episode_0293

Among the visible parts of the Konkuk University Shelter, the most effort was put into the partition walls and the large iron gate.

The result seemed to have required considerable effort.

The difference with and without them was immense.

Just the fact that there were means to protect the living space.

That alone visibly put people at ease.

This was especially true for the soldiers stationed around the main gate and on top of the partition walls.

And then there was another facility.

Unlike before, the quarantine station, now quite well-organized, drew attention.

A conspicuous white tent.

A worn but relatively clean container.

Simple barricades set up to guide movement.

It was different from before, when things were haphazard.

Seeing the orderly and systematically arranged setup, one could tell that a lot of thought had gone into it.

Facing a facility that, by its mere existence, exuded a professional, impressive atmosphere, we…

“Oppa, are we allowed to go in?”

“It looks really strict and busy.”

“…”

We were just watching, unable to enter.

Shia was right.

Soldiers standing guard in upright postures.

Personnel who appeared to be medical staff.

Many people were busy from early morning.

Seeing them dressed in dust masks, latex gloves, and bluish protective suits, prepared for safety, it felt somehow like we shouldn’t approach.

‘Should I just leave?’

It was then, as I hesitated, worried I might become a muddy loach [a disruptive nuisance] if I went over.

“Seonghan. You’ve come early.”

“Ah.”

One of the people moving in and out lowered their mask and approached.

“You’re working hard from early morning.”

“More precisely, since yesterday.”

Dr. Jang, whose face was pale, gave a gentle smile.

“Why are you standing here like this?”

“I thought it might be better not to go in unnecessarily.”

Did he like my answer?

Dr. Jang’s lips curled up a little more.

“It’s fine, we were just finishing up.”

“…Is it really okay?”

The quarantine time seems a bit short…

“Long quarantine isn’t a panacea. It only creates more anxiety for those involved.”

As short as 4 hours, as long as 12 hours.

He explained that they decided to focus on intensive observation during that time.

But that didn’t mean they were being careless.

Basic physical examinations were immediately performed.

He said they focused on checking for and observing abnormal signs, including blood tests and eye exams.

Hearing that they even meticulously checked for injuries or illnesses after all that, I almost felt dizzy.

However, he said this was also a measure for efficiency.

“If we don’t do it this way, we can’t handle the influx of people. We also have to look after the health of the residents, so we can’t just be tied up here.”

“Ah…”

“As always, it’s a manpower issue.”

Dr. Jang wiped the sweat from his forehead and smiled bitterly.

Even if I didn’t know much, I knew that the medical profession couldn’t be trained in a short period.

Even if Dr. Jang was a renowned physician, he only had one body.

Even with help, it seemed to be a strain.

Usually, someone in this situation would be full of complaints…

“We just have to join forces and do our best.”

Even though his body was exhausted, Dr. Jang’s eyes shone brightly.

It was… different from when I met him in Sagajeong.

It felt like I was facing a completely different person.

‘He’s built for the field.’

That was it exactly.

The type who gets sick if they don’t work.

It wasn’t something to say to an elder, but he exuded vitality.

Over Dr. Jang’s shoulder, I saw the women from yesterday moving in a line.

Compared to our first meeting, their appearance was considerably cleaner.

I was a little curious seeing them quite close to the soldiers, and Dr. Jang provided the answer.

“At first, they were scared if any man just came near.”

“Mmm…”

“After some time passed and they calmed down, they seemed greatly relieved to see the soldiers.”

“…The soldiers?”

Scared of men, but okay with soldiers?

“Because they are proper people. When those in military uniforms acted cleanly and gentlemanly, I could see them relax.”

“Aha…”

“Just like a doctor’s gown, the trust that a military uniform inspires cannot be ignored. Haha~”

However, he added that he was worried about their tendency to rely on them more than average.

“Everyone who came in yesterday showed no abnormal signs.”

“That’s… a relief.”

“Well…”

Dr. Jang glanced at Shia and Heize.

It seemed like something was uncomfortable to say, but…

“It’s fine. They’re strong women.”

“Mmm. The women’s external injuries were a problem, but… most of them had injuries to their genitals.”

“…”

“Fortunately, there were no STDs or signs of infection. With enough rest, they should recover soon.”

At Dr. Jang’s words, I secretly watched the backs of the women walking away in the distance.

“Among them, one person’s condition was particularly severe. There were clear signs of being beaten, and…”

I immediately knew who he was talking about.

“Nothing was broken, but she needs a good long rest for a while.”

“I’m sure you’ll take good care of her.”

