mates.

Today is a day for the believers in paradise who got to know each other, shared stories, enjoyed dinner, and laughed together.

It was no exaggeration to say that today was truly everyone’s wedding in paradise.

As many chairs were filled like dots, a long white line was visible in the church court located next to the temple.

“Congregants who will enter the church court, please bring 5 copies of the Salvation Book!”

“Because we do not have space to accommodate all believers, we are inevitably receiving salvation services! We hope for the understanding of our believers!”

“Of course, there are seats available for believers who cannot enter the church court! The wedding ceremony will be broadcast on a screen spread out in the square, so believers can fully enjoy the festival at the festival booths and then take their seats!”

One believer repeated the announcement loudly over a long line.

However, the white line did not get shorter but continued to increase in length.

Even if it was a bit far away, everyone had the same desire to see the Lord of Salvation with their own eyes rather than on a screen.

Finally, when it was his turn, the believer handed over five copies of the Salvation Book with trembling hands.

“Here is Chapter 5 of the Salvation Department.”

“Yes, brother. Chapter 5 of Salvation Department confirmed.”

He quickly entered the church court along the passage opened by the knights at the glance of the believer who had finished checking.

“Wow―”

I shook my head, prolonging the amazement that naturally came out.

The harmony of white and black fills the first floor, which is much larger than expected.

Today’s protagonists, dressed in wedding dresses and tuxedos, sat down and held each other’s hands.

The podium and screen spread out in front of them.

Although it was smaller than the square, his eyes sparkled as he glanced at the executives seated in the sufficiently large space.

“… … You haven’t arrived yet.”

After confirming that the leader was not in sight, he hurried up the stairs.

Since the first floor was already filled with the main characters, believers were able to take seats in the seats provided on the second to third floors.

After seeing that the second floor was already full of believers and there were no seats left, he went up to the third floor.

He took a seat in the front row of the relatively spacious third floor and let out a long sigh as if he was relieved.

“Ha- This isn’t that bad.”

Although it was farther than the first floor, if you were in the front row of the third floor, you could see His castle with the naked eye.

“It’s a very good day, brother.”

“Ah, nice to meet you, brother.”

The seat next to him, with his hands clasped together with a pounding heart, was gradually filled.

While believers were entering all the seats in the church court, and the church court was buzzing with bright laughter and chatter.

Click―

All the lights that illuminated the church court went out at once.

At the same time, a delicate tone flowed out into the church courthouse, which was instantly filled with silence.

A screen that displays bright light in the church courthouse, where the only source of brightness was sunlight shining through the windows.

Everyone’s eyes turned to the screen where the music was playing.

An unfamiliar video was playing on the screen.

Someone’s whimpers breaking through the music in a dark space.

A child was crying so sadly.

The tears flowing down the child’s cheeks gradually expanded, and from there, violence, war, and zombies were played like a panorama.

At the same time, screams and loud noises erupted and echoed through the church hall.

As the music gets louder, the child’s whimpers become more intense.

Now, the tears that had formed on the tip of the chin slowly fall to the floor at the pitiful gestures of the child, who is sobbing.

Tuk!

The drop of water, which almost reached the ground, was stopped by a palm that suddenly appeared.

The brightly shining hand slowly wiped away the child’s tears and gently stroked his head.

-Don’t cry, my son.

At the same time, an all-too-familiar voice echoes through the church hall.

“Aaaaa—!”

While everyone is in awe, the child, who has stopped crying, looks up and smiles.

Tears flowing from such a child again.

The tears slowly burning my cheeks widen again.

This time, instead of screaming and loud drinking, there are laughter and mysterious singing sounds.

The tone that rang out like a hymn gradually subdued all the negative tones that had hitherto been resonating in the church court.

Following the mysterious and reverent tone, the water droplets on the tip of the chin slowly flow down again.

Tuk!

Water droplets emitting bright light seeped into the ground, and a green sprout rose in its place.

Dudduddu!

Soon, along with the rapidly growing buds, the mysterious tone gradually became grander and grander, tapping into the hearts of believers.

The green sprout suddenly became a huge white tree and spread its roots all over the country.

A man walked toward the white tree, holding the hand of a child who was staring blankly at the tree.

A bright radiance spread across the man’s back.

A man emitting light placed his hand on the white tree as the music rang more magnificently as it gradually reached its climax.

Under his touch, delicious fruits bloomed on the bare branches.