“Of course. Ah, it seems things are mostly organized now. Please come this way.”

Seeing a considerable number of personnel withdrawing, Dr. Jang led us to a slightly larger tent.

To think that such a busy person would personally guide us.

“Normally, visiting would be difficult, but Seonghan and your companions are clean.”

“Because of hygiene?”

Dr. Jang nodded at Shia’s student-like question.

“The meaning of hygiene is greater than you might think. What do you think is the reason?”

It felt like a school teacher asking a question without specifying a target.

“Isn’t it infection?”

“That’s right. More precisely, bacteria.”

If people can’t wash, their bodies become greasy.

Waste products accumulate, grime builds up, and odors are produced.

When these start to combine, that’s when problems begin.

Bacteria multiply where the dirty body touches.

Cups, dishes, weapons for survival, and so on.

Even sleeping places become contaminated with bacteria, whether they are comfortable or not.

It was information that would make one frown, but Dr. Jang explained it naturally.

“Up to this point, it’s fine. If you can keep your body clean, the problem is solved. But…”

“Water is precious.”

“That’s right.”

When there’s not even enough water to drink, washing one’s body is a distant dream. It’s nothing short of a luxury.

From here, the problem escalates into danger.

It’s hard to find food, so people starve.

When hungry, physical strength declines.

When physical strength declines, immunity drops.

Bacteria swarm everywhere.

They even cultivate bacteria on their own bodies.

On top of that, the biting cold season.

And right now, we are in winter.

“…It’s the common cold.”

“That’s right.”

Dr. Jang agreed with my words, as my expression had turned serious.

“It might sound strange, but the common cold right now is deadly.”

Easy onset, strong contagiousness.

In the past, the common cold was a dangerous disease.

In modern times, it can be easily recovered from with fast and accurate medical services, but not now.

Zombies aren’t the only thing to be careful of.

Fortunately, it was far from our family members…

“Others are fine, but Seonghan needs to be a bit more careful.”

“…?”

Wait, Dr. Jang, suddenly?

What is it?

Is he openly calling me dirty right now?

“But I wash so cleanly…”

“No, it’s that you’re a bit insensitive to your own body.”

“Huh?”

“You mean… you don’t take care of your own body?”

“That’s right.”

Dr. Jang answered Shia’s question sharply.

“Dr. Jang. You’re mistaken about that…”

A glance-

“?? Ah.”

What Dr. Jang glanced at was my hand.

A bandaged but quite dirty hand.

Dr. Jang was pointing that out.

“Seonghan. I know you’re busy. But I cannot allow you to let illness fester.”

Dr. Jang said firmly.

“Um…”

“Before you go back, let me treat…”

“Oh, no… that’s right. I’ll get treated by Dr. Jang Heeyeon when I get back.”

“Hmm…”

Dr. Jang, giving a suspicious gaze, had the demeanor of someone dealing with a disobedient patient.

“Really.”

Honestly, when the doctor gets angry, it’s a little scary—

“Then please make sure your girlfriend there receives good treatment.”

“Yes!”

“Yep!”

“?”

Dr. Jang, seeing the two of them answer simultaneously, looked slightly surprised but soon burst into hearty laughter.

“Those were the good old days. Hahahaha~”

“…”

“Alright. Here it is.”

Upon entering the tent, it was a clean-feeling space, similar to a hospital room.

Simple cots to lie on and pristine white sheets.

The warmth, warmer than outside, was perfectly suited for patients.

Of the several beds, only one was occupied by a patient.

‘Younger than I thought?’

The child that two people risked their lives to find.

Two men and a large retriever stood guard, as if protecting the quietly sleeping child.

I quietly moved my steps and approached Park Moojin.

“How’s the kid?”

“…Sleeping.”

I can see that, man.

Park Moojin, who answered without even looking this way, looked at the child a little longer before slowly getting up.

“Your name is Seonghan, right?”

“Yeah.”

A swift movement-

“Seonghan… Thank you.”

I felt sincerity from him as he bowed his uncomfortable body and offered gruff thanks.

“It’s fine. Straighten your back. What’s a patient doing?”

“Mm.”

Looking at Park Moojin’s face again, the anxious and sharp feeling was largely gone.

Seen this way, he truly had an ordinary and indistinct impression.

Park Moojin, who had been staring blankly, said in a low voice.

“I have something to say.”

“…Oh?”

How coincidental.

“I was about to say something too.”

I don’t think it was my imagination that Park Moojin’s eyes briefly gleamed at my words.