As the music ended with a faint note, the delicious fruits slowly fell to the child’s side.

The fruits that received the man’s light began to shine brightly and take shape.

───.

After the music ended, white people settled down next to the child.

“Dear Paradise family members.”

His face was displayed on the screen at the end of the video along with a soft voice.

Before they knew it, the religious leader was swinging at them from the center of the podium.

“Aaaa—!”

When everyone was amazed and tried to stand up, he held out his hand to stop them.

“Today, I stand here not as the leader of the Salvation Church, but as a father who supports the new start of his beloved children.”

“Pray, don’t waste your energy shouting. Today’s protagonists have many other things to work on besides this.”

Everyone laughed a little at his humorous joke and took their seats again.

He looked at the main characters on the first floor with love, then opened his mouth again.

“All the good men and women of the Salvation Church are gathered here. Especially the grooms wearing stylish tuxedos.”

He said, gesturing ahead.

“I was a little disappointed today. The look in the bride’s eyes is much brighter than when she looks at me.”

Wahahaha-

The sound of laughter echoed throughout the church and the atmosphere was relaxed.

He smiled brightly and opened his mouth again.

“Today, on this blessed day, 100 blessed couples stand here to perform a great duty.”

He pointed to the bride and groom.

“You who will create families and conceive new life in a collapsing world are great agents of creation.”

“As a father, I respect and bless you with all my heart.”

Hearing his warm voice, the grooms held the bride’s hand tightly and smiled at each other.

“I know that there are many believers in the outside world these days who are wielding the sword of faith.”

Those who punish the overflowing evil and harvest the sprouts left in the ashes.

“However, one cannot become a perfect Salvationist with the sword of faith alone.”

He looked at everyone and shook his head.

“The Shield of Obedience is required.”

“Everyone.”

He said while looking at the bride and groom.

“Those of you who have decided to make a great dedication for recovery already have a shield in their hands.”

Already in their hands were shields of obedience shining with devotion.

“You are my children who are already pretty enough, and followers of the Church of Salvation.”

Some of the priests who were listening to him had tears in their eyes.

He laughed awkwardly as he watched them wiping their tears with a tissue.

“Today is not a day to cry, but I guess I spoke too long.”

“But you used waterproof makeup, right?”

Wahahaha-

The brides frowned at his jokes, not knowing whether they were crying or laughing.

“Still, I really want to say this to you all for the last time.”

“From the cradle to the grave.”

He recalled a famous saying from the past and shook his head.

“Now it is from paradise to sanctuary.”

“Don’t be afraid. Your flowery path begins now.”

“Of course.”

He stretched his tongue and smiled.

“Today’s festival also begins now.”

“Yes! We would like to once again give a warm round of applause to the leader who delivered such touching and warm words!”

The sound of a microphone suddenly ringing.

Clap- clap- clap-

Everyone who was staring at the leader gently returning to his seat clapped and looked to the right side of the podium.

A believer who held the microphone at the newly installed emcee’s podium spoke in a lively voice.

“First of all, I would like to thank the leader for giving me the opportunity to dedicate myself, and I would like to greet you all as well! Nice to meet you, this is Kim Jeong-hoon, who is hosting today’s festival!”

Every day in paradise, ordinary people who had numerous jobs are reborn as Salvationists.

Among them, finding an MC who had hosted professional events in the past was much simpler than expected.

[♩~ ♪~ ♬]

As soon as the host finished greeting, bright melody music flowed into the church court.

It was a prelude to the cheerful pop song that was played countless times at weddings in the past.

“Now! Dancing cannot be left out of such a happy festival! First, let’s take a look at the main characters’ dancing skills.”

The bride and groom, who were clapping and dancing to the rhythm, were surprised.

The images of the bride and groom shaking their shoulders were displayed on the screen.

The bride and groom caught on screen smiled shyly and showed a small heart.

[♩~ ♪~ ♬]

The bright melody that continues to flow and the sound of applause echoing through the church court.

“Ah~ The heart is a bit disappointing, right? Weren’t there so many people who were part of the Salvation Church?”

The camera focused on another groom and bride.

They blushed and put their arms together to make a big heart.

Soon, the host’s voice was heard as they smiled and held their faces.

“Oops! I feel sorry for the small heart, so I make a big heart. yes It’s okay, everyone! In times like this, there is a special move for the emcees! Now, camera cue!”

The camera focused on a man’s face.

Instead of applauding, the leader, who was surprised to see his own face reflected on the screen, smiled and waved his hands.

“In cases like this, the higher-ups have to lighten the mood so that other people can relax and shake their bodies! Teacher, the camera never points anywhere else!”

[♩~ ♪~ ♬]

Clap- clap- clap-

The religious leader’s face on the screen became increasingly red.

The believers watching smiled softly and continued to applaud.

“Everyone, the leader doesn’t get enough response and applause! We ask for your warm response and applause from everyone!”

Wow…

The cheers of believers echoing from paradise beyond the church court.

The leader slowly stood up and shook his body right on the spot.

“Ah~ What is that?”

Wahahaha-

The leader, who was sobbing at one word from the host, held his face and shook his head.

[♩~ ♪~ ♬]

Clap- clap- clap-

The religious leader, who was hearing the applause ringing brighter, raised his red face and hurriedly gestured towards someone.

The vice principal, who had stubbornly refused to say ‘please-’, sighed and stood up.

Soon, the assistant leader, who walked confidently with an expressionless expression, turned his back to the leader and shook his body.

The auxiliary leader was sobbing with an expressionless expression, and the pontiff was hugging his face and responding.

Waaa!

The leader waved his hand again as he shouted with laughter and cheers.

Soon, the host’s face appeared on the screen again.

“Yes! It was indeed a dance move full of the light of a religious leader! Now, the leader has heated up the atmosphere like this, and the grooms can’t lose, right?”

“Now, who will be the one to inherit this overflowing enthusiasm? Camera, cue!”

The bride and groom, who were smiling brightly and clapping, stood up and shook their bodies as soon as it was displayed on the screen.

Waaa!

With the atmosphere burning even hotter, the bride and groom shown on the screen stood up and shook their bodies.

Everyone clapped and enjoyed the paradise festival.

A small musical depicting believers reaffirming their faith in a sanctuary where the festival continues with dance time.

It continued with a congratulatory song to bless the bride and groom.

While the festival was going on, the screen occasionally showed the face of the religious leader.

Seeing the religious leader enjoying the festival with them, everyone cheered and clapped at the top of their lungs.

A celebration enjoyed by all, truly in paradise.

Soon the end of the joint wedding came.

It was the bride and groom’s turn to present rings to each other as a sign of eternity.

Everyone was watching solemnly and deeply as they exchanged the rings.

“Uh! It’s the religious leader!”

A young voice breaking the serious silence.

A child ran across the first floor and stretched out his arms toward the religious leader.

“Heo-eok—!”

Everyone took a sharp breath and opened their eyes wide.

This was the moment when Soyoung Shim, who was sitting in the executive chair, hurriedly tried to stop the child.

“Kyojuniiim—!”

However, Shim So-young sat down again after the religious leader’s gentle dissuasion.

The leader immediately sat the child who approached him on his lap and watched their ring exchange ceremony as if nothing had happened.

The face of the religious leader was shown on the screen, gently patting the child’s back and looking at the bride and groom.

“Finally, there will be a pledge of salvation. From the moment you complete your oath, you pledge to be faithful to each other as a congregation, as a parent, and as a family.”

After the host’s speech, the grooms smiled brightly and kissed the bride’s lips.

Fireworks prepared as if to bless the long kiss between the bride and groom, who responded happily, colored the paradise.

pop-! pop-!

The leader stood up from the spot holding the child.

Clap- Clap- Clap- Clap-

He took care to ensure that the child was comfortably held in his arms, and blessed the new families of the Salvation Church with a small round of applause.

Everyone stood up when they saw the image on the screen.

Everyone who was enjoying the festival together at the church court and paradise stood up and applauded in unison.

Clap- Clap- Clap- Clap-

Only the sound of applause echoes like thunder in paradise.

Clap- Clap- Clap- Clap-

In the city where an all-too-human god resides, only the sound of applause echoes like thunder.

Clap- Clap- Clap- Clap-

All the believers burst into applause with tears in their eyes.

His face smiles brightly on the screen and continues to applaud.

All the believers shed tears of emotion and understood his meaning.

He was telling us that He was with us through actions, not words.

He was proving salvation before our eyes.

A celebration with Him, a marriage blessed by Him.

All of this was His creation and salvation.

It was recovery.

Human, all too human.

Recovery (6).

END